Daiquiri bids to keep rivals at Bay in Ebor

Daiquiri Bay will bid to make it a hat-trick of wins for the season when making his return to York on Saturday to contest the Sky Bet Ebor Handicap.

It has been a case of so far, so good for the son of New Bay, who followed up his victory at Newmarket on his return to action in the Copper Horse Stakes at Royal Ascot last time out.

Twelve months ago Daiquiri Bay had to settle for third after failing to quite see out the one-mile-six-furlong trip over course and distance in the Sky Bet Melrose Handicap.

But having excelled over that distance last time out at the Royal meeting, Alan is confident of another bold show from the improving four-year-old, who holds an entry in the Group One Qatar British Champions Long Distance Cup at Ascot later in the season.

Alan said: “Preparations have gone very well, and we have had a very smooth run. He has had a break after Royal Ascot, which was always the plan, and I’m happy with him.

“I would certainly hope that Daiquiri Bay would appreciate the rain. I don’t think there will be any excuse on that front as I think it will suit Daiquiri Bay.

“He was third in the Melrose last year. This time last year Rossa (Ryan) wasn’t convinced he got the trip, but that shouldn’t be an issue now he is a year older, and he obviously got the trip well at Ascot. He is physically a lot stronger than he was this time last year.

“I don’t think we can argue for what the handicapper did after Ascot, but only time will tell. We are happy with him and looking forward to the race.

“Salsalino was favourite for the race a few years ago, and he finished third, whereas some of the others I’ve run in the race recently have been older horses that have been a bit more exposed.

“He is one that there might be more to come, but he will need to improve again I would have thought. He is probably still on the up, which is the main thing.”

Joining Daiquiri Bay on the Knavesmire will be stablemate Paradias, who will drop in both trip, and class, having contested the Listed Coral Marathon at Sandown Park over two miles last month.

Alan added: “It was always the plan to give him a break after Sandown Park and head for the Ebor. I think he will be okay on the slower ground as he certainly used to go on it.

“This last while he seems to have loved quick ground so we will see how he gets on, but we will roll the dice.