Beylerbeyi heads to York after Ascot reserve spot comes to nothing
Trainer Ian Williams has confirmed Beylerbeyi will be aimed at Saturday’s Sky Bet Ebor at York, setting up a potential follow-up to the horse’s Cesarewitch success at Newmarket. The six-year-old’s rapid rise through the staying ranks means he will attempt a notable double if he lines up on the Knavesmire.
Beylerbeyi produced an eye-catching performance in the Cesarewitch, rallying from the rear of the field to prevail, and most recently finished only two lengths behind Valedictory in last month’s Betway Trophy on Newmarket’s July Course. That run left him just 1lb higher in the handicap for York, a mark Williams judged manageable for the 1m6f test in the Ebor.
Plans altered after Ascot opportunity
Williams had initially hoped to take Beylerbeyi to Ascot for the Shergar Cup, where he had been declared as a reserve for the Stayers contest. That option failed to materialise once the horse did not make the field, and connections switched focus to York instead.
The trainer indicated Beylerbeyi is in good order ahead of the big race, though he acknowledged the horse can be problematic if too fresh. With the Ebor looming, the team have aimed to strike the right balance in the run-up to Saturday.
Other entries and the declaration picture
Williams has several other entries for York but accepts the likelihood is that most will miss the cut. Real Dream sits close to the cusp and would require the withdrawal of three rivals at the declaration stage on Thursday to gain one of the 22 available places.
By contrast, Enemy and Dancing In Paris are further down the weights and appear unlikely to make the field from their current standings in the handicap. Williams described their chances as remote given the depth of the Ebor entry.
- Beylerbeyi: Cesarewitch winner, recent runner-up in the Betway Trophy
- Race distance: 1 mile 6 furlongs (Ebor)
- Weights: Beylerbeyi raised 1lb since the Betway Trophy
- Other entries: Real Dream, Enemy, Dancing In Paris (all seeking Ebor places)
What’s at stake
A victory in the Ebor would represent a significant achievement for Beylerbeyi and his connections. Completing the Cesarewitch–Ebor double would underline the horse’s effectiveness over extended distances and his ability to handle two of Britain’s most competitive staying handicaps within the same season.
For Williams, who had targeted Ascot earlier in the summer, the shift to York keeps the campaign on track and offers a chance to capitalise on the gelding’s current form. Whether the ground and race shape suit on the day will determine if Beylerbeyi can produce another late-closing effort in a typically large and unpredictable Ebor field.
Declaration day on Thursday will finalise the field for York, with the trainer’s hopes concentrated on Beylerbeyi and a slim possibility of Real Dream securing a late place should the numbers fall in his favour.
Either way, the contest promises to be a focal point of the flat staying programme this weekend as connections throughout Britain and Ireland look to land a coveted prize on one of the season’s biggest days.
