Taj on track for York Redemption

Connections of Tajaaweed hope a drop in trip will see their colt bounce back from his Vodafone Derby disappointment in the Sky Bet York Stakes on Saturday.

Having won Chester’s Dee Stakes by the narrowest of margins on his seasonal reappearance, the Sir Michael Stoute inmate was not unfancied for the Epsom Classic – but failed to make any impact at the business end and finished eighth.

The Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned colt drops in class and distance on the Knavesmire and is reported by racing manager Angus Gold to be in top form.

“Sir Michael gave him a break and freshened him up after Epsom. I spoke to him (on Wednesday morning) and he said that he is very happy with the horse,” said Gold.

“He ran well enough at Epsom. I don’t think that the track suited him, which is no great surprise looking at the individual he is – a big, tall horse. Obviously York is a flatter track so we’ll see.

“I’m sure he’s a horse who will continue to improve as he gets older with the scope that he’s got. He is only going to get stronger and more mature, so we’ll see where we are after Saturday.”

Tajaaweed will face a stiff examination, however, with Coral-Eclipse third Pipedreamer likely to provide plenty of resistance.

Henry Cecil is double-handed with Many Volumes and Multidimensional, while Saeed bin Suroor saddles Campanologist and Stage Gift, last year’s winner.

The field is completed by Blythe Knight, Dunaskin, Halicarnassus, Hearthstead Maison and Supaseus.

Sky Bet York Stakes

Sponsors bet: 9-4 Pipedreamer, 11-4 Campanologist, 3-1 Tajaaweed, 10-1 Many Volumes, Multidimensional, 16-1 Hearthstead Maison, Stage Gift, Blythe Knight, 33-1 Halicarnassus, Supaseus, Dunaskin 100-1.