Ombudsman (15:35 York — Juddmonte International Stakes, Group 1, 1m 2½f)
The race of the week and one of the most prestigious middle-distance contests in the European calendar. Ombudsman, trained by John and Thady Gosden for Godolphin and ridden by William Buick, is the defending champion and the outstanding horse in the field. Nine wins from twelve starts, a 100% record at this course and distance, and a devastating 4-length victory in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot in June — this is a horse at the very peak of his powers.
Buick has ridden him to seven of those nine wins and knows him better than anyone. Good ground at York is ideal, the 1m 2½f trip is his optimum, and at 5/4 the market has him bang right. Constitution River for Aidan O’Brien at 6/4 is the only horse with the profile to give him a race — five wins from six starts and unbeaten at this trip — but Ombudsman has the weight of form, experience and class on his side.
Verdict: Back to win — defending champion, course specialist, Buick, Gosden, and the best 10f horse in training. The one to be on. 🏇
