We may only have six runners in the Group 2 Great Voltigeur Stakes at York on Wednesday 19th August at 3pm, but there are some very smart three-year-olds lining up.
Derby hero Christmas Day will be looking to follow that Epsom Classic win up for Aidan O’Brien, who also saddles Pierre Bonnard, but that Ballydoyle pair face a quality rival in the shape of Grand Prix de Paris winner Maltese Cross in this 1m 3f 188y contest.
Steve Chambers previews the race, as he looks at the latest odds and trends, before picking out his 1-2-3 for the contest.
2026 Great Voltigeur Stakes Runners
A race that can lack significant strength in depth at times, the Great Voltigeur in 2026 is a fabulous renewal. Christmas Day strode through the mud at Epsom earlier on in the season to land a fine Derby success. Beaten by his Irish stablemate Benvenuto Cellini in the Irish Derby on his last outing, the Ballydoyle runner is the selection of Ryan Moore. He will have much quicker ground to deal with here than what he won on at Epsom, but he’s shown a real high level of form and is the one to beat.
A neck behind him that day in the Irish Derby was stablemate Pierre Bonnard, who failed to figure at Epsom when seventh. He’s one that will relish the faster ground here and he could potentially be the pick of the O’Brien duo at the head of the market, despite Moore opting for the more fancied Christmas Day.
The pair face a lively rival in Maltese Cross, who was a Group 1 winner in France last time out. Second in the Derby, he’s a colt that stormed to victory in the Grand Prix de Paris and the Lingfield Derby Trial winner certainly has to be respected. However, he’s shown he can excel on slower ground, so could be vulnerable here.
A listed winner last time out, Superior Choice is making a huge step up in grade from a Hamilton success. John & Thady Gosden’s charge is extremely exciting and is entitled to take his place, but could struggle. Galiyan was second in the Bahrain Trophy and could be one that shows his best over further, whilst Antigua completes the O’Brien triumvirate, and he’s likely to have pacemaking duties.
Great Voltigeur Stakes Trends
We take a look at the key trends to be aware of ahead of the Great Voltigeur Stakes:
- 5 of the last 10 winners have been favourite
- 3 of the last 10 winners have been trained in Ireland
- 2 of the last 10 winners were rated lower than 110 on OR
- 1 of the last 10 winners headed into the race unbeaten
2026 Great Voltigeur Stakes Tips
It’s hard to look away from the front three in the market. Aidan O’Brien unleashes two strong contenders, but it’s the less fancied one in Pierre Bonnard that can come out on top. He was narrowly beaten by Christmas Day in the Irish Derby, but the quicker ground could see him reverse that form here. Maltese Cross is a class act and is in fine form. However, he may just get a little tapped for toe at the business end of the race, and may have to chase home the Ballydoyle pairing.
- Pierre Bonnard
- Christmas Day
- Maltese Cross
FAQ
When and where is the Great Voltigeur Stakes run?
The Great Voltigeur Stakes will take place at York racecourse on Wednesday 19th August, 2026 at 3.00pm.
How can I watch the Great Voltigeur Stakes on Wednesday?
The Great Voltigeur Stakes is live on ITV at 3.35pm on Wednesday afternoon.
When were the Great Voltigeur Stakes tips published?
The tips for the Great Voltigeur Stakes were published at 2.25pm on Monday 17th August.
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