Sir Mark's Pallasator makes debut for Qatar Racing in Ebor
Patiently trained by Sir Mark Prescott (pictured), the five-year-old has run just eight times, but has won four and was impressive when landing a handicap over 12 furlongs at Ascot last month - he was subsequently bought privately to join the Qatar Racing fold. Jockey Luke Morris knows the horse well and retains the ride despite the change in ownership, but he has to overcome a draw in stall 22 if he is to steer the horse to victory.
Speaking on Channel 4 Racing's Morning Line, Sir Mark admitted he would have preferred a lower draw, but pointed out that in recent times horses have won at York from the outside stall.
Qatar Racing's Trade Storm, trained by David Simcock, also runs at York and will line up in the opening Gr.3 Strensall Stakes (14.05) under Jamie Spencer. A close second in a conditions race on his latest start, Trade Storm faces tough competition from Farraaj, who won the John Smith's Cup at York last month.
Spencer also rides the Simcock-trained Captain Morley in the Melrose Handicap (14.40), his first run since finishing third at Royal Ascot, and partners Mind Of Madness in the Listed Julia Graves Roses Stakes (16.25). The David Brown-trained Mind Of Madness is one of two Qatar Racing runners in the contest, the other being Cool Strutter, the mount of Andrea Atzeni, who will replace the retiring Spencer as first jockey to the team in 2015.
Racing at York yesterday included one of Europe's premier sprint races, the Gr.1 Nunthorpe Stakes, in which Extortionist put up a terrific performance to finish a very close third to favourite Sole Power. Brilliantly handled by trainer Olly Stevens and the team at Robins Farm Racing, Extortionist, who races in the colours of Sheikh Suhaim, is on course to become Europe's leading three-year-old sprinter.
Qatar Racing horses in action tomorrow include Secret Gesture (who is owned in partnership with Newsells Park Stud), a runner in Deauville's Gr.1 Prix Jean Romanet, and Beach Belle, who tackles the Gr.2 Debutante Stakes at the Curragh. Also at that meeting will be Magnolia Beach, who runs in the Gr.3 Royal Whip Stakes.
PICTURE: Laurence Squire