The Scout has named Constitution River as the pick to beat Ombudsman in the Group One Juddmonte International Stakes at York on Wednesday. The selection receives a 7lb weight-for-age allowance from his rival, who is rated 8lb superior for his title defence.
Juddmonte International Stakes
Aidan O'Brien's trainee Constitution River (3.35) is backed to overcome the John and Thady Gosden-trained Ombudsman. Ombudsman took the pace-setting ownermate Birr Castle last year and beat O'Brien's three-year-old Delacroix by three-and-a-half lengths. Ratings show the winner is at his peak with a rating of 132, but Constitution River is described as a special horse at ten furlongs and still developing.
He impressed with an excellent turn of foot in the Dee Stakes at Chester, overcame a wide draw in the French Derby, and received a glowing review from jockey Ryan Moore after the Eclipse at Sandown. With good gate speed, Constitution River can set a high tempo and draw the sting out of the more patiently-ridden Ombudsman.
Great Voltigeur Stakes
On the undercard, O'Brien's Pierre Bonnard (3.00) is also supported in the Group Two Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes. The son of Camelot has not shown the same spark as when winning the Group One Criterium de Saint-Cloud in France as a juvenile, but he rallied for third in the Irish Derby behind stablemates Benvenuto Cellini and Christmas Day. Now showing greater resolve, a bigger performance is expected, with Wayne Lordan aboard.
Other Selections
For Thursday's six-furlong Harry's Half Million By Goffs, Sun Goddess is not expected to travel, as she is an important filly for Ballydoyle and has had five races. The two that interest The Scout most are Innichen and Satellite Of Love (2.25), whose trainer Clive Cox annually targets this race. Satellite Of Love comes in after shrugging off a penalty at Newbury, with runner-up Agrippa boosting the form. With Rossa Ryan aboard, odds of 5-1 look good.
Lambourn (2.25) is 13-2 for the Lonsdale Cup, which has changed with the retirement of 2025 Ascot Gold Cup hero Trawlerman. The selection has done pacemaking duties but is solid at this level, as shown in Chester's Huxley Stakes in May. He could enjoy the step up to 2m½f as a strong stayer at 1m 4f.
Away from the feature fixture, Von Trotter (4.25) runs for Mick and David Easterby at Chepstow in Tuesday's Trade Centre UK Handicap. Rogue Exile should start favourite, but the northern raider is on the up after fending off pace pressure at Doncaster and can defy a 7lb rise to 67.
At Worcester's CopyBet Novices' Hurdle on Wednesday, Sean Bowen partners Newbrook Diamond for Gordon Elliott. Square D'Albori (6.38) is a younger hurdler receiving 4lb from both. A gelding who landed a Listed race on the Flat in 2024, he lost his way and returned with a problem in January. Trainer Dan Skelton has taken time, and a 151-day break and wind surgery have done the trick. Confidence has been gained in small events, and this formerly classy sort is one to stick with.
