Naana’s Shadow is bidding to complete a quick ‘Dash’ double when she lines up in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dash at York this afternoon (2.25).
Katie Scott’s three-year-old grey filly struck under Champion Jockey Oisin Murphy to take the five-furlong Win With Zyn 3yo ‘Dash’ Handicap, the day before the Derby, for a third career win.
Murphy takes the ride again today, where she renews acquaintance with Malton trainer Brian Ellison’s Fortification, who won the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Handicap at odds of 40-1 on his racecourse debut at York in May, partnered by Ben Robinson, who is in the plate again.
Scott’s horse, a 20,000gns purchase from Alice Haynes when she quit racing last November, was back in third that day for Jason Hart, having won at Catterick in April.
Sandwiched between the pair was Leyburn trainer Karl Burke’s Stargazed who reopposes today in the five-furlong sprint with rider Clifford Lee.
It all makes for an exciting looking race and Scott, who trains near Galashiels, said: “She’s come out of Epsom really well. Everything’s been very smooth.
“It was a huge day for us. We are a small yard; we’ve only got 20 horses in training. So just even to be going to these big meetings is amazing, then to be coming away with a win is fantastic.
“She’s still a bit to go to be the best we’ve trained because we’ve got Luna (A Inbhir Nis) in the yard – but I’d say she’ll be the fastest.”
Fortification has twice returned to York since his win, finishing a close-up fourth just eight days later and then third in the lucrative Macmillan Sprint Handicap a fortnight ago.
“He’s gone up in the handicap a bit, but he’s fine and in good form at home,” said Ellison.
“There’s not a lot between a lot of them and I actually thought he was a bit unlucky last time as we were drawn wide and it was all happening on the other side, but he finished well and got the six furlongs well, which is good.
“He’s a lovely horse and a pleasure to deal with.”
Murphy looks to be on the best horse in the feature Group 3 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Criterion Stakes with Andrew Balding’s Never So Brave, with William Haggas’ Saber Strike and Tom Marquand probably his main rivals for the seven-furlong contest.
After heavy rain yesterday morning, the going is now good.
Off the track, York officials have relaxed the dress codes given the recent hot weather and today’s projected warm forecast.
Gates open at 11.15 and there are no jackets or ties required but collared shirts must be worn in the County Stand, which is at full capacity.
Free water and sun cream are also available along with plenty of shaded areas, with music by Becky Hill after racing.
Proud Geordie Ellison is also bidding for a second win in the Pitmen’s Derby – the two-mile JenningsBet Northumberland Plate Handicap 3.15 – at Newcastle’s Gosforth Park.
Onesmoothoperator finally provided Ellison with an emotional win in his home city two years ago and he is double-handed this weekend, with his well-supported French recruit Saint Etienne joined by highly-rated stablemate Tashkhan.
“They’re both very well. Tashkhan has yet to prove he likes the all-weather, but you can’t run him on fast ground and he has to run somewhere,” said Ellison.
“With other fella, it’s whether he stays. He’s in good form and the form of his run over a mile and a half at York (finished fourth in May) was very good.
“We went back to a mile and a quarter last time but he completely missed the break and got too far back and never got involved in the finish.
“He obviously wants further, whether it’s two miles is another thing.
“He wasn’t even going for the race last week, it was me that wanted to run.”