Aragon Castle

Noted here after he finished fifth in a 10-furlong handicap at Glorious Goodwood, when he stumbled at the start, Aragon Castle is worthy of note again now after he ran a fine race to finish sixth in the one-mile Clipper Logistics Handicap at York on Thursday. Andrew Balding’s horse came from mid-division from his stall 10 and racing towards the near side in the home straight, in a race that was dominated by the horses who raced handily from low draws, and who raced towards the far side in the home straight. The five horses who finished in front of him were all drawn eight or lower, and they were all to his left as they raced up the home straight. Also, the winner made all the running, and the first three home occupied three of the first seven places passing the three-furlong pole.

Andrew Balding’s horse is effective over a mile, but he stayed 10 furlongs well at Goodwood, and he will be of greatest interest when he steps back up to that trip. He is unexposed over that distance. Also, he was well beaten when sent off as favourite for a nursery at last year’s Ebor meeting on his only prior run on fast ground at York. He goes well at Goodwood, so he will be of particular interest if and when he goes back there, but he will be of interest wherever he goes next. There could be a good handicap in him off this mark of 92.

York, 22^nd August 2024