August 21 / 15.35 York

15.35

Good To Firm

Juddmonte International Stakes (British Champions Series) (Group 1)

  • Prize money: £708875
  • 1m 2f 56y
  • Class 1
  • 13 runners
ITV
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Juddmonte International Stakes (British Champions Series) (Group 1)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

11/8 (Won)

  • Win: £2.25
  • Place: £1.30

Form: 11-911 D

Last run: 46 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Champion 2yo last term and has bounced back from his Guineas flop to complete the Derby-Eclipse double this summer, comfortably beating Ambiente Friendly at Epsom (good to soft) then less impressive at Sandown where the deeper ground likely wasn't ideal; still managed to beat subsequent Group 1 scorer Al Riffa last time and comes to this assignment with glowing claims, especially as the long York straight should suit his relentless galloping style; highly talented and top rated.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

12

(5)

21st Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 1

15:35 York

City Of Troy

9st 1lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Champion 2yo last term and has bounced back from his Guineas flop to complete the Derby-Eclipse double this summer, comfortably beating Ambiente Friendly at Epsom (good to soft) then less impressive at Sandown where the deeper ground likely wasn't ideal; still managed to beat subsequent Group 1 scorer Al Riffa last time and comes to this assignment with glowing claims, especially as the long York straight should suit his relentless galloping style; highly talented and top rated.

11/8

1st

4

(8)

6th Jul 2024

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 1

15:35 Sandown

City Of Troy

8st 13lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Champion 2yo last term; comfortably justified favouritism in the Derby (1m4f, good to soft) most recently, bouncing back from the 2,000 Guineas flop that remains his only defeat; tactically versatile and has a powerful engine that, reappearance aside, keeps him galloping relentlessly in the latter stages; trainer has won the Eclipse seven times; brilliant colt who is clear top rated.

1/3

1st

4

(1)

1st Jun 2024

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

16:30 Epsom

City Of Troy

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Out of a Group 1 winner whose sister won the Oaks; Europe's champion 2yo, having swanned away in a Group 2 at Newmarket (7f, good to soft) on second start and it wasn't any harder work in the Group 1 Dewhurst on the Rowley Mile (soft) next time; therefore it was desperately disappointing to see such a tame reappearance in the 2,000 Guineas (1m, good) when a remote ninth of 11, and while his trainer has been philosophical since, the average punter may feel safer on the fence for now.

3/1

6/1

  • Place: £2.30

Form: 1-2111 D

Last run: 61 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Acts on any ground; French gelding who was impressive in the King Edward VII Stakes (1m4f Group 2) at Royal Ascot two months ago, adding to his spring Group 3 wins (10.5f/1m3f) on home soil and taking record to 4-6; progressing very well and looks interesting upped further in class.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(7)

18th Oct 2025

Good

1m 1f 212y

Class 1

16:05 Ascot

Calandagan

9st 7lb

J: Mickael Barzalona

T: F-H Graffard

French gelding who has a record of 222211 since upped to Group 1 level, latest win coming in the King George at Ascot (1m4f, good); went down by only half a length when favourite for this race 12 months ago (soft) on last 1m2f attempt; major contender, especially if getting a strong pace to aim at.

5/2

1

(4)

26th Jul 2025

Good

1m 3f 211y

Class 1

16:10 Ascot

Calandagan

9st 9lb

J: Mickael Barzalona

T: F-H Graffard

High-class French gelding who acts on any ground; arguably outbattled by Jan Brueghel in the Coronation Cup but went down by only half a length and subsequently stretched out well in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, taking his record since racing at Group 1 level to 22221 and overall strike-rate to 5-11; impressive in last year's King Edward VII Stakes in sole C&D attempt; holds rock-solid and leading claims.

13/8

14/1

  • Place: £10.00

Form: 11-443

Last run: 46 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Unbeaten as a 2yo; good fourth in a strong 2,000 Guineas and only 2l behind City Of Troy in the Eclipse most recently, albeit possibly a tad flattered on ground that wasn't ideal for the winner; proving consistent in terms of bare form and likely to give another good account.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(1)

10th Jul 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Newmarket (July)

Ghostwriter

9st 8lb

J: David Egan

T: Clive Cox

Beaten on last eight starts having gone 3-3 in 2yo campaign (including here and in Group 2); however, the first seven of those defeats were in Group 1 races, with some very creditable performances, and he produced another when third in the Group 2 Hardwicke at Royal Ascot (1m4f, good to firm) last month with Palladium just over 1l further back in fourth; leading claims.

