Kevin Stott’s Blog: Could King be a Steel in the Dante?

No winners at Ascot last weekend unfortunately, but it was great to ride a two-year-old winner for Alice Haynes at Catterick on Monday, whose yard are flying this season. Majestic Beauty set off the hot favourite and really delivered, winning by two and a half lengths.

Back up north again, I’ve got some nice rides to look forward to at York this week. Let’s hope they can show us their best.

Wednesday, York

Mashadi is first up in the five furlong novice (4.45pm). A son of Blue Point, who’s a seriously exciting first season sire, his debut at Newmarket was lovely, finishing second by just a head. Admittedly, it was in a three-runner race, which wasn’t ideal, and the ground was pretty tacky and testing, but even so, he gained racecourse experience from that run. The ground at York will be better than at Newmarket, which should help him improve, and he’s the only runner with a previous run, which might give him the upper hand. I’m looking forward to getting back on this one, and to seeing what he can do.

My other ride on Wednesday is Splendent, who runs in the 1m4f handicap (5.15pm). He won at Windsor last week, which was brilliant to see. He has has penalty for that win, but he stayed on so well at Windsor, running right through the line, that I don’t think it’ll disadvantage him too much. There’s a massive field in his race at York with 19 runners in total, but he should be able to prove himself well enough and could have a chance.

Thursday, York

King Of Steel is first on Thursday in the 1m2f Dante Stakes (3.35pm). He won his maiden really nicely at Nottingham last year and had a very quick turnaround for the Futurity Stakes at Doncaster later that month. It probably came too soon for him and was a big ask, so he got a bit lost and finished seventh of eight. He’s now with Roger Varian and has grown and strengthened up loads over the winter. He’s a monster of a horse at 17hh now. He only just fits in the stalls, he’s that big! Roger is delighted with him as his home work has been very good, so we’re both hoping for a big run from him.

Next is Walbank in the five furlong Westow Stakes (4.10pm). He’s returning from a long break here, having last run in July 2022. He was impressive as a two-year-old, with a win and three places from four runs, and is back for his first run of the season at York. He’s a big, solid, typical sprinting type who’ll likely take a step forward for this run. He wears a tongue tie for the first time which should help with his breathing, and his home work has been pleasing, so we’ll see how well he does and go from there.

Finally on Thursday is Cuban Thunder in the 6f maiden (4.45pm). He ran really nicely at Newmarket on debut for second place, which was a great starting point. He got a little unbalanced in the dip there but went well up the hill. He’s had plenty of recovery time and stepping up in trip for this will help him to improve. He’s a nice horse who will progress through the season and we’ll be looking to step him up in grade in the future. He’s another big horse with plenty of size and scope who’ll be one to keep an eye on in the future too.