‘Fantasy racing’ for York with Japanese superstar in Juddmonte International mix The Juddmonte International at York on August 20 promises to be a global spectacle, with Japan’s Danon Decile leading a stellar list of entries. Danon Decile’s Global Appeal for Juddmonte International Danon Decile, winner of the Dubai Sheema Classic for Japan, was the surprise name among 28 entries for the Juddmonte International at York on August 20 — and excitement is already building on the Knavesmire. Last year’s Japanese Derby winner travelled to Dubai as something of an unknown quantity having subsequently finished only sixth in the Japanese St Leger, after which he was a close third in the Arima Kinen and won a Group Two. Relatively unconsidered in the betting for the Sheema Classic, he beat Calandgan by a length and a quarter in the Meydan feature, with Rebel’s Romance adding substance to the form in fourth. “Obviously I saw him in Dubai when he won the Sheema Classic, he was devastating that night and he’s among the top three (rated) turf horses in the world,” said York’s chief executive William Derby. Should he make the journey, he may be joined from Japan by Tenno Sho winner Redentor. Strong Contenders from Gosden and O’Brien Camps The 10-furlong Group One was again officially the best race in the world last year, when City Of Troy beat Calandagan, and while the winner is now at stud the runner-up could be back for Francis-Henri Graffard who has also entered his hugely exciting three-year-old Daryz. Field Of Gold for the sponsors, Ombudsman, Lead Artist, Detain, and the unexposed Nahraan give John and Thady Gosden an enviable hand. Camille Pissarro, Henri Matisse, Los Angeles, Lambourn, Minnie Hauk, and Whirl are part of Aidan O’Brien’s squad. “It’s so exciting for our flagship race, that was rated the Longines best race in the world last year, to have such a potential field,” said Derby. The 2000 Guineas winner Ruling Court, Almaqam, and Anmaat, all entered for the Eclipse this weekend, are also engaged, adding depth to the competitive field. Ebor Festival’s Broader Highlights All the major races at the Ebor meeting have closed for entries, including a new Group One in the Pattern, the Sky Bet City of York Stakes. “I’m delighted to see such a strong entry for that,” said Derby. “There’s Lazzat, Inisherin, Quinault, who won on Saturday, and one horse who did catch my eye was The Lion in Winter who would be dropping back in trip.” “The Nunthorpe looks as good as ever and it was so nice to see Jim Goldie and Paul Mulrennan win at Royal Ascot with American Affair,” he added. The Yorkshire Oaks has notable entries like Aidan O’Brien’s Minnie Hauk and Whirl among the three-year-olds, alongside David O’Meara’s Estrange, who impressed at Haydock. Derby noted the excitement of “fantasy racing” with such a strong lineup, acknowledging that not all entries will run but the prospect of top horses competing is thrilling.
