THE ANTEPOST ANGLE - JUDDMONTE INTERNATIONAL

John Arnold does his regular antepost analysis on some of the biggest races in the calendar. This time around he takes a close look at the Juddmonte International from York. History:

The Juddmonte International Stakes is a prestigious Group 1 flat horse race held

annually at York. Established in 1972, the race is named in honor of the Juddmonte

Farms breeding operation, founded by the late Prince Khalid Abdullah. Originally run

over a distance of one and a half miles, the race has evolved over the years and is now

contested over a distance of one mile and two furlongs. It quickly garnered a reputation

as one of the highlights of the British racing calendar, attracting the best middle-distance

horses from around the globe.

Since its inception, the Juddmonte International has witnessed the victories of many

legendary racehorses, including the likes of Mill Reef, who secured a memorable

triumph in 1971, and more recently, stars such as Frankel and Enable.

Trends:

Age- 7 of the last 12 winners were aged 4 or older, 5 of last 12 were aged 3

Price- 6/12 winners were favourites, 10/12 winners in top three of the betting

Last Run- 8/12 winners won on last run before the race

3/12 winners ran in the Eclipse on last run, 3 of the 3 won, 0 placed

2/12 winners ran in the King George and QE Stakes on the last run 0 of 2 won, 2 placed

Course Form- 3/12 winners had 1 previous run at York, 2/12 winners had one previous

at York

Distance Form- 10/12 winners had one run over 10/11 furlongs

Rating- 10/12 winners had a rating of 120 or higher

Contenders:

Statistically runners from Ascot and Sandown head to York in August to contest this

highly sought after prize. In the Eclipse OMBUDSMAN followed up his Ascot win with a

storming performance and gave his all only to be chinned on the line. Buick drove him

up the Sandown run in and was a very unlucky loser. I believe Gosdens colt will be

ridden positively making use of the long galloping straight at York. The Night of Thunder

colt has performed consistently this term and should do so again. DELACROIX ran

disappointingly in the Derby but made amends in the Eclipse when Ryan Moore found

daylight in the final furlong in Surrey and the Dubawi colt took off to fly home and win in

the final few strides. At York going left handed on a flat track will take him back to similar

courses he's triumphed on in Ireland. The opportunity on a wide galloping course I think

Moore will set sail and test the stamina of the field and look to gallop the rest away. I

would not foresee either of the two superb Ballydoyle fillies Whirl and Minnie Hauk

taking their places in the race. Of the rest of the field ANMAAT is a confident participant

and will enjoy the track conditions. Owen Burrows seven year old charge will enjoy a

strong pace and could well get involved in the minor honours. Placed in high class fields

this season he can return value for the places.

Selections:

DELACROIX (WIN)

OMBUDSMAN (E/W)