Duke of York Stakes: Timeform's runner-by-runner guide

Who will win the Duke of York Stakes?

Timeform provide a runner-by-runner guide to a competitive renewal of the Duke of York Stakes...

Gordon Lord Byron progressed really well last year, his best efforts when second in the Haydock Sprint Cup before winning the Group 1 Prix de la Foret at Longchamp. Latest run best forgiven and respected.

Society Rock made up for a luckless run in Golden Jubilee when beating Gordon Lord Byron in Haydock Sprint Cup. Not so good at Ascot final start but close third in this on return last year. 

Maarek was much improved last year, winning 5 times, including Group 2 British Champions Sprint at Ascot. Set for another profitable campaign after making winning return at Naas though probably wants rain.
         
Bogart won 3 times as a 2-y-o. Form tailed off last term after putting up smart effort to finish fourth in this event 12 months ago, and no signs of return to best both starts this year. 
        
Face The Problem was progressive for this yard in 2012, producing a smart effort when winning competitive Haydock handicap in September. Not seen to best effect at Chester on return but improvement required.

Hawkeyethenoo is a strong traveller who can list wins in 2011 Victoria Cup and 2012 Stewards' Cup on CV. Has winning C&D form and should benefit from return last month.

Jack Dexter developed into a smart performer last year, and further improvement when landing listed event at Doncaster on return. Latest run may have come too soon and worth a try at this level.   
  
Jimmy Styles is an admirable front-runner who showed he's as good as ever with victory in Deauville Group 3 last August. Good second in Group 3 at Newmarket on return though looks vulnerable at this level. 
   
Lethal Force has generally been progressive since opening account at Bath, making all in change of headgear in Hungerford Stakes at Newbury. Interesting now he's dropping back in trip on return.

Sirius Prospect was progressive in 2011, winning 5 times. Patchy form last year but still produced plenty of smart performaces in defeat. Doesn't look up to this level, though.

Swiss Spirit was generally progressive for David Elsworth, narrowly winning Group 3 (5f) at Newbury in September. May have more to offer for new yard, though feeling is that 5f is his optimum trip. 
  
The Cheka won a Doncaster listed event on reappearance last term and went on to finish placed 4 times in pattern company, including second in July Cup. Took little interest on return, though.  

Tiddliwinks was third in this in 2011 before running out an impressive winner here 12 months later. Added Group 3 at the Curragh after but below form since. Still can't dismiss given record in this race.     
  
Angels Will Fall won a 5f listed race at Ayr in June but found wanting in Group races in 5 of next 6 starts, including both starts this year

Ladies Are Forever won the Group 3 Summer Stakes over C&D in 2011 and has been in good form on AW of late, winning a couple of listed races at Lingfield. No surprise to see her go well given current mood.

Mince is a most progressive filly, landing C&D listed event in great style in September before showing good attitude to complete 4-timer in Group 3 at Ascot following month. The one to beat.       
    
Tickled Pink is a lightly-raced filly who left previous form well behind when making all in Group 3 at Newmarket on return. Almost certainly has more to offer.

Royal Rascal's 3 wins have come over C&D, winning maiden and nursery last summer before improving again to land heavy-ground listed event on final start. Facing stiff task on return, though.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Mince
2. Tickled Pink
3. Ladies Are Forever

Timeform's View: Tiddliwinks, The Cheka, Society Rock and Bogart filled the first 4 places in this event 12 months ago, but this year's renewal looks a lot stronger and an entirely different result looks on the cards, with thriving fillies Mince, Tickled Pink and Ladies Are Forever high on the shortlist, the first named getting vote.     

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