Juddemonte International Stakes: Preview, Picks, and Verdict
The Juddemonte International Stakes once again stands out as the most important race of the Ebor Festival, especially with Thursday’s Yorkshire Oaks featuring a heavy odds-on favourite and Friday’s Nunthorpe Stakes lacking a clear standout sprinter. All eyes will therefore be on today’s centerpiece, which has shaped up to be the most competitive race of the week. Eclipse winner Delacroix and close runner-up Ombudsman dominate the betting and renew their rivalry after being separated by only a neck at Sandown.
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Can Delacroix Confirm His Eclipse Form?
Many believe Delacroix should be clear favourite today. In the Eclipse, he came from well off the pace, endured traffic problems, and still managed to flash home with a blistering final furlong. That performance suggested he has a serious turn of foot over this distance. The concerns, however, are legitimate. He disappointed badly in the Derby over 12 furlongs and has also run twice at Leopardstown this season in races that were not as impressive as they looked on paper. His short stride and quick stride rate hint he might be better suited to a mile rather than extended middle distances.
Ombudsman’s Reliability Makes Him Appealing
Ombudsman’s profile is more straightforward. He returned with a solid second to Almaqam before producing a big effort in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot, where he benefited from sitting off a strong early pace. If the tempo is strong again here, he has the versatility and tactical speed to take advantage. It would be no surprise if the market turns in his favour before the off.
Danger Lurking in the Field
See The Fire is a fanatic for the Knavesmire and could produce something special on a track she loves. Danon Decile is a top-class Japanese runner who will relish the fast ground, although this trip may be slightly short of his absolute optimum. The most interesting dark horse is Daryz, who is lightly raced and improving with every start. His times suggest there is more to come once he gets a true pace and quicker surface, which he will get here.
Pace Could Be the Decider
The key to this race may lie with pacemaker Birr Castle. If he injects real pace, Danon Decile and Daryz could surprise at bigger prices. But if the race is run steadily again, Delacroix and Ombudsman look set to fight out the finish just as they did in the Eclipse. With everything considered, Daryz is the one most likely to spring a surprise if the pace is truly honest.
