Analysis and key quotes as Telecaster returns to scene of biggest victory

2.40 York
Sky Bet York Stakes (Group 2) | 1m2½f | 3yo+ | ITV/RTV

The Sky Bet York Stakes is a reliable Group 2 that has a solid record of producing subsequent Group 1 performers, more than might be expected given it takes place on the same day as the King George.

Three of the last ten winners went on to take a Group 1 in the 12 months following their win, and the last two winners were placed in the Juddmonte International on their next start. Elarqam was not beaten far in a messy International last year and did not have the clearest of runs, but it would be incongruous with the rest of his record to suggest he is a true Group 1 horse.

He more likely falls between the two highest levels and, given he is trained by Mark Johnston, it is a little surprising he has not been sent outside of Britain and Ireland in search of a Group 1 win. It might be something to do with what appears to be a clear affinity with York.

Only one of Elarqam's subsequent three runs has got within 5lb of his two runs over this course and distance last summer. It is interesting that it was in last month's Brigadier Gerard at Haydock, when he was beaten a short head by Lord North.

There are two ways to view that race: either it is worthy of an upgrade given what the winner and third did next time, or it was a pipe-opener for all concerned and should be treated with caution.

Suspicion is the latter, given the strides Lord North made in the Prince of Wales's and the recovery mission Telecaster has been on. The latter has since won a Group 3 in France, but his only improvement was whatever value he was extra for, having been eased down.

Telecaster's course and distance win was in last year's Dante. The emphasis was on speed that day and to beat Too Darn Hot on those terms could be taken as a sign of untapped potential. This might be the first time since then that he is truly ready to show it and there are few excuses if he cannot better it now, especially as an uncontested lead looks to be there for the taking.

There are two Group 1 winners in the field. Lord Glitters maybe just stays this far, but more pertinently is seven now and looks to be past his very best. More interesting is Aspetar, who won his Group 1 in the Preis von Europa during more than a year spent campaigning on the continent.

His British form is actually at least as good, as shown when second at Sandown last time, it is the opportunities that are better in Germany and France. He also avoids a penalty for his top-level win.

Race analysis by betting editor Keith Melrose

Morrison hoping York decision works out for Telecaster

Home or away? That was the decision facing Telecaster's trainer Hughie Morrison, who has plumped for the Group 2 York Stakes over Sunday's Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh.

But there is no home banker for a trainer deterred by going to Ireland by the Covid-19 travel complications, as it looks one of the strongest runnings in 14 years of York Stakes history.

The last time Telecaster ran on the Knavesmire though, he produced something special in the Dante to beat Too Darn Hot by a length, with King George second-favourite Japan back in fourth.

The Castle Down Racing-owned colt failed to sparkle again at three, but has fared much better in two starts this season.

"Ireland was going to be very difficult to do in a responsible way so we've decided to go to York for what is a very tight Group 2," said Morrison.

"People have taken horses over to Ireland but I don't think there's been a runner in a Group 1 yet and I couldn't forgive myself if something happened and we weren't there looking after him."

Telecaster, who got back to winning ways at Longchamp last month, needs to turn around form with last year's winner Elarqam, who he finished a place behind when third in the Brigadier Gerard run at Haydock on his comeback.

"Everything was set up for him in France and it was a nice Group 3 against probably not the strongest opposition," said Morrison.

"We're sixth best on official ratings and he's got to improve, but he acted on the track last year when winning the Dante and will hopefully do so again. We're going there to win and then progress up to Group 1 level."

What they say

Roger Charlton, trainer of Aspetar
I was pleased with his comeback run but he just got tired in the closing stages so he should come on for it. He goes up there in good form. It looks competitive but we're hoping for a good run.

Angus Gold, racing manager to Hamdan Al Maktoum, owner of Elarqam
He won the race well last year, beating a decent horse [Addeybb], and then ran a very good race in the International when we thought he was unlucky. He didn't seem to be at his best at Ascot last time and never looked like winning at any stage, but he likes York and hopefully we can get him back on track.

Alastair Donald, racing manager to King Power Racing, owners of Fox Chairman
He has taken a couple of runs to get fit this season. We were pleased with his last run and it should put him spot on for this. It's a strong race but the track will suit him and there's rain around, so we should see him at his best.

King Of Comedy: 'We expect this trip of a mile and a quarter to suit him better,' said trainer John GosdenCredit: Edward Whitaker

John Gosden, trainer of King Of Comedy
They've had a bit of rain up there which will suit him and he ran a nice comeback race at Newbury. We expect this trip of a mile and a quarter to suit him better.

David O'Meara, trainer of Lord Glitters
We were pleased with his first run back in the Summer Mile and he'll improve for it. I expect the ground and trip to be absolutely fine for him.

Chris Richardson, racing manager to Cheveley Park Stud, owners of Regal Reality
He came out of his last race well and the trip will suit him. He's taken to being gelded well and his mind is a lot more focused. It looks like he's going to be progressive and hopefully we'll see an improvement. Hollie Doyle will ride him for the first time and she's a very good jockey.

Reporting by Andrew Dietz

Read more race previews:

King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes: John Gosden on Enable's Ascot bid

Graeme Rodway thinks an unexposed three-year-old can defeat older rivals at York

Progressive Twaasol out to strengthen Classic claims in Pat Eddery Stakes

Can Osborne strike again? Analysis and insight for a tricky International Stakes

Subscribe to Members' Club Ultimate and watch unlimited video replays of every UK and Irish race. For more information visit racingpost.com/members-club