Three-year-old winners of the Duke Of York Blue Square Stakes are not seen very often, but connections of Showcasing have not been put off challenging for the contest on the opening day of the York meeting.
The colt's last visit to the Knavesmire earned rave reviews as he took the Gimcrack Stakes, while the only other time he was seen was when a close third to Awzaan in the Middle Park.
John Gosden gave him a softer entry in the Carnarvon Stakes at Newbury this week, but he takes the plunge into Group Two company instead and is the only member of the field from the Classic generation, which has been successful only twice against the older horses since 1982.
Owner Khalid Abdullah's racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe said: "He may need the race. I'm always nervous when I say that in case he then goes and wins, but he will come on from a run.
"We think a lot of him, and as a son of Oasis Dream we think it's important he is competing in the best races."
The owner's silks will also be carried by Main Aim, whose best effort was when second in last season's July Cup.
Trainer Sir Michael Stoute said: "It has always been the plan to start Main Aim off in the Duke Of York.
"He ran a creditable fourth in last year's Queen Anne on ground that was quicker than ideal for him. Six, seven or eight furlongs - he has proven he is effective at all those trips.
"He is effective on good, fast ground, but when there is moisture in the ground it suits him more."
Posts
