Jaysella’s York Racecard for Thursday 21st August 2025
Jaysella’s York Racecard for Thursday 21st August
Sky Bet Lowther Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies) 1.50
America Queen
Right, it’s got to be America Queen for me. I know it’s questionable what she beat when romping home at Haydock Park last month on her first run, but 12 lengths clear of the rest? That was some performance, with the young superstar Billy Loughnane aboard, but now Richard Hughes employs the services of Ryan Moore, which adds to the appeal on top of a plum draw in Stall 4. Ed Walker’s Royal Fixation has already got herself a three figure rating after jus the two starts, and there’s been plenty of money down on her this week, and going down by just a neck to Karl Burke’s Venetian Sun is rock solid form in that Group 2 Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes. Staya won a Listed race at Sandown Park, so completes my three, but America Queen is the one for me.
Harry’s Half Million By Goffs 2.25
Tadej
Marie-Francoise gave Tadej for the Prix de Cabourg two Sundays back, and I’m sticking with them for this Class 2 contest. Hollie Doyle used the rail well in that Group 3 at Deauville, and rather handily she’s been drawn in Stall 1 here, so can employ the same tactics. Recent trends suggest on this quick surface, the lower drawn Stalls are preferable, so I’m expecting a big run from Hollie. Come on girls, it is Ladies Day, let’s show the boys how it’s done!! Rod Millman’s Anthelia has been getting plenty of support in the markets, but all her wins have been at 5 furlongs, so Tom Dascombe’s Italica looks more of a threat from my viewpoint, while if you want a bit of each-way value, Richard Fahey’s Cotai Belle might improve on her first try at 6 furlongs. Yep, Tadej it is for me, come on Hollie!
Clipper Handicap (Heritage Handicap) 3.00
Bullet Point (nb)
William Haggas I think holds the key to this with Bullet Point, who’s progressing nicely and lines up 3lb well in following a close second at Ascot. He only went down by 1/2 a length to Clive Cox’s Fearnot who had the assistance of the stand side rail, and that runners-up spot mirrored the same position in the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot’s Royal do. I think he can go one better here under Tom Marquand if he can fend off the obvious danger from Owen Burrows Remmooz. I think these are the two to follow, but I’ll stick with Bullet Point who can take this from the front. Fingers crossed, but I’m tempted by a reverse forecast here, I’ve gotta tell you!
Pertemps Network Yorkshire Oaks (Group 1) (Fillies & Mares) 3.35
Minnie Hauk
It’s been an all conquering season for Aidan O’Brien, and I think he’s adding to the Group One tally with Minnie Hauk. Already he’s won both the Epsom Oaks and the Irish Oaks, not to mention both Derbys, something that’s not ever been done in the same season before, and Minnie Hauk has scared plenty of them off here so we’re left with a field of four, including stablemate Garden Of Eden. Only David O’Meara’s Estrange and Ed Walker’s Qilin Queen are there to take Minnie Hauk on, and it’s hard to see her losing this. Minnie Hauk to win, Qilin Queen to keep her honest, Garden Of Eden in with a squeak.
British EBF & Sir Henry Cecil Galtres Stakes (Listed) (Fillies & Mares) 4.10
Rainbows Edge (nap)
It is starting to look like a day when the favourites are the ones to beat, certainly in the Black Type races, and that’s true again here with Rainbows Edge. That said, I’d be delighted for our King Charlie and Queen Camilla if Rainbows Edge does come in, and there’s every reason to think so. With a very good second here in a Listed contest last time out, only going down a neck to Sand Gazelle, she wouldn’t have to improve much to take this, and there’s a chance she might even come on for the step up in trip. The King is double-handed here with Aeolian also lining up out of William Haggas’s Somerville Lodge yard, so wouldn’t it be nice to have the Royal silks in the Winner’s Enclosure. The main threat might be from Karl Burke’s Golden Horne mare, Karmology, who was second in this last year and has been running with plenty of credit this season, while Irish Oaks fourth, Butterfly Wings is eased in grade and sure to be in the mix. Come on Charles and Camilla, let’s get you a winner!
Mews Hotel Ossett EBF Stallions Nursery Handicap 4.45
Amazing Journey
As it’s Ladies day at York on Thursday, I’m going to go with Saffie Osborne on Amazing Journey. This Starspangledbanner colt has course form here from July, making up for a slow start with a commanding burst in the final furlong, and the ground then was good-firm, so conditions too look ideal. I’ve a lengthy shortlist here, but those that stand out are Roger Varian’s Peel Park, who cost a pretty penny as a yearling, and Richard Hannon’s Ballistic Missile, for the yard that won this last year and with James Doyle in the driving seat. All three come from the middle to the lower end of the draw, but I’m sticking my neck out for the girls and saying Saffie’s gonna win this one on Amazing Journey.
British EBF Fillies’ Handicap (Heritage Handicap) 5.20
Dance In The Storm
Well, it’s a bit of a negative being out wide in Stall 16, but with Oisin Murphy aboard, Dance In The Storm must have a shout. This Night Of Thunder filly won’t be minding this quick ground, and although no match for our selection Mudbir in the Whispering Angel Handicap at Goodwood, she was the best of the rest and only went down by a short head. Ralph Beckett’s Maybe Not and Paddy Twomey’s Bonus Time both line up here with a bit of form, so make my list, while Ed Bethell’s Rogue Sensation is an interesting each-way angle if that’s your thing, though he has failed to convince in two previous visits here. Oisin Murphy to weave a little bit of magic from out wide and bring Dance In The Storm dancing home.
