Klassleader
Klassleader was impressive in winning the 12-furlong handicap at York on Wednesday, coming from the rear in a race that was not run at a fast pace. Back in the field early on, he was asked for his effort early in the home straight by Tom Marquand and, moved towards the near side, he stayed on really powerfully, coming away from Sing Us A Song and Plage De Havre through the closing stages of the race to win nicely, with his field stretched out behind him.
This was not a strongly-run race, as evidenced by the winner's finishing speed of over 106% of overall speed. Tenth of the 10 runners on the run to the end of the back straight, he had to pass eight of his nine rivals in the home straight, and he did so with at least a little in hand. He ran the final furlong in 12.7secs, the only horse in the race to go under 13secs. Unraced as a juvenile, William Haggas' horse was progressive last year as a three-year-old. This was his first run at four and just his fifth run ever, so he has buckets of scope for further progression. The handicapper raised him by 9lb? to a mark of 99? but that is a mark that may still under-rate him. He holds an entry in the Northumberland Plate, but he also holds an entry in the Ebor, and his trainer said afterwards that there was a chance that he could go straight there, back at York in August. He will be of big interest wherever he goes now.
York, 13th May 2026
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