The Juddmonte International Stakes is York’s most lucrative race of the season, and has been won in recent years by top-class horses such as Frankel, Australia, Sea The Stars, Authorized, Sakhee and Giant’s Causeway.
It is run over a trip of 10 furlongs and 88 yards, and takes place on the opening day of York’s Ebor Meeting.
Trends
- Starting Prices of recent winners have varied greatly, with 2012 winner Frankel being sent-off at just 1/10, whilst 2015 winner Arabian Queen was returned at 50/1
- Frankie Dettori is the race’s leading jockey with 5 winners
- Both Sir Michael Stoute and Aidan O’Brien have trained 5 winners
- 4-year-olds have won 8 of the 17 renewals run this century, with 3-year-olds winning five renewals, 5-year-olds three, and 6-year-olds one
Major Contenders
Barney Roy
Rapidly improving 3-year-old, and was unlucky in running when second in the Coral Eclipse. That proved he stays 10-furlongs well though, and the long straight at York should give him plenty of time to get into top-gear.
Ulysses
4-year-old who was no match for Enable in the King George on his last start, but has a good record at this trip, including when beating Barney Roy a nose in this season’s Coral Eclipse. Best form has come right-handed so far, but has won on a left-handed track.
Highland Reel
The danger with backing him ante-post is that he’s nowhere near as good on soft ground as he is on good or firm ground. However, last year’s runner-up would have every chance if the ground was on the quick side, and he would probably go off at much shorter odds than the currently available 5/1.
Churchill
This season’s dual 2,000 Guineas winner blotted his copybook when losing at York and, with connections having always considered him a miler, there must be a major doubt as to whether he will be stepped-up in trip for this.
Cliffs Of Moher
This year’s Derby runner-up was disappointing when only fourth in the Coral Eclipse behind Ulysses and Barney Roy, but he was badly hampered at a crucial stage of the race, and he can be forgiven that run. Sent-off the 7/4 favourite there (Barney Roy 9/4, Ulysses 8/1) it’s hard to understand why he’s a double-figure price here, though Aidan O’Brien does have several other entries, including Highland Reel.
Queen’s Trust
Wasn’t beaten far behind Highland Reel and Ulysses at Royal Ascot and, as that was only her second run of the season, last year’s Breeders’ Cup Mare And Filly Turf winner should have further improvement to come. Also ran a decent race in last year’s Yorkshire Oaks at this meeting, and 10-furlongs looks her ideal trip.
Summary
There isn’t much between Barney Roy, Ulysses and Highland Reel on their best form, but it may be worth opposing the three market leaders with Queen’s Trust. Not only does she look likely to arrive here fresher than most of her rivals, but 4-year-olds have the best recent record in the race, and Sir Michael Stoute is the race’s joint leading all-time trainer. Frankie Dettori also rode her to victory at the Breeders’ Cup, and could be back on board here.
Our Tip: Queen’s Trust 1 Point Win @