Thoughts on Il Paparazzi at York tomorrow evening

Il Paparazzi makes the long journey to York for the 7.00 tomorrow evening (26th of July). Luke Morris takes the ride in the seven furlong median auction maiden for two year olds. Il Paparazzi ran a nice race first time out for a long way and wasn’t given a hard time in the closing stages at Sandown and has progressed pleasingly since. He is a horse with a big frame and is strengthening all the time. He probably won’t be seen to his full potential until next year and over a bit further. Initially after his debut we had planned to wait until the mile maidens began but he is showing a bit more speed in his work since he ran and this is a worthwhile pot to have an aim at as he is eligible for both the Racing Post Yearling Bonus and BOBIS (British Owner Breeders Incentive Scheme) attached to this race. It will do his development no harm to have a night away and get another run under his belt at this stage of his career. The ground was another deciding factor in heading here as it is generally in excellent condition and will have no jar as this big horse wouldn’t want it too fast.

On paper the most likely winner of this race is probably a newcomer as there are smartly bred individuals who cost a fair bit at the sales. Giant Samurai stood out at the breeze up sales and we would loved to have been able to afford him so it will be interesting to watch his progress – although his trainer’s horses tend to improve for their first racecourse experience. How Il Paparazzi fares will depend largely on how clued the newcomers are for their first trip to the races.

Il Paparazzi cantering.