Maltese Cross shades Epsom form to take Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes
Maltese Cross enhanced his claims for later-season targets with a decisive display in the Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes at York, reversing Epsom form to assert himself among the leading staying prospects of the generation.
Powerful finish under Tom Marquand
Trained by William Haggas and ridden by Tom Marquand, the Sea The Stars colt produced a sustained run to overhaul the pacemaking Aidan O’Brien team and fend off a late challenge from Pierre Bonnard. Maltese Cross, carrying a 5lb penalty for his earlier success in the Grand Prix de Paris, finished clear of his nearest rival by around two lengths.
The race brought together a number of familiar names from the summer’s Classics, with Christmas Day – the Epsom Derby runner-up – also in the field. After the early tempo was set by Antigua, the pattern of the race changed as the leading contenders came together in the straight, where Maltese Cross travelled strongly and found extra when asked to press on.
Connections weigh up next steps
The result leaves Maltese Cross with several prominent options as the autumn festivals approach. Haggas publicly acknowledged the colt’s stamina and the significance of both the Betfred St Leger at Doncaster and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Paris as potential targets, emphasising that the decisions will be considered in the days ahead.
Connections noted two key variables that will inform their choice: the likely ground conditions at Chantilly, where softer going could be expected, and the forecast at Doncaster should the St Leger be pursued. Haggas described the performance at York as possibly the colt’s best to date and highlighted the merit of winning under a penalty.
Owner George Waud expressed confidence in the training team and anticipated that a clear plan would be reached shortly.
O’Brien runners still hold options
Aidan O’Brien reported encouragement from his runners in the race. Both Pierre Bonnard and Christmas Day were brought to York having had a break since the Irish Derby, with the stable satisfied that the outings would bring them on. O’Brien indicated that the St Leger remained a likely destination for his duo.
Implications for the autumn festivals
Maltese Cross’s victory will be read as a noteworthy piece of form for promoters of the autumn staying contests. The colt has now demonstrated form over a variety of middle-distance to staying trips, combining a strong late run in Paris with the stamina displayed at York, and a winning effort despite carrying a penalty.
For racegoers and festival planners, the win enriches the narrative heading into both Doncaster and Longchamp. If camped up against similar opposition later in the season, Maltese Cross will be regarded as a leading contender, although final declarations will turn on the ground and the owner and trainer’s preference between the national classic and the international showpiece.
Performance summary
- Race: Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes (Group Two), York
- Winner: Maltese Cross (Sea The Stars colt), trained by William Haggas, ridden by Tom Marquand
- Margin: approx. two lengths
- Notable runners: Pierre Bonnard; Christmas Day (Epsom Derby form)
- Relevance: Maintains potential entries for Betfred St Leger and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
The result reinforces the Great Voltigeur’s role as a pivotal late-summer trial for staying contests at the season’s major festivals, leaving the autumn calendar with an intriguing contender to follow.
