Yorkshire Cup

[Master Joe]

This is officially the best 1m6f race for 4YOS+ all season, Group 2 status and this years renewal doesn't disappoint. We have last year's Gold Cup Hero Papineau. The winner of last year's race and also the 2000 St Leger Winner Millenary bids to retain his crown. Alcazar, the old boy in the field at 10 years old won the Group 3 Sagaro Stakes two weeks ago was second in this race last year. Defining, a very progressive handicapper last season steps up in class. Franklins Gardens may find this race a bit tough for him. Jardins Lookout was 3rd on his latest race in the 2003 Melbourne Cup and was 3rd in the 2001 Gold Cup. Frank Sonata was second in a Group 3 last time out behind Day Flight who since went onto win again. Massif Centrale was a massive outsider in last years Derby and Percussionist completes the lineup who was 4th in the 2004 Vodafone Derby. A high class field for the 2005 running of the Group 2 Yorkshire Cup. Papineau Very progressive top class horse last season. Started his season in a 1m4f handicap where he won by 2 lengths, then stepping up in distance to win the Group 2 2m Henry II Stakes at Sandown enroute to Group 1 glory in the Ascot Gold Cup over 2m4f. He had so much speed last year that connections were eying a crack at the Group 1 King George over 1m4f in July but injury struck and has not been seen since. Definitely the class act in the race but hasn’t raced for almost a year, connections have stated he will be a ‘bit rusty’ today and it remains to be seen if he is fit enough to do himself justice on his comeback outing. Trip should suit. Millenary He won this race in a canter last year in a very impressive performance. Ran again at this venue in August over 2 miles and was pulling double at the two furlong marker, only for the lack of stamina and testing ground taking its toll at the end and weakened to finished 3^rd. He dead-heated in the Group 2 Doncaster Cup again over 2 miles and then won again in a canter from a strong field in the Group 3 Jockey Club Cup at Newmarket in October. This is his ideal trip and will take a lot of beating today if he if fit enough. Massive chance. Alcazar The old boy in the field at 10 years old, but as good as ever this season already , he was held quite comfortable in this last year by Millenary despite running well to finish 2^nd. Has been in the same level of form since and although he has a chance of getting a place, I can’t see the old boy winning. Defining Very progressive handicapper towards the backend of last season. Respectable 4^th in the Ebor over Course & Distance. Stepped up on that performance to win quite valuable handicapper at Haydock before all the way win in a weak 2m Listed race in September. Stepped up in class next time and found the opposition too hot in a Group 3 and I think that is likely to be the case again today. Decent handicapper at best and can find winning opputitunites in handicappers. Franklins Gardens uite comfortably held by Millenary in Jockey Club Cup at Newmarket in October despite finishing second. Improved through the winter and was runner up to Alcazar in the Group 3 Sagaro Stakes two weeks ago. Has a big chance of reversing form with him over this slightly shorter distance but he has to improve yet again to get past Millenary. Place claims Jardines Lookout On his best form he would have a big chance here as when he was 3^rd in 2003 Melbourne Cup but has not been seen since due to injury. But it’s a massive ask for this horse to win after 556 days off the track. Best watched today. Frank Sonata Improved over the winter with most improved display when finishing within three quarters of a length to Day Flight last time over 1m4f (that was a fast time and the winner has since gone on to win a Group 3) has to improve upon that display to challenge, but its not entirely impossible, and given this slight step up in trip in his favour it wouldn’t surprise me if he runs a massive race here. Decent chance and has to be respected. Massif Centrale 33-1 rank outsider here , he was simply outclass in last years Derby and this years Group 2 Jockey Club Stakes and looks to just be filling up the numbers today. No chance. Percussionist Won the Group 3 Lingfield Derby Trial last spring in a canter and then went to finish 4^th, beaten one length to North Light in last years Derby. That form entitles him to have a massive chance here, but has not shown that same level since in five runs and it remains to be seen if he still has his ability and is best taken on until he shows something like his true ability. VERDICT MILLENARY hacked up in this race last year enroute to two more Group race successes and can win this race yet again ahead of Papineau who is likely to come on for the run after connections have stated he will be a ‘bit rusty’ and will come on leaps and bounds for the run. 1^st: Millenary 2^nd: Papineau 3^rd: Frank Sonata

[equinoxx]

Re: Yorkshire Cup Thanks, Joe. A brilliant preview! Good luck