Is there another Winter Power in this Listed sprint for three-year-olds?

British Stallion Studs EBF Westow Stakes (Listed) | 5f | 3yo | ITV4/RTV

The Westow Stakes owes its Listed status to the changes made in the Pattern for three-year-old sprinters in 2015, which most significantly included the minting of the Commonwealth Cup. Unlike that race, it took the Westow a few years to catch fire but last year's winner Winter Power proved something of a breakthrough as she came back to York less than four months later to win the Nunthorpe.

Winter Power's winning performance in 2021 was 8lb better than anything else in the race's short history. Something in the low-mid 110s would be a more realistic level to expect this year, but that might still put one of these three-year-olds into Commonwealth Cup or Nunthorpe contention.

A couple of these went the spring maiden-Royal Ascot route last year. In the case of Project Dante, he won at this very meeting before finishing third in the Norfolk Stakes. Things did not go quite right afterwards, but it is possible everything was put into that early-season campaign and a break might have done him good.

There are other significant performances last year to pick out from these runners, such as Khunan's second in the Richmond, Guilded's third in the Cornwallis, Boonie's thirds in the Windsor Castle and Molecomb and Last Crusader's second to Chipotle in Redcar's Two-Year-Old Trophy.

The difficulty with high-achieving juveniles, especially those who ran in sprints, is separating those that will go on from the early types. In the absence of further evidence, such as physical scope, it is probably better to err on the side of potential over ability and the market is doing just that with King Of Bavaria.

Admittedly, his connections will be creating a lot of the attraction, but he is notably speedily bred for an Aidan O'Brien horse and he went unbeaten at two, including a convincing nursery win off 95 at Naas.

He seemed in need of the run last time at Navan and would certainly be the most exciting of these. The question is whether he can bring form over further at those stiffer tracks to York's flying five furlongs. If he can, he will deserve to be in the Commonwealth Cup reckoning.
Race analysis by betting editor Keith Melrose

O'Brien to be king?

Aidan O’Brien bids to win the three-year-old only sprint for the first time with King Of Bavaria four years after his last runner in the race Declarationofpeace finished stone last behind Main Desire.

King Of Bavaria, who finished fourth behind stablemate New York City on his return at this level at Navan last month, could enter calculations for the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot, for which he is currently a 33-1 chance, if he wins.

Aidan O'Brien: looking to continue his terrific record in Britain this year with King Of BavariaCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

O’Brien said: “There were three sprint races this week so we decided to divide up King Of Bavaria, Cadamosto and New York City as we'd like Ryan [Moore] to ride all three of them. They are all in the mix for the Commonwealth Cup."

What they say

Kevin Ryan, trainer of Boonie
He had trouble with his feet but he grew and matured, everything came right and he won nicely at Nottingham. There hasn't been a lot for him since and we've been waiting for this and then we'll step him up to six for the Commonwealth Cup if all goes well. He's a very good horse.

Peter Harper, racing manager to Al Mohamediya Racing, owner of Khunan
He had a little issue over the winter and is on his way back so we’re not expecting fireworks, but hopefully he can run well to set him up for Royal Ascot.

Steve Parkin, of Clipper Logistics, owner of Last Crusader
He looked like the drop to five furlongs would suit him when he ran over six on his comeback in the Abernant at Newmarket.

Bryan Smart, trainer of Project Dante
He’s a course-and-distance winner who’s in great nick for his first start of the season and hopefully this can set him up for a productive campaign.

Clive Cox, trainer of Get Ahead
We were pleased she got some black type to her name at Bath last time and she has come out of that in great nick. Hopefully she can progress at this level and the drying ground should help.
Reporting by David Milnes

York day two previews:

2.25 York: Can Ger Lyons break British losing streak with Thunder Kiss in Middleton?

3.00: Trainer quotes for some of the leading contenders in the big mile handicap

Dante Stakes: Derby talking horse Desert Crown 'only just ready' says Stoute

Dante analysis: 'Desert Crown is not any old maiden winner - he could go right to the top' (£)

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