It is 34 years since Thatching was the last Irish-trained winner of today’s Duke Of York Stakes but both Gordon Lord Byron and Maarek will try to bridge that gap in the Group Two sprint.
Gordon Lord Byron, winner of last year’s Group One Prix la Foret, will be ridden by Ryan Moore for the first time and shares topweight with the other top-flight winner in the race, Society Rock.
Trainer Tom Hogan ran his stable star on a synthetic surface in Dubai in March but said yesterday: “It’s good to get him back on grass again. Hopefully we won’t get too much rain. It’s a tough task. He has to carry a Group One penalty. We’re playing with the big boys now.”
Maarek skipped a Group Three option at Longchamp on Sunday due to ground conditions and trainer David Nagle has opted for another former British champion jockey in Paul Hanagan for this task.
Unlike Hogan, Nagle is hoping for some wet weather on the Knavesmire and explained: “The forecast is meant to be pretty bad. I’m the only one who hopes it comes.
“As long as there’s no firm in the ground he’ll be okay. He’s in super form. The only snag is we need some rain.”
Mince, winner of her final four starts last season, is likely to figure among the market leaders for the Group Two feature.
