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Thursday’s racing round-up features confirmations for the Group 1 Juddmonte International at York next week…
City Of Troy headed a field of sixteen confirmations for what looks like a mouthwatering Juddmonte International at York on Wednesday. The Aidan O'Brien-trained Epsom Derby and Coral Eclipse hero is set to face a strong international challenge with French raiders Calandagan, who was so impressive at Royal Ascot for Francis-Henri Graffard, and Zarakem, runner-up in the Prince of Wales's Stakes, both likely to take their chance. Japanese St Leger winner Durezza adds further international spice, while the likes of Ambiente Friendly, who finished runner-up in the Epsom Derby, and top filly Bluestocking are notable possibilities for the home contingent.
Elsewhere on the opening day at York next week, next year's 2000 Guineas and Derby favourites Ruling Court and The Lion In Winter could be set to clash in the Tattersalls Acomb Stakes. The former, a 2.3 million euro purchase from Arqana was so impressive when winning on debut at Sandown for Charlie Appleby, while the latter also created a huge impression by pulling away to land a Curragh maiden by two and a quarter lengths first time out for team Ballydoyle.
Aidan O'Brien looked to unearth yet another useful prospect when Bernard Shaw powered clear of his rivals for a maiden victory at Dundalk. The son of American sire Into Mischief was purchased for 1.8 million dollars and built on his debut fourth at the Curragh to land the spoils by a striking nine lengths under Wayne Lordan. O'Brien's stable representative Chris Armstrong said: "He's a smashing colt and Wayne gave him a lovely ride. He is a horse to look forward to for the back-end and he will be in the mix for something like the Champion Juvenile (on Irish Champions Weekend) at Leopardstown. Once the penny dropped with him, he really lengthened away in the finish. He's a nice one to have."
Whilst all eyes were on Economics' return at Deauville, George Boughey enjoyed another successful French raid when Soprano bounced back to her best in the Group 3 Fonds Europeen de l'Elevage. The Highclere Thoroughbred-owned three-year-old quickened up smartly in the hands of William Buick to score by a ready three lengths from Rose Bloom. Soprano was cut to 12/1 (from 16s) for the Matron Stakes by Paddy Power.
The Sir Mark Prescott-trained Tiffany will bypass next week's Yorkshire Oaks in favour of a tilt at the Group 2 Baden Racing Stuten-Preis over a mile and a half on August 31. She will be bidding to remain unbeaten in Germany having won a Listed race at Hanover last September before producing a commanding four-and-a-quarter-length success on her seasonal reappearance at Baden-Baden in May.