Race Conditions + Pace Angles + Draw Angles

A flagship 1m2f Group 1 contest at York featuring older elite milers stepping up and classic generation 10-12f types. On good to firm ground, this typically suits those with tactical speed and acceleration. York favours well-balanced horses with fluent action, especially on a quick surface.

Pace shape: With Ombudsman, Birr Castle, and possibly Delacroix having tracked or led in steadily run races, expect a controlled to even tempo, unless a pacemaker is introduced. The absence of habitual front-runners could turn this tactical.

Draw bias: At 10.5f on this layout, there is minimal draw bias unless the pace collapses or rail conditions create a lane advantage.

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Strongest Contenders + Main Dangers + Interesting Outsiders

Strongest Contenders:

• Ombudsman (Progressive): Lightly raced, unexposed, and delivered a dominant performance at Royal Ascot when overcoming trouble and strong opposition (RPR 136). Followed it with a very good second to Delacroix at Sandown, conceding weight. Stays strongly, thrives on firm ground, and has tactical speed. York looks ideal. Potential to progress further. Major player.
• Delacroix (Proven): Top 2yo who bounced back from Derby flop to land Sandown Eclipse-style G1 over 10f. Elite pedigree (Dubawi x Tepin) and has shown a devastating turn of foot. Stronger pace would suit, and drop back to 10f a plus after failing to stay 12f. Will be finishing fastest.
• See The Fire (Proven): High-class filly who bolted up in the Middleton and has placed in multiple G1s. Handles York extremely well (Middleton win), and gets 3lb weight allowance. Best suited to true 10f gallops on good ground. Big player if getting cover and tempo.

Main Dangers:

• Danon Decile (Proven): Japanese Derby winner and Dubai G1 scorer, stays 10-12f well, and classy turn of foot when settling. Will need things to go smoothly, but brings serious global form. Danger to all if adapting to York’s nuances.
• Daryz (Promising): Unbeaten 3yo, well-bred, and shaping like a Group 1 colt. Lightly raced but visually impressive in a slowly run G2. Highly progressive, but this is a major leap in class.

Interesting Outsiders:

• Birr Castle (Proven but Exposed): G2 placed in France but looks just short of top level. Often finds trouble or lacks turn of foot. Could outrun odds if race gets messy, but others hold more upside.

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Runner Scores and Suitability Analysis

• Ombudsman: 9.5/10 – Flourishes on firm ground; thriving; top-class RPR; late bloomer with ideal tactical profile.
• Delacroix: 9/10 – Elite turn of foot; ideal trip; proven at Group 1; only concern is repeat bounce factor.
• See The Fire: 8.5/10 – Genuine; track proven; filly weight pull; sharp 10f ideal.
• Danon Decile: 8/10 – Top-tier Japanese form; fast ground suits; minor query on York adaptability.
• Daryz: 7.5/10 – Unbeaten; bred for this level; needs to step up again sharply.
• Birr Castle: 6.5/10 – Reliable, but RPR ceiling looks set.

Keep an eye on the market for support or big drifts for runners returning from layoffs of 90+ days.

Watch out for strong-travelling improvers peaking in late summer; G1s can fall to the fresh horse.

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Each-Way Angles (6 runners – NO each-way plays under standard terms)

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Private Tissue Estimate (100% Book)

• Ombudsman – 2/1
• Delacroix – 11/4
• See The Fire – 4/1
• Danon Decile – 6/1
• Daryz – 10/1
• Birr Castle – 20/1

Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.

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Summary + Smart Play

Summary: A strong renewal of the Juddmonte International. The key trio of Ombudsman, Delacroix, and See The Fire stand out on ratings, performance, and ground suitability. Tactical speed and acceleration will decide this – and Ombudsman looks ideally suited to how this may unfold.

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Smart Play:

• Win Selection: Ombudsman – Lightly raced, explosive at Ascot, and has the best blend of pace, ground, and tactical adaptability.
• No each-way saver (field under 8 runners).