Bacio to Compete in Breeders' Cup Qualifiers at York
York's Ebor Festival: The Path to Breeders' Cup Glory
The Highly Anticipated Nunthorpe Stakes: A Gateway to the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint
Stateside attention will be particularly focused on Friday's Group 1 Nunthorpe, serving as a direct qualifier for the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint. This exhilarating race is scheduled as the fourth event on Friday's card at York, with an approximate start time of 10:35 a.m. EDT.
Bacio's Debut Since Royal Ascot Triumph and the Nunthorpe Challenge
The 3-year-old colt, Bacio, trained by Wesley Ward, is anticipated to compete in the Nunthorpe. This will be his first start since his impressive victory on June 19 in the Palace of Holyroodhouse Handicap at Royal Ascot, where he dominated a field of 27 over five furlongs. Juan Hernandez, Bacio's jockey at Royal Ascot, is expected to maintain his riding duties at York before returning to California for Pacific Classic day.
Ward's Continued Pursuit of Nunthorpe Success
Despite Wesley Ward's extensive experience and numerous sprint victories in international racing, the Nunthorpe Stakes remains an elusive title for him. He previously saw Acapulco finish as runner-up in 2015 and Lady Aurelia in 2017, the latter being narrowly defeated at the finish line.
Bacio's Elevated Challenge and Esteemed Rivals
Following his swift victory at Royal Ascot, Bacio's odds have shortened to 3-1 in European markets, establishing him as the favorite among 20 entries. However, this race represents a substantial increase in class for Bacio, who was scratched from last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint and has yet to compete in graded stakes company. His formidable opponents in the Nunthorpe include Rayevka, runner-up in the King Charles III (G1); American Affair, winner of the King George (G2); and Asfoora, who secured fourth place behind American Affair in the King George at Goodwood but claimed victory in last year's Nunthorpe. Starlust, the 2024 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint champion, is also expected to participate, aiming to regain his form after a nearly year-long layoff.
Wednesday's Breeders' Cup Qualifiers: The International and Acomb Stakes
Wednesday's race card features two crucial qualifiers. The International (G1), a 1 1/4-mile turf race for horses aged three and older, is the featured fourth race, set for a 10:35 a.m. EDT post time. While it offers an automatic bid to the Breeders' Cup Classic, horses often transition from this race to the Breeders' Cup Turf. The 2024 winner, City of Troy, attempted the Classic but finished eighth.
Clash of Titans: Ombudsman and Constitution River in The International
The International will witness a compelling showdown between two elite horses: the 5-year-old Ombudsman and the sophomore Constitution River. Ombudsman, trained by John and Thady Gosden, is the even-money favorite in overseas markets, making his first appearance since a dominant four-length victory in the Prince of Wales's (G1) at Royal Ascot. He is also the reigning champion of the International. Constitution River, an emerging talent from Aidan O'Brien's stable, is priced at 2-1 in antepost markets. Undefeated in his last five starts, he enters the International with two consecutive top-level wins, including the Prix du Jockey Club (G1) and the Eclipse (G1).
The Acomb Stakes: An Early Path to the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf
Also on Wednesday, the Acomb Stakes, a seven-furlong turf race, provides an early qualification opportunity for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf. This race is the second on York's Wednesday card, with the first post scheduled for 9:25 a.m. EDT. Haffner, for O'Brien, is the market favorite at 7-4 antepost odds, despite only one win in three starts. Trean, from Paddy Twomey's Ireland-based barn, is also well-regarded at 9-2 antepost, having secured a convincing win in his last maiden race.
Thursday's Yorkshire Oaks: A Ticket to the Filly and Mare Turf
Thursday's Ebor Festival card includes one Breeders' Cup qualifier: the Yorkshire Oaks (G1). This 1 1/2-mile turf race, open to fillies and mares aged three and older, offers a direct path to the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf. The race is scheduled as the fourth of seven on Wednesday, with a post time of 10:35 a.m. EDT.
Elite Fillies and Mares Vie for Supremacy in the Yorkshire Oaks
The Yorkshire Oaks will showcase a battle among three top turf contenders: 5-year-old Kalpana, 4-year-old Minnie Hauk, and 3-year-old Johanna Walsh. Kalpana, trained by Andrew Balding, is the strong 11-8 favorite in antepost markets, boasting two wins in three starts this year, including a decisive victory in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (G1). Minnie Hauk, trained by O'Brien, despite a less impressive recent performance, is still backed by bettors at 10-3, hoping she can recapture her 2025 Yorkshire Oaks-winning form. Johanna Walsh, at 9-2 in antepost markets, won the Irish Oaks (G1) and will face older stakes horses for the first time. Diamond Necklace, another sophomore filly for Aidan O'Brian, is also one to watch, despite facing a distance challenge, maintaining a perfect record in six career starts, including four consecutive Group 1 victories.