CLASSIC heroes Golden Horn and Gleneagles face off in what could be the clash of the season in the Juddmonte International today, but the first-named is fully expected to underline his champion status at York.
It is hard to find a chink in the armour of John Gosden’s Derby-winning colt. He arrives unbeaten in five starts, with winning course and distance form in the Dante back in May before he went on to impress with his three-and-a-half-length Epsom verdict.
His recent Eclipse outing momentarily proved a test as the reopposing The Grey Gatsby really served it up to Golden Horn with half-a-mile to run, but the three-year-old found plenty and after making all, he also proved his versatility in terms of tactics.
He will have the benefit of a pacemaker in Dick Doughtywylie so any frailty in the stamina of Gleneagles will be exposed and Golden Horn should once again be able to demonstrate his impressive change of gear down the long Knavesmire straight.
Tashaar was supplemented for the Betway Great Voltigeur Stakes and the hint should be taken in the Group Two affair.
Richard Hannon had reportedly hoped the Sea The Stars colt would be a type for Royal Ascot last season but he took some time to come into his own and never actually made the track as a juvenile.
However, that patience appears to be paying off this season as Tashaar opened his account over a mile at Haydock in May before bolting up in a competitive handicap event at Goodwood.
Stepping up to 11 furlongs there, Tashaar was eased right down to win by a length-and-a-half and although the second did not enjoy a clear passage, Frankie Dettori had plenty in reserve on the winner.
The extra furlong seems certain to suit on breeding and Tashaar could emerge as something of a dark horse for the St Leger.
Recorder can take victory in the Tattersalls Acomb Stakes.
An eyecatching third on his debut at Newbury last month, he came good at Newmarket just over a week later when beating Culturati by a neck over seven furlongs with Ventura Storm back in third.
That pair have since dominated the finish of another decent maiden at Headquarters while fourth-placed Battle Pride has subsequently won at Salisbury giving the form a very pleasing appearance
