Kingsclere to test Item in high-class Juddmonte International
Andrew Balding will take a prominent team to York as he prepares to pit his Dante Stakes winner Item against some of the leading middle-distance horses in Europe in the Juddmonte International Stakes.
Item, unbeaten at York, re-established his rhythm when returning to the Knavesmire for the Sky Bet York Stakes last month after a disappointing run in the Derby. Balding has elected to keep the colt at a top level for the Juddmonte, acknowledging the strength of the opposition while expressing confidence in Item’s ability to handle a competitive Group One contest.
High-class opposition at the top table
The Juddmonte card this season carries its usual cast of established performers. Item is set to face older horses including the reigning champion Ombudsman and the highly regarded Constitution River, making the contest one of the most anticipated middle-distance races of the summer.
Balding has been frank that the assignment will be a stern examination of Item’s credentials. Aside from the Epsom setback — where he did not encounter suitable ground — the colt’s record is strong and last month’s York run provided encouragement that he can be competitive at the highest level.
Juddmonte interests extend across the card
Juddmonte’s presence at York goes beyond Item. The operation’s other leading contender, Kalpana, is being targeted at the Legends Global Yorkshire Oaks. The filly arrives in form after taking the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot and has progressed well through the season.
Balding reports the filly is in positive order following her Ascot success, though she faces a short work schedule before a final decision to travel to York is confirmed. If she lines up, Kalpana would bring further headline appeal to the Knavesmire meeting.
Ebor Festival ambitions and staying prospects
Beyond the Group One features, Balding and Juddmonte have plans for the Sky Bet Ebor, with Tarriance set to contest the valuable handicap. The seven-furlong to long-distance races at York remain a focal point for the stable across the four-day festival, and Tarriance’s preparation has been shaped specifically with the Ebor in mind following a return to action at Goodwood.
Other entries being considered for York include Never So Brave, Marvelman and Flora Of Bermuda, with Balding suggesting the latter is a particularly viable option for the Sky Bet City of York Stakes. Flora Of Bermuda has won at York before and displayed an aptitude for seven furlongs when successful in the Oak Tree Stakes at Goodwood, making the contest a logical fit.
Marvelman’s participation will depend on the ground, as he tends to prefer a bit of give. Meanwhile, Never So Brave has been kept as an option for other summer targets such as the Hungerford at Newbury, with Balding noting the gelding appears to be returning to his best form after a solid run in the Sussex Stakes.
York and Ascot links underline summer campaign
The connections’ decisions underline how form at Ascot and other high-profile summer meetings feeds directly into York’s big events. Kalpana’s King George success at Ascot gives the Juddmonte stable both the credibility and the practical basis for aiming at the Yorkshire Oaks, while other runners with proven course form make the Ebor Festival a natural destination.
With the Juddmonte International shaping up to be a competitive renewal, Balding will rely on the experience his stable has gained at major festivals as he weighs final declarations. For racegoers at Ascot, York and beyond, the middle weeks of the flat season will provide a compelling sequence of contests to follow as the top trainers and owners bring their best to the big tracks.
