Majestic

Majestic did well to get as close as he did in the 10-and-a-half-furlong handicap at York on Friday. He was slowly away from stall 10 and he was checked a little on leaving the stalls, with the result that he was last of the 13 runners through the early stages of the race. Still last as they turned for home, he made good ground on the far side early in the home straight. He moved up nicely two furlongs out, and he picked up well when he came under a ride on the run to the furlong pole. He shaped as if he was going to be involved in the finish as they raced inside the final 200 yards, but his run just flattened out from there, and he only kept on to finish fourth.

It was still a big run by Jack Channon’s horse. It was a race in which the pace held up well, Marie’s Diamond led from early and almost lasted in front all the way, while the other four horses who, with Majestic, made up the first five places, all raced in midfield or better from early. Majestic had to make his ground from a long way back, and towards the far side, probably not on the fastest part of the track. He was progressive last season, he won two of his last six races last season and finished second in three of the other four, his season culminating in victory in the Cambridgeshire at Newmarket in October. He ran well on his debut this season too in finishing fourth in the Lincoln, and he put a poor run in a handicap at Newmarket behind him here. Nine furlongs is probably his absolute optimum trip, but a fast-run stiff mile probably suits him better than 10 or 10 and a half furlongs. The Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot could be an interesting target for him now, but he will be of interest wherever he goes next.
York, 19^th May 2023