Kind Of Blue bids for overdue victory in Minster Stakes Kind Of Blue’s maturity is giving trainer James Fanshawe hope of claiming his second victory in the Go Local Stores Minster Stakes at York. The son of Blue Point was unable to get his head in front during his four-year-old campaign, finishing third in the Phoenix Sprint Stakes at the Curragh and runner-up to Big Mojo – who reopposes on the Knavesmire – in the Sprint Cup at Haydock. He has not visited the winner’s enclosure since landing the Qipco British Champions Sprint in October 2024, but Fanshawe, who saddled Society Rock to win this Group Two event in in 2013, is optimistic of a strong showing from his five-year-old on his seasonal debut. “I think he’s actually grown up a lot. In his training at home, he’s been great, he’s been really straightforward to train this year,” the Pegasus Stables handler said. “His action is really good. That is what we’ve been concentrating on and keeping him moving well. So far, so good. With regard to his temperament, he just enjoys his work, he is an enthusiast – he might be a bit fresh first time out. “It will be good to get him out. He did a nice bit of work on the Watered Gallop and when he has had a clear run with things, he’s a good colt. Hopefully, he will run well.” Harry Eustace is confident his Commonwealth Cup heroine Time For Sandals will improve from her comeback fifth in the Abernant Stakes at Newmarket four weeks ago. He said: “She seems great. The outing at Newmarket has definitely sharpened her up mentally. “I was very happy with her run there, she was probably just a little ring-rusty as it was her first run after a long time off. We’re looking forward to getting her back to York. She’s run well there before and seems in good order. We wouldn’t want any rain, ideally. “I thought it was a decent run at Newmarket. She travelled like she was going to have a real go but she didn’t come down the hill well enough to give herself a chance and she got a bit tired after that. “She’s obviously got to take a step forward and it’ll be a slightly tougher race, but with the right conditions she should run well. “We know the ability is in there and I think everyone felt after Newmarket that six furlongs at York would be ideal.” Big Mojo is another who will make his first start of the campaign for Rutland-based Yorkshireman Mick Appleby. “He’s doing good. He’s been training well and he’s in good form,” he said. “He should be competitive. He’s fit and well, he’s done plenty of work and we just hope the rain keeps away. It’s looking like on Wednesday there could be a fair bit of rain. “It will be a similar campaign to last season, he will predominantly stick to six furlongs.” Criterion Stakes winner Quinault is back at the Knavesmire for Stuart Williams, while Cool Hoof Luke, trained by Andrew Balding, returns to the scene of his Gimcrack Stakes success in August 2024, which was his last run on turf. American Affair makes his long-awaited return for Jim Goldie, having been off the track since his King Charles III Stakes success 11 months ago. Richard Hannon’s Aramram also features alongside the William Haggas-trained York specialist Elmonjed, Clive Cox’s pair of Jasour and Diligent Harry and Regional from Ed Bethell’s yard among others.