7/4

3rd

7

(2)

21st Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Ghostwriter

9st 3lb

J: David Egan

T: Clive Cox

3-3 in 2yo season (including Group 2); 0-7 since and below par in Tattersalls Gold Cup last month but all of those were Group 1 races and he's shown some very strong form, including when third in last August's Juddmonte International (10.2f, good to firm); his dam was a 1m4f winner so there can be hope that today's new trip will suit, and he's a major player if he stays; changed hands for £2,000,000 at Goffs London Sale on Monday (remains with Clive Cox).

6/1

5

(2)

25th May 2025

Good

1m 2f 110y

15:05 Curragh

Ghostwriter

9st 5lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Clive Cox

Unbeaten as juvenile, including the Royal Lodge; kept to Group 1 company last year, smart form including two Classic fourth places; third behind City Of Troy in the Coral-Eclipse and the International at York; 3/4l behind Los Angeles (fourth) when fifth in the Irish Champion; made a fine start to the campaign with fourth behind race-fit rivals in Dubai Turf.

13/2

Form: 22-112 CD

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Acts on soft and good to firm; smart filly who has blossomed this season, winning notable 1m2f races at this course (Group 2; easily) and the Curragh (Group 1) then creditable second in the King George at Ascot back over 1m4f; she is 2-3 at this distance and can't be ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

(4)

21st Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 1

15:35 York

Bluestocking

9st 5lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Acts on soft and good to firm; smart filly who has blossomed this season, winning notable 1m2f races at this course (Group 2; easily) and the Curragh (Group 1) then creditable second in the King George at Ascot back over 1m4f; she is 2-3 at this distance and can't be ruled out.

9/1

2nd

8

(9)

27th Jul 2024

Good

1m 3f 211y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Bluestocking

9st 6lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Consistent in defeat last term; has regained the winning thread and looked better than ever this season, routing her opponents in Group 2 at York (good) then following up in Group 1 at the Curragh (yielding to soft), both over 1m2f; should be as effective back at 1m4f; cheekpieces (worn twice, including for reappearance win) are now reapplied; smart filly who could well prove capable of further improvement in her current form; big player.

5/1

1st

1

(3)

29th Jun 2024

Good

1m 2f 0y

15:30 Curragh

Bluestocking

9st 12lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

in touch with leaders, niggled along over 3f out, switched left and headway on near side of group from over 2f out, ridden and went second but 3 lengths down over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, led towards finish

13/8

OUR TIP

Form: 111-20 D

Last run: 115 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Has won at this trip but his career highlight came in last year's Japanese St Leger over 1m7f; form dipped sharply on last appearance (2m) and he has enough to prove in this top 1m2f contest on first start outside Japan, for all that he brings a respectable rating.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(6)

21st Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 1

15:35 York

Durezza

9st 8lb

J: Christophe-Patrice Lemaire

T: Tomohito Ozeki

Has won at this trip but his career highlight came in last year's Japanese St Leger over 1m7f; form dipped sharply on last appearance (2m) and he has enough to prove in this top 1m2f contest on first start outside Japan, for all that he brings a respectable rating.

25/1

66/1

Form: 15-154 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Impressive strike-rate on soft/good to soft ground includes Group 3 win at Sandown (1m2f) in May; far from disgraced in the York Stakes (behind Alflaila) most recently but that took his record on good/firmer to 0-4; interesting only if the surface is riding slow.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

(8)

8th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 1

14:35 Chester

Royal Rhyme

9st 3lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Did well early in his carerer including when beating three rivals in the 2024 Brigadier Gerard (1m2f, soft); 0-8 since, albeit twice placed at the highest level; pulled too hard when beaten over 6l into sixth of 12 behind Starford on his return in a Group 3 at the Curragh (1m2f, soft) last month, but that should have taken the freshness out of him; could probably do with the ground easing, though.

7/1

33/1

Form: 63-222

Last run: 64 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Seems to handle any ground; consistent miler who ran well in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot most recently, beating all bar Charyn who currently heads that division; shapes as if this new trip is worth exploring but needs a career-best performance to go one better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(2)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:57 Doncaster

Docklands

9st 2lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Harry Eustace

Won the Group 1 Queen Anne at Royal Ascot (1m, good to firm) last June; Ascot brings out the best in him but he's run well in defeat in Group 1s elsewhere since that last win, finishing fourth in the Prix Jacques le Marois in August (good to soft) and the Hong Kong Mile in December when last seen; drops back in grade today and he'll be tough to beat if close to his best.

