Ryan Moore’s World Pool blog: International Stakes Day at York

York is a brilliant racecourse. It’s a lovely track with a great atmosphere and they do everything they can to make this meeting as good as it can be. It’s great to have overseas challengers running in the Juddmonte International again and it looks like being a top meeting.

ITALY is a really nice colt. He’s a big, strong son of Wootton Bassett who won impressively on debut, beating a horse that’s gone on to win at Listed level since. He was beaten at Newmarket, but I wouldn’t look into that piece of form too much as it was a messy race. He’ll improve for that, York will suit and I’m expecting a big run from him. The Godolphin horse, Distant Storm, won a maiden that’s worked out well and looks the main danger.

York | Race 3: G2 Great Voltigeur Stakes

LAMBOURN returns after a little break since the Irish Derby. The track and trip will suit, and I don’t think quick ground will be an issue for him either, so I’m looking forward to riding him. It’s an interesting race with Carmers who won the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot lining up. He’s unbeaten in three starts, so has to be respected.

York | Race 4: G1 International Stakes

DELACROIX looked good prior to the Derby at Epsom where it all went wrong for him. He showed an extraordinary turn of foot to win the Eclipse at Sandown, and I think York will suit him well. Ombudsman reopposes and was a good winner at Royal Ascot. He’s still got lots of potential, looks like going off favourite and is a tough horse to beat.

Danon Decile is a Japanese Derby winner who was very impressive in the Sheema Classic when beating Calandagan. York on quick ground over 10 furlongs (2000m) should be fine for him and I’d say he’d possibly be favourite if he was on home soil.

See The Fire is a threat too, having run so well at York before and being out of Arabian Queen who beat Cracksman in this race 10 years ago.

York | Race 6: Fillies’ Handicap

I’ve ridden STAR OF MEHMAS a few times and look forward to getting back on her. Quick ground over five furlongs (1000m) at York should suit her really well and three-year-olds have a decent record in the race too. She was only narrowly beaten in a Listed contest at Sandown when I last rode her, so hopefully she can run well in handicap company.

York | Race 7: Nursery Handicap

SHAMAN CHAMPION was narrowly beaten at Goodwood and arrives here in good form. If he reproduces that Goodwood effort he should have a big chance. York is a nice, fair galloping track, so hopefully he gets a good trip and can finally get his head back in front.

Of the dangers, Ollie Sangster’s Dublin Bay is going for a hat-trick, while Utmost Respect wasn’t beaten all that far in the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot two starts ago.