Sea Just In Time could reaffirm her quality as she aims to give William Haggas back-to-back wins in the British EBF & Sir Henry Cecil Galtres Stakes at York on Thursday.
Last year, Haggas’s Sea Theme triumphed in this race before heading to the Yorkshire Oaks. This year, Sea Just In Time, who recently returned to form with a win at Kempton, is expected to be a strong contender. She impressed on her debut at Newmarket but didn’t quite show her best in the Listed company on her second start.
Haggas commented, “She seems absolutely fine, though she takes her racing quite hard. She didn’t run her race at Goodwood, but her debut at Newmarket was promising, and she looked good at Kempton. She’s a well-bred filly, not very big but genuine, and while we’re still figuring out her potential, she’s quite useful.”
In the Harry’s Half Million By Goffs Premier Yearling Stakes, Irish raider Arizona Blaze is considered a strong contender. Adrian Murray’s son of Sergei Prokofiev has been consistent in Group races this season, with a notable third in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Murray said, “He’s in great shape and has a solid chance. He’s been very consistent and tough, showing no signs of fatigue. We hope for a good run and some prize money.”
Richard Hannon, a five-time winner of this race in the past decade, enters An Outlaw’s Grace, who has been performing well recently. Maw Lam, with Adrian Nicholls and Hollie Doyle, also stands out. She was third behind Leovanni at Royal Ascot and narrowly lost in a Listed race in France. Nicholls is hopeful for a win on home turf.