Ruling Court Puts Classic Hopes on the Line in Tattersalls Acomb Stakes Showdown

All eyes will be on York this Wednesday as Ruling Court, the early ante-post favorite for both the 2025 2000 Guineas and Derby, seeks to affirm his lofty reputation in the Tattersalls Acomb Stakes. Trained by Charlie Appleby for Godolphin, the €2.3 million Justify colt turned heads with a devastating debut victory at Sandown, where he surged home by over five lengths. Now, he faces his sternest test yet in what promises to be a fiercely competitive renewal of the Group Three contest.

The Acomb Stakes has attracted a larger field this year following a change in race conditions, with 11 talented juveniles lining up. Among them is Ruling Court’s chief rival in the Derby market, The Lion In Winter, representing Aidan O’Brien’s powerful Ballydoyle stable. The stage is set for a clash between two of the most exciting prospects in Europe as they stake their claims for future Classic glory.

Appleby is quietly confident in his charge’s ability to handle the step up in class and the demands of York’s long, galloping track.

“We were obviously delighted with Ruling Court’s performance at Sandown, and he has definitely progressed since that run,” Appleby said. “York’s track should suit him well, and while this is a more competitive race than in previous years, he has done everything right at home. If he brings the improvement we’ve seen in his work, we expect him to be very competitive.”

Godolphin’s retained jockey William Buick partners Ruling Court once more and is eager to see how the colt handles the pressure in what looks like a high-quality field.

“He’s in top form and I’m excited to get back on him,” Buick commented. “He couldn’t have done any more first time out, and now we’ll see if he can take that next step. It’s a competitive race, but he gave me a great feel at Sandown, so we’re hopeful he can build on that.”

While Ruling Court arrives with high expectations, Ballydoyle’s The Lion In Winter poses a formidable challenge. The son of Camelot showed his class when winning on debut at the Curragh, defeating a more fancied stablemate in the process. His trainer Aidan O’Brien believes the colt is ready to step up again and gain valuable experience ahead of a potential tilt at the Goffs Million later this year.

“He made a strong impression first time out, and this race should bring him on nicely,” O’Brien explained. “York’s track will be a good learning curve for him. We’re looking at the Goffs Million as a target, and this run fits well into those plans.”

Further bolstering The Lion In Winter’s credentials is the form boost provided by Ides Of War, who was third behind him at the Curragh before returning to win impressively on his next start.

Meanwhile, Raphael Freire’s Diablo Rojo, owned by Amo Racing, heads to York after a scintillating debut victory at Redcar. Stepping up significantly in grade, the colt has impressed connections with his potential and could be a surprise package in this competitive field.

“Diablo Rojo showed real quality at Redcar,” said jockey David Egan. “He’s come on since that run, and we’re optimistic he can give a strong account of himself in what is a tough race.”

Adding further depth to the field are the promising Andrew Balding-trained Jouncy and Ralph Beckett’s Mr Chaplin. Jouncy broke his maiden at Goodwood and steps up in distance for this race, while Mr Chaplin, who bested Jouncy earlier in the season, recently secured his second win on the Sussex Downs and looks ready for this higher grade.

Rossa Ryan, who takes the ride on Mr Chaplin, is confident his mount can rise to the occasion.

“He was impressive at Goodwood, especially given how late he got a clear run,” Ryan said. “He’s in great form, and everyone at home is pleased with him. This is the right time to step up, and we’re hopeful he can make his presence felt.”

As the contenders line up for what could be a defining race for next year’s Classic hopefuls, the spotlight remains firmly on Ruling Court. If he can deliver another dominant performance at York, the buzz around this exciting colt will only grow as he continues his journey toward potential stardom.