Item lands late upset in York International Stakes

Item produced a late surge to win the International Stakes at York on Wednesday, catching Almaqam in the final strides after the 16-1 runner-up had looked poised to pull off an upset. The Guardian reported that the 10-1 chance prevailed by a head on rain-softened ground, with Constitution River finishing third and the 5-6 favourite Ombudsman fourth.

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The Group One contest did not develop as expected. Action, who had been expected to set the pace for Aidan O'Brien's runners, missed the start. That left stablemate Hawk Mountain in front and placed Constitution River much closer to the early lead than anticipated, while Ombudsman raced at the rear of the eight-runner field.

Almaqam made his move in the straight under Kieran Shoemark and established a lead as the principal market contenders struggled to impose themselves. Ombudsman, ridden by William Buick, had difficulty finding a clear path before mounting a brief challenge near the far rail. Constitution River was unable to convert his prominent position into a winning run.

Colin Keane also had to switch Item to find room, but the colt accelerated once clear. Almaqam began to tire inside the final furlong, and Keane drove Item past him at the line. The victory gave trainer Andrew Balding's three-year-old a first Group One success and extended an exceptional start to his career.

Item has now won five of his six races. His only defeat came when he finished ninth in the Derby, the fourth start of his career. Before Wednesday, he had already won two Group Two races over the same York course and distance, taking the Dante Stakes in May and the York Stakes in July.

Balding said after the race that Item's participation had remained uncertain because of a problem with his feet around declaration time. The trainer credited the team caring for the horse with resolving the issue before a decision early Wednesday morning allowed him to travel. Balding did not commit to a next target, while Ombudsman's trainer John Gosden said the softened ground did not suit the favourite.