Jamie Spencer enthusiastic about chance of a winner at York

The Coral-Eclipse went as I expected. I knew I would have to lead or just get a lead and that’s how it played out. The race went smoothly. There wasn’t much pace for the first five furlongs and then I pressed Frankie from the half mile pole and it was only really in the last 100 yards that Golden Horn was able to get away from me. The big thing for me was the amount of weight The Grey Gatsby gave away to the winner. 11lbs is a huge amount of weight and it was always going to be difficult. When you saw them both in the paddock you wouldn’t have known Golden Horn was a year younger.

It was a great race and you couldn’t have asked for any more from either horse. Golden Horse is a very relaxed horse so you’re never really going to get a handle on how good he is, whereas a horse like Frankel was full of energy and gave his all every time. Golden Horn takes it all in his stride and stays very relaxed. He’s right up there with the likes of Sea The Stars at this stage. Hopefully my horse will have a nice break now and come back for The Juddmonte and hopefully have his day in the sun at York.

I ride Top Of The Bank at York today in the 1.45pm and he ran well at Doncaster first time out where he was a bit green. He then went to Haydock where the ground was too soft for him. It should be good ground for him tomorrow. He looks to have a great chance. He has the form. Ajaya ran in the Norfolk last time out so is a danger. I think my horse has a good chance.

I’m on Lucky Kristale in the 2.55pm. She won the Lowther on her last visit to the track so she knows she acts there. I rode her at Windsor two starts ago and she ran really well there behind Tropics. Kiyoshi and Interception look tough opponents. It’s a warm enough race but she has an each way chance.

I’ve ridden Curbyourenthusiasm, my mount in the 3.25pm, twice and won on him twice. I thought the handicapper was a bit unkind to him giving him a 9lb rise for his last win. I thought it would be enough to stop him. But I rode him at work on Wednesday and he seems to have taken a big step forward. He’s a huge grey horse, son of Mastercratfsman and they generally improve. If I hadn’t ridden him on Wednesday I would have said this race was too tough with the 9lb rise but after riding him I think he’s got a great chance. I thought Mighty Yar was the danger but I wouldn’t swap my fellow for anything as he’s lightly raced.

It’s a watching brief with Kiwayu in the 4.35pm as he’s new to Kevin Ryan’s yard. He’s only had him a few months, he’s had plenty of time off and he’s drawn outside so best just to watch him.