Washington Heights set for Duke of York challenge

KEVIN RYAN’S Washington Heights has the 1895 Duke of York Clipper Stakes on his agenda as he bids for more sprint success. The four- year- old started his season on a high in the Group Three Abernant Stakes at Newmarket last month, securing a three- quarter- length victory over Mill Stream in a field of wellproven sprinters. The performance built on a productive three- year- old campaign for the gelding, who claimed prize- money far exceeding his £ 24,000 purchase price when taking the Listed Bro Park Sprint Championship in Sweden and collecting a string of placings in valuable sprint handicaps.

Included was a six- furlong York contest where he was beaten only a head by Stuart Williams’ remarkably consistent Quinault, a run on the Knavesmire that added to his narrowlybeaten effort as a two- year- old behind Shouldvebeenaring in the Goffs UK Harry Beeby Premier Yearling Stakes. Those two runs bode well for his next assignment, which will be the Group Two Duke of York over the same course and distance.

“We’ve always liked him and he’s a bigger, stronger horse this year,” Ryan said. “He came out of Newmarket in great form and is training very well.”

Washington Heights is owned by Hambleton Racing and has represented them well throughout his career, running 13 times and only finishing out of the money once.

Hambleton’s Simon Turner said: “Kevin has few peers with his sprinters and has brought Washington along with typical skill and patience. He took his form to another level in the Abernant and everyone is looking forward to the Duke of York now. To have a horse with a chance in one of the feature races of York’s Dante meeting is a massive thrill for his owners.

“Given his good York form we’re optimistic for a big run. He certainly won’t lack for support!”

Michael Dods has two entrants, with Azure Blue and Commanche Falls both possible after finishing first and third last year.

Azure Blue has been seen just once since when finishing sixth in the July Cup, but after overcoming a few issues she is being prepared to make her seasonal bow back on the Knavesmire.

“She had a bit of a setback with her feet and then she had ulcers, which finished her early. She seems fine now,” said Dods. “Unless we have any problems between now and next week, the plan is to definitely come to York.”