The Lion In Winter Dominates in Tattersalls Acomb Stakes Showdown

The Lion In Winter stamped his authority on the Tattersalls Acomb Stakes at York, outclassing a talented field to emerge as a leading contender for next year’s Classics. Aidan O’Brien’s colt, a son of Sea The Stars, was unfazed by his step up in competition, producing a powerful performance that saw him break the track record and solidify his position as one of the most exciting two-year-olds in training.

Heading into the race, all eyes were on Charlie Appleby’s Ruling Court, who was the even-money favorite following his impressive debut at Sandown. However, it was The Lion In Winter who roared loudest on the Knavesmire, taking control early under Ryan Moore and refusing to relinquish the lead.

Ruling Court was settled in mid-division by William Buick, with Moore content to keep The Lion In Winter at the head of affairs alongside Hugo Palmer’s The Waco Kid. As the race unfolded, Buick asked his mount to make a move in the final quarter-mile, but The Lion In Winter had more to give, quickening clear in the final stages. The 2-1 second favorite crossed the line with a length and three-quarters to spare, leaving his rivals in his wake.

While Ruling Court ultimately faded and finished third, it was James Owen’s Wimbledon Hawkeye who sprung a surprise, claiming second at 22-1, outpacing the favorite in the closing stages. The result capped a commanding display from The Lion In Winter, who now heads the market for the 2024 2000 Guineas at 8-1 with Paddy Power, who also made him the 6-1 favorite for the Derby.

Aidan O’Brien expressed his delight after the race, emphasizing the colt’s straightforward nature and high potential. “He won very well last time, and people gave him a high rating, so we knew we had something special,” said O’Brien. “He’s always been a lovely, uncomplicated horse. Ryan didn’t even need to touch him with the stick, and he broke the track record, which shows what a smart colt he is.”

O’Brien confirmed that the Goffs Million remains the primary target for The Lion In Winter, although he acknowledged that his options are open given the colt’s rapid development. “We came here for experience, knowing that York can be a sharp track, but he handled it perfectly,” he added. “He’s the only Sea The Stars we have, and everything he’s doing at the moment is impressive. He’ll have no problem staying a mile and further next year.”

James Owen was thrilled with the performance of Wimbledon Hawkeye, who outran expectations to finish second. “He’s run a great race, and I think we’ll definitely step him up to a mile. He’s a mile-and-a-quarter horse for me all over,” Owen commented. “Coming into the first three was our goal, and I’m over the moon with how he performed.”

Meanwhile, Alex Merriam, Appleby’s assistant trainer, admitted that Ruling Court’s performance fell short of expectations. “On the face of it, it’s disappointing. He looked like he traveled into it nicely but just flattened out,” Merriam said. “It might be that we were beaten by a better horse today. The first three pulled clear, so while it’s disappointing, we’ll have to see how he progresses from here.”

In a race billed as a clash between two potential stars, The Lion In Winter not only rose to the occasion but exceeded expectations, cementing his status as one to watch in the coming months. With the Goffs Million and possibly more Group races on the horizon, this colt could have a significant say in the Classics next season.