Ryan Moore is keen to get back aboard Constitution River as he discussed his big rides at York this week. The son of Wootton Bassett is unbeaten in five since his short-head defeat on debut. He’s emerged as one of Coolmore’s brightest talents this season, but faces a big threat in Ombudsman.
On a World Pool video, via Racing Post, Ryan Moore discussed his chances in the Juddmonte International: stating: “We’re really looking forward to it. Constitution River has done nothing wrong in his whole career. We think York will suit him and the trip is perfect.
“He’ll be taking on last year’s winner Ombudsman, who was very impressive in the Prince of Wales’s. And has also been trained with this race in mind. It looks a really good race and it will be great to see how he measures up.”
Mission Central ‘in good form at home’ ahead of Nunthorpe
Elsewhere, Moore will get the leg up on Mission Central in the Nunthorpe Stakes. A rare gelding for the yard, Mission Central won his first three starts this season. He came unstuck upped to six furlongs last time out, and Moore believes stepping back to five will suit: “He didn’t see out six furlongs up the hill at Newmarket in the July Cup. Dropping back to a flat, fast five furlongs at York will suit him really well. He was really progressive at the start of the year and he seems in good form at home.
“There’ll be pace everywhere and the draw will be important. But if he gets a nice draw and a clear shot at it then he’ll definitely be thereabouts.”
In the Yorkshire Oaks, Moore retains the faith with Minnie Hauk who won the race last season. The Frankel filly is yet to match that form this season, though she clearly wasn’t herself last time out.
On her chances, Moore said: “She had a very good three-year-old campaign and came back well at the start of the year. Including running a really good race at Royal Ascot.
“The King George didn’t seem to work out for her. But she likes York and the mile and a half there suits her well. She’s going to have to reverse the King George form with Kalpana. But perhaps we didn’t see the best of her at Ascot.”
Moore will no doubt have several strong chances elsewhere, but the Juddmonte International will no doubt be at the forefront of his mind.