1m4f Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes (Group 2) (Colts & Geldings) (Class 1) (3yo)
All of the hype obviously surrounds Gregory for the Great Voltigeur and whilst the current St. Leger favourite has clearly got a fantastic chance, I’m not overly convinced the drop back in trip from his Royal Ascot win will be massively in favour for the Gosden/Dettori combination.
Gregory also has to concede 3lbs to his rivals and on a strict line through his form with Saint George, CASTLE WAY might have the edge on him, having beaten that rival in a tight three-way finish in the Group 3 Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket six weeks ago.
Castle Way has progressed significantly with each start and has won his last three races. The son of Almanzor has shown a great liking for a sound surface and I like the way he battled to hold off both Tower Of London and Saint George on his last start in what was a muddling race at Newmarket that arguably came down to tactical speed and constitution at the finish.
Castle Way has still looked a little bit raw this season and whilst he’s also entered in the St. Leger, I think the 1m 4f trip might just suit him that little bit more than 1m 6f. Continous and Artistic Star both have form in some top class races, but I’m not sure that either truly have Group 1 level credentials, however Castle Way is going in that direction and is just fancied to prevail in what could be a tight and tactical race.
1pt win Castle Way @7/2, 15:00 York, Wednesday
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