The Mandarin’s York Racecard for Friday 22nd August 2025

The Mandarin’s York Racecard for Friday 22nd August

Sky Bet Handicap (Heritage Handicap) 1.50
Mount Atlas
It could pay to side with Andrew Balding’s Mount Atlas for the opener on Friday. He showed he was right back to his best when scoring at Ascot last month, going away from the field through the line, and although that’s got him nudged up 5lbs by the Handicapper there’s every chance he can defy top weight and score here. It of course helps enormously that Oisin Murphy takes up the reins, but conditions will be fine and Andrew Balding wasted little time in getting off the mark on Wednesday. Emmet Mullins has a knack of placing a horse, so as this is his sole runner at York this week This Songisforyou has to be noted, as is Julie Camacho’s Naqeeb. Mount Atlas to score in what doesn’t look the strongest line up for the grade.

Weatherbys Lonsdale Cup Stakes (Group 2) 2.25
Trawlerman
Our nap for the Ascot Cup, and the field couldn’t lay a finger on him, so he’s going to go off at a very skinny price here. Considering he won the Ebor in 2022, there’s no concerns over this track, and Trawlerman sits at the very top of the Stayers’ division since the retirement of the great Kyprios, and will be expected to win this. Stablemate Sweet William is going to fight out second place with Karl Burke’s smart Al Qareem, with Al Nayyir close behind. Trawlerman to do just what he did at Ascot, though Al Qareem might try to take him on for the lead, but however it pans out, Trawlerman’s winning this.

Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes (Group 2) (Colts & Geldings) 3.00
Reciprocated
Tried at 7 furlongs Ascot latest, but got a bit lit up and ruined his chances, and perhaps didn’t quite see the trip out either. So, all in all, the return to this 6 furlong trip, over which he’s already won twice should be just the ticket, especially on this flat Knavesmire track. Ed Walker’s Do Or Do Not makes obvious appeal with placed efforts in three Group 2 contests, but there’s a suspicion he might need a stiffer test so Reciprocated is preferred. Ralph Beckett’s Egoli may rate the bigger danger having already won here over this trip, while Andrew Balding won this last year so Comical Point with Oisin Murphy aboard can’t be looked over. A pretty hot renewal in store, but I can’t get away from Reciprocated with Karl Burke doing so well with his sprinters this year.

Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes (Group 1) 3.35
Arizona Blaze (nap)
There’s been plenty of excitement about Ger Lyons Lady Iman this season, and she does indeed look a very smart one, but its been a long time since a two year old won this. On that basis, although it would be a fantastic win for the Starman filly, I think I’ll plump for Adrian Murray’s Arizona Blaze, the Sergei Prokofiev colt who’s just as speedy as his sire. He got upsides of Mgheera and Rumstar in the Sapphire Stakes at the Curragh last time out, so lines up here in top form. Australian raider Asfoora doesn’t seem quite the force of old this term, so course winner Sayidah Dariyan could be one to look out for, while Jim Davison’s She’s Quality and John & Sean Quinns’ JM Jungle are also on my list. Arizona Blaze to win the Nunthorpe, with Sayidah Dariyan the danger out of Stall 2, while Lady Iman acquits herself well to claim minor honours.

Assured Data Protection EBF Fillies’ Handicap (Heritage Handicap) 4.10
Zgharta (nb)
I know that Jaysella’s been talking up the Ghaiyyath progeny coming through, so I’m taking my chance on Zgharta. Of course, it’s Oisin Murphy that gets the ride as the new retained rider for Imad Alsagar, and she certainly put in a decent run in the Sandringham at Royal Ascot over the bare mile, so back to a trip that she’s already scored at this season does appeal. William Haggas’s Wonder Star is one that’s going the right way and can improve again, and of course Charlie Johnston’s Blessed Star is by Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner, Sotsass, so should have this trip in her range. All in all, an intriguing Fillies’ Handicap, but Zgharta is the one I’m going for.

British Stallion Studs EBF Convivial Maiden Stakes 4.45
Naval Light
Plenty of interest is sure to be shown on Kevin Ryan’s Inishbeg, considering he went for half a million Guineas, but first time out is always a bit of an unknown. I think it might be safer to stick to the racing experience of Karl Burke’s Naval Light, who can only come on for the three runs he’s had, and this step up in trip can also help. That said, it will be fascinating to see how Inishbeg gets on, while Aidan O’Brien’s Frescobaldi only got collared late on at Fairyhouse over this trip so joins my shortlist. Naval Light to edge out Frescobaldi, with Inishbeg closely watched.

Sky Bet Mile Handicap (Heritage Handicap) 5.20
Fearnot
Clive Cox can take Friday’s last with Fearnot, whose win in a decent Handicap at Ascot looked a useful piece of form. This Invincible Spirit colt relegated long-time leader Bullet Point to second in that close finish, and he can progress again to win this, and make it three from five on turf. This is an easier track than Ascot, where he was third in the Britannia Stakes at the Royal meeting, and the 5lb hit from the Handicapper looks manageable to me. Yah Mo Be There, a Listed Juvenile winner, must be on my shortlist in a handicap, while Charlie Appleby’s Fifth Column is capable of winning in this grade. Teroomm seems to have lost a little form as this season has progressed, but with Oisin Murphy booked is likely to have some supporters, but Fearnot looks the one to follow.

The Mandarin