High hopes for Ebor challenge
Dermot Weld’s five-year-old has won three of his five career outings and was beaten into third when sent off favourite for a competitive handicap at last week’s Galway Festival.
A maximum field of 20 will go to post for the famous Knavesmire handicap on August 18 and Natural High is currently 50th on the list.
Meanwhile, Godolphin’s Al Aasifh could step up to Group One company for the first time in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.
The juvenile appeared to find everything happening too quickly for him over five furlongs in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot but a return to six saw him win Newbury’s Listed Rose Bowl Stakes in impressive style.
He will compete over the same trip if he heads to Ireland this weekend, but trainer Saeed bin Suroor is keen to assess the opposition before finalising plans.
“He is doing very well and is in very good form at home,” said bin Suroor.
“He’s a very solid horse and he always tries his best. He won nicely in a Listed race at Newbury last time and came out of the race very well.