13/8

4

(12)

18th Oct 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:25 Ascot

Docklands

9st 6lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Harry Eustace

Excels over this C&D, finishing second in last year's Queen Anne (good to firm) and going one better in that same Group 1 (good to firm) this June; his close fourth in the Group 1 Jacques Le Marois in August was his best non-Ascot career performance and he could play a leading role back here.

12/1

2

(6)

30th Jul 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Goodwood

Docklands

9st 10lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Harry Eustace

Versatile as regards ground; has produced his top four RPRs at Ascot and reached a new peak in steadily run Queen Anne most recently, taking overall record there to 1132221 and managing to beat Rosallion narrowly despite rider dropping whip; back elsewhere he's no certainty to repeat the form, as sole Goodwood effort (below par) attests.

20/1

25/1

Form: /5-332

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Campaigned mostly over 1m and on good/firmer; took well to first-time blinkers in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood most recently, staying on for second behind Guineas winner Notable Speech; looks ready for a crack at this new trip and could go well in the retained headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(2)

7th Feb 2025

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 1

14:32 Lingfield (AW)

Maljoom

9st 2lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

dwelt start, raced in last, headway and disputing second over 2f out, no match for winner

2/5

2nd

1

(2)

7th Feb 2025

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 1

14:32 Lingfield (AW)

Maljoom

9st 2lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

dwelt start, raced in last, headway and disputing second over 2f out, no match for winner

2/5

6th

4

(8)

14th Sep 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

14:15 Leopardstown

Maljoom

9st 10lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

slowly into stride, in rear, headway from over 1f out, ran on well final 110yds, nearest finish

15/8

Form: 2-9321 D

Last run: 64 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Record of 321 since wearing blinkers, most recently landing the Wolferton at Royal Ascot (1m2f Listed, good to firm) where he won well and looked better than ever; headgear retained; faces a stiffer task on first Group 1 attempt and owner's retained rider Jim Crowley prefers Alflaila.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

(1)

21st Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 1

15:35 York

Israr

9st 8lb

J: William Buick

T: John & Thady Gosden

Record of 321 since wearing blinkers, most recently landing the Wolferton at Royal Ascot (1m2f Listed, good to firm) where he won well and looked better than ever; headgear retained; faces a stiffer task on first Group 1 attempt and owner's retained rider Jim Crowley prefers Alflaila.

33/1

1st

9

(8)

18th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 1f 212y

Class 1

18:40 Ascot

Israr

9st 5lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: John & Thady Gosden

Group 2 winner (1m4f) last term; beaten favourite in two runs in Britain with blinkers added this spring but he ran right up to his best when second to Passenger in 1m2f Chester Group 2 (good to firm; also acts on heavy) last time, with the pair well clear; solid chance.

7/2

2nd

3

(3)

10th May 2024

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 1

15:05 Chester

Israr

9st 3lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: John & Thady Gosden

took keen hold, prominent, led over 1f out, headed final 110yds

7/2

Form: 3-4123 BF

Last run: 52 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Strong-travelling colt; good second to City Of Troy in the Derby, having been impressive in the Lingfield trial; ran respectably in the Irish Derby last time while shaping as if he'll be well suited by this drop back in trip; may still have further progress in him; respected on first attempt at 1m2f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

31st May 2026

Good

2m 0f 3y

Class 4

16:07 Fakenham

Ambiente Friendly

11st 13lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: James Owen

Smart 3yo on the Flat; just 1-5 over hurdles, and his habit of racing far too freely remains a worry, but he wasn't beaten far in a valuable novices' handicap at Sandown (2m, good) last month and is in much calmer waters here.

11/10

8th

13

25th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

13:45 Sandown

Ambiente Friendly

11st 2lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: James Owen

Showed smart Flat form as a 3yo; managed to win in December but has otherwise broadly been too free for his own good since switched to hurdles; ideally needs to settle better.

33/1

4th

1

26th Jan 2026

Soft

1m 7f 195y

Class 4

13:50 Plumpton

Ambiente Friendly

11st 12lb

J: Alex Chadwick

T: James Owen

High-class Flat performer at his best who has taken well to hurdles, winning at Huntingdon in December before pulling too hard and disappointing on handicap debut back there two weeks later; key player with Alex Chadwick offsetting 3lb of his penalty now back in novice company.

