Quickthorn

19th-Aug-2022

It is a shame that Stradivarius has been ruled out of the Lonsdale Cup.  Hopefully Trueshan will run now – a decision will reportedly be made after the first race – because, if he doesn’t, there will be another collapse in the market and/or Rule 4 deduction.

Either way, I think that it is worth backing Quickthorn now.  Hughie Morrison’s horse has 13lb to find with Trueshan, who beat him well at Nottingham in April, but he is an improving stayer, and there is every chance that he can improve again today.

Quickthorn has run three times since his Nottingham run, he was only just beaten by Princess Zoe in the Sagaro Stakes, when he had to challenge widest of all, and he has won his next two, making all on both occasions.  He was game in winning the Henry II Stakes at Sandown at the end of May, and he stayed on well last time to win a Group 2 race at Longchamp over a mile and six furlongs.

The step back up to two miles today should suit him well, as should the return to York.  He ran a big race in the Ebor at this meeting last year, going down by just a head to Sonnyboyliston.  I wouldn’t mind seeing Tom Marquand get out in front early and dictate from there.  He knows the horse well, his record on him reads 13211, and there is every chance that that record will be enhanced today.

Of course, if Trueshan comes out there will be a significant Rule 4 deduction, but the bet is still worth having.

QUICKTHORN WON (ADV 7/1 [R4], SP 9/4)