Mattmu value in Duke Of York on first day of Dante meeting
Published:
David Metcalf | May 10, 2016
Mattmu has a grand chance in Duke Of York Stakes
Mattmu has a good record at York and looks decent each-way value in a cracking renewal of the Group 2 Duke Of York Stakes on the opening day of the prestigious Dante meeting at the Knavesmire (15.15).
The Tim Easterby trained colt was highly progressive as a juvenile when winning four times, and showed he could mix it at the highest level with some solid efforts last season.
After finishing a fine second to Glass Office on seasonal reappearance in a Group 2 over course and distance, Mattmu ran well on his next two starts before landing the Group 3 Phoenix Sprint Stakes at the Curragh in game fashion by a short-head from Toscanini.
The son of Indesatchel then posted a cracking effort when third of 19 to Mecca’s Angel in the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes over 5f at this venue, showing plenty of pace to chase the leader in a race run at a blistering gallop before sticking to the task well to be beaten four lengths.
Mattmu had the likes of top class sprinters Sole Power and Goldream in behind, and the form reads very well in the context of this contest.
Pleasing comeback run at Newmarket
Although Mattmu then ran below par when well-beaten on his final start in the Group 1 Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock, he showed that running to be all wrong when a fine third to Magical Memory in the Group 3 Abernant Stakes on return to action at Newmarket last month.
Mattmu travelled as well as anything throughout the 6f contest until being unable to quicken near the finish to be beaten just 1/2 a length.
It was a most pleasing comeback run, and although Mattmu has work to do to turn around the form with the winner the return to this venue is a big plus.
He has won and been placed twice in three runs at the track, and another plus is that Mattmu is versatile is regards ground.
Magical Memory a major player
Magical Memory showed a nice turn of foot to land the Abernant under Frankie Dettori and looks sure to run a huge race.
The Charlie Hills trained gelding was ultra-progressive last season in landing three hot handicaps in terrific style, including when beating Toofi by 3/4 of a length in the ultra-competitive 27-runner Stewards’ Cup at Goodwood to become the first three-year-old to win the race since 1997.
Magical Memory also ran well to finish a 3/4 length third to Twilight Son in a Group 1 at Haydock, and looks to have a good season ahead of him judged on his comeback success at Newmarket.
However, he has finished behind Twilight Son on the three occasions they have met.
Twilight Son a class act
Twilight Son has won five of his six starts, and ran a blinder in defeat when chasing home the brilliant Muhaarar in the Group 1 British Champion Stakes at Ascot when last seen in action.
The four-year-old has form in the book which sets the standard in this line-up, but has to shoulder a 5lb penalty for his Group 1 success and it will be no easy task giving weight to race fit rivals on his first run for over 200 days.
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