York return on cards for Al Nayyir Al Nayyir could bid to make it third time lucky at York later this month after running with credit in Dubai during the winter months. A Group Three winner at Meydan in February, he then finished an honourable third in the Dubai Gold Cup and having enjoyed the warmer climes, is now ready to get back on track on trainer Tom Clover’s home soil. He holds an entry for the Yorkshire Cup on May 15, which is the likely starting point for his UK return having twice finished on the podium on the Knavesmire, including when agonisingly denied by Vauban on his first start for the Newmarket handler back in August 2024. “He’s come back from Dubai well and he’s looking considerably better than he did this time last year,” said Clover. “We’re really pleased with how he is looking having had the winter out there and it seems to have benefited him. He ran a great race in the Dubai Gold Cup and hopefully he can continue running some nice races and pick up plenty of prize-money. “We’ve got him in at York which we’re under no illusions will be a stiff ask, but he’s won his Group Three and we’re naturally now looking towards Group Twos. He’s run some really big races at York and I think he enjoys it there. “He’s run well at Sandown previously as well, but he does seem to enjoy going left-handed. A mile and six round York could potentially be a touch sharp but it’s a very similar to Dubai and hopefully it will suit. “He’s in the Group One Prix Vicomtesse Vigier at ParisLongchamp (May 21) as well, but wherever he goes, he looks in good shape and we’re looking forward to getting him out and he can have a great season back over here in the UK.”