2/1

11th
8 (9)
Zarakem

10/1

Form: 16-182 D

Last run: 63 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
French colt who belied his 33-1 odds with close second in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot (1m2f, good to firm) two months ago; has place claims on that apparent career-best form but he was possibly flattered in a strongly run race; not as solid as some others.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

8

(9)

21st Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 1

15:35 York

Zarakem

9st 8lb

J: Maxime Guyon

T: J Reynier

French colt who belied his 33-1 odds with close second in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot (1m2f, good to firm) two months ago; has place claims on that apparent career-best form but he was possibly flattered in a strongly run race; not as solid as some others.

10/1

2nd

8

(8)

19th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 1f 212y

Class 1

16:25 Ascot

Zarakem

9st 2lb

J: Maxime Guyon

T: J Reynier

Unraced on officially firmer than good; won five in a row last April-September (up to 1m5f) prior to 500,000euros sale, but came of age when taking the Group 2 Prix d'Harcourt at Longchamp (1m2f, heavy) on return, proving too strong late on for Horizon Dore; may have done too much when disputing lead as favourite for Group 1 Ganay later in April; needs to resume improvement.

20/1

12th
1 (11)
Alflaila

10/1

Form: /15-41 CD

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Unraced on ground softer than good; edged ahead close home over C&D last month, winning the York Stakes (Group 2) for a second time and taking form figures here to 2111; smart horse who looks an ideal International type, given his excellent record at this venue; enters calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

1

(11)

21st Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 1

15:35 York

Alflaila

9st 8lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: Owen Burrows

Unraced on ground softer than good; edged ahead close home over C&D last month, winning the York Stakes (Group 2) for a second time and taking form figures here to 2111; smart horse who looks an ideal International type, given his excellent record at this venue; enters calculations.

10/1

1st

2

(2)

27th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 1

15:15 York

Alflaila

9st 8lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: Owen Burrows

Has raced on only good or good to firm; won this on his 2023 reappearance and added to his solid record fresh when fourth (Royal Rhyme neck back in fifth) of ten to Auguste Rodin in the Prince Of Wales's at Royal Ascot last month; should go well in this race again.

9/4

4th

1

(2)

19th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 1f 212y

Class 1

16:25 Ascot

Alflaila

9st 2lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: Owen Burrows

Has raced on only good or good to firm; highly progressive in 2022 (bar a modest run at this meeting) and added a 1m2f Group 2 success at York last July; had only one other race as 4yo, when about 3l fifth of eight to Auguste Rodin in Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, in a detached last for most of the way but running on well; in each-way calculations.

8/1

200/1

Form: 156959

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Yet to win above Group 3 level; seemingly used as a pacemaker for higher-profile stablemates in Group 1 races of late and again looks poised to adopt that role; bottom of this pack on ratings and again likely to be swallowed up in the latter stages; wears first-time headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(6)

14th Sep 2024

Good

1m 2f 0y

15:25 Leopardstown

Hans Andersen

9st 9lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: A P O’Brien

in rear throughout

200/1

13th

4

(3)

21st Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 1

15:35 York

Hans Andersen

9st 8lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

Yet to win above Group 3 level; seemingly used as a pacemaker for higher-profile stablemates in Group 1 races of late and again looks poised to adopt that role; bottom of this pack on ratings and again likely to be swallowed up in the latter stages; wears first-time headgear.

200/1

9th

4

(5)

27th Jul 2024

Good

1m 3f 211y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Hans Andersen

9st 9lb

J: Sean Levey

T: A P O’Brien

Yet to win above Group 3 level; seemingly used as a pacemaker for higher-profile stablemates in Group 1 races of late and again looks poised to adopt that role; bottom of this pack on ratings and likely to be swallowed up in the latter stages.

100/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £13.10
Straight Forecast £8.65
Tricast £179.37
Trifecta £215.40

Selections

RP RATINGS:

City Of Troy

SPOTLIGHT:

Ambiente Friendly

Telegraph:

Calandagan

D Express:

Ghostwriter

TOPSPEED:

Bluestocking

NEWMARKET:

Ambiente Friendly

The Times:

Ambiente Friendly

The Star:

Ghostwriter

The Guardian:

Calandagan

Daily Record:

Calandagan

Daily Mail:

City Of Troy

Daily Mirror:

City Of Troy

The Sun:

City Of Troy

POSTDATA:

Bluestocking