T he three-year-old sprint handicap which is the centrepiece of York’s card on Saturday is always a good way to limber up for even sterner challenges which lie ahead at Royal Ascot next week, and the latest 22-runner renewal is no exception.
The more obvious possibilities include Quinault and Washington Heights, first and second respectively in a strongly run race at Newmarket in May, along with Quintus Arrius and Catch The Paddy, who are both stable companions of Washington Heights at Kevin Ryan’s stable.
Ryan is generally a trainer to follow on the Knavesmire but it is a concern that he has saddled only one winner from his last 43 runners, and Eminency (3.40), third home in Quinault’s race at Newmarket, makes most appeal at the likely odds.
He is 4lb better off than Quinault having been beaten just over a length and ran well in the circumstances after a slow start at Windsor earlier this month.