Andy Holding backs a big outsider in the second of his Ebor ante-post previews.
Yorkshire Oaks
Bluestocking has quite rightly been chalked up a short-price favourite to back up her tremendous effort in the King George last time out and allied to the fact she has tons of quality form at York, there’s a strong case to be made her current price of 6-4 won’t be bettered on the day.
Despite running to a career high at Ascot, the fact remains, however, she has still yet to win over 1m4f in five starts and similar to the way of thinking behind looking for some value against City Of Troy, the same thought process applies in this Group 1.
If selecting a horse to take to the track at the first time of asking, there must be some pay off regarding the price and both QUEEN OF THE PRIDE (tipped at 6-1) and MISTRAL STAR (tipped at 28-1) have been chalked up big enough to warrant an interest this stage.
The former is on a real roll this season since stepping up to 1m4f and following a narrow margin defeat on her return to action at the hands of Gather Ye Rosebuds, John & Thady Gosden’s filly hasn’t looked back.
Victories at Group 3 and 2 level at Haydock on her last two starts have cemented her as being a thoroughly progressive and tough middle distance performer and her time figures have also been a noticeable feature of each display.
Although she’s yet to step foot on the Knavesmire, it’s worth raising the point her sire, Roaring Lion, was 2-2 at the track and presuming she will be the number one representative from the stable with likely defection of Emily Upjohn, the lightly raced four-year-old makes quite a bit appeal.
The latter finished behind Queen Of The Pride at Haydock two starts ago, but as she didn’t receive the clearest of runs in the latter stages, she is probably better judged on her improved performance at Newmarket last time out.
Noted travelling best two out, Hughie Morrison’s filly stayed on extremely strongly from that juncture to win by an ever-increasing margin and with the speed figure suggesting she had run well beyond the expected standard on the day (fifth won since), she is fully entitled to have a crack at this more taxing assignment.
