Cover Up
Time For Sandals was obviously unlucky not to get closer than she did in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York on Friday, but she has been spotted by many, and there is a chance that she will be over-bet next time. Cover Up didn't have much luck in-running in the race either, but his run seems to have gone largely under the radar. Back in the field early on under William Buick from his high draw, he was just starting to get rolling down the near side when he was squeezed out of it at the furlong market. He finished off his race well once in the clear, and his rider wasn't overly hard on him once his winning chance had gone. He left the impression that he was finishing with plenty of energy left.
It never really looked likely that York would be ideal for the Crisfords' horse, a horse who likes to be dropped in and delivered late. That is how he was ridden when he won the Group 2 Sapphire Stakes at The Curragh on Irish Oaks weekend. Of course, he will always be a hostage to luck in-running, and he had none in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot when, if he had had a cleaner run through the race, he might have gone very close to winning. He will be of interest now when he goes back to The Curragh or Ascot. Five furlongs is his trip, a fast pace over five furlongs is ideal and, as such, he will be of interest if he takes his chance in the Flying Five at The Curragh at the Irish Champions' Festival.
York, 21st August 2026
Back