A strong field of six have been declared for Saturday’s Criterion Stakes at York, including William Haggas’ Saber Strike.
The Night Of Thunder colt was sent off the strong favourite for the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot. However, he could only manage sixth, beaten just over seven lengths. He was unbeaten in two starts prior to that, and connections believe he can bounce back quickly.
Billy Jackson-Stops, Victorious Racing’s racing manager, told the Racing Post: “He’s kind of a sit-and-sprint horse. He got caught up eyeballing the Wathnan horse and ran his race a bit too early.
“William thought straight after the race that maybe things hadn’t fallen his way. Therefore we didn’t see the best of him, and he would be right as rain to run again and back him up in a week.
“The trip and ground were fine, but circumstances didn’t work out for him on the day. Hence we are quite keen to get back at the weekend and have another crack at it and see if we can get back on course.”
Multiple Group 1 winners declared
Saber Strike will come up against Never So Brave, who’s been disappointing since his Group 1 success here last season. He ran creditably to a point in the Bet365 Mile on seasonal debut, before failing to perform when favourite for the Tattenham Corner Stakes.
A return to this ground and track can suit. If rediscovering his City Of York Stakes form he may prove tough to beat.
Qirat adds another element of intrigue to the contest. He was also well beaten at Epsom last time out. The son of Showcasing sparked a huge surprise when a triple figure odds winner of the Sussex Stakes last season. He backed that up to a degree when two lengths behind Never So Brave next time out. Qirat hasn’t matched that form since, but evidently has the ability to figure.
Royal Velvet is another aiming to back up a disappointing effort at Royal Ascot. The Lightning Spear filly landed black type honours in May, but failed to frank that in the Buckingham Palace Stakes.
Irish raider Chicago Critic and Balmacara complete the field, who’re both capable at this level on their day.