SACRIFICIAL has really blossomed this summer and can make a successful step up to Listed company in the Vincent O’Brien Ruby Stakes on the first day of Killarney’s August festival meeting this afternoon.
It was a touch disappointing that Ger Lyons’ charge failed to hit the mark as a two-year-old but after gaining a narrow success on his return at Leopardstown this year he hasn’t looked back.
He followed that up with a hard-fought victory in a handicap at the May meeting here and has progressed significantly since.
A terrific run in the Britannia at Royal Ascot was followed by a comprehensive success at Galway and the blinkers applied for those outings look to have really concentrated his mind.
The handicapper stuck him up to a mark of 106 for his latest win and that entitles him to win in Listed company.
The fact that he has already scored around here is also a big plus.
The potential class act in the field is the Irish Guineas third Devonshire but being placed in a Classic isn’t always a guarantee of future success when dropped back down in grade.
She was a big price at the Curragh that day and her other form wouldn’t be up to that level.
A disappointing run at Royal Ascot could be put down to fast ground and connections will be hoping the forecast rain materialises.
Battle Of Marathon produced a poor enough show on his return at Leopardstown and it’s hard to have any confidence in the War Front colt, who was third in the Beresford last season.
Wychwood Warrior ran a cracker down in Cork last time when just edged out but this looks a stronger Listed race.
The Jim Bolger-trained Algonquin is progressive and deserves his chance in the field but may just have a few pounds to find at this level.
While the focus is on York this afternoon, Ballydoyle could have a good day back home with a few strong contenders on the card.
Johannes Vermeer was well supported when third on his debut at Tipperary and, given the usual kind of improvement seen in the yard’s horses, he should really claim the opener.
The lightly-raced Jinsha Lake looks on a nice mark in the Easy Clean Handicap and should appreciate stepping up in trip.
There didn’t appear to be a lot of confidence in Hallmark on his debut at Leopardstown but he absolutely hosed up.
It wasn’t a great maiden but he’s open to plenty of improvement and has found a nice opportunity in the concluding Ladbrokes Race.
Aye Aye Skipper caught the eye when hampered on his last outing at Tipperary and, off a lowly mark of 47, looks capable of landing the apprentice handicap.
