1895 Duke Of York Clipper Logistics Stakes: Highfield Princess storms to victory | Racing News

Highfield Princess produced a career-best effort to thrash some quality rivals in the 1895 Duke Of York Clipper Logistics Stakes at York.

Strong in the betting following light rain on the Knavesmire throughout the morning, John Quinn’s mare put her race-fitness to good use and appeared to relish the drop back in distance after winning over seven furlongs at Newcastle on All-Weather Championships Finals Day last month.

Jason Hart gave her a confident ride from stall one, bouncing out and setting pace before careering away from the chasing pack, ultimately scoring by two and three-quarter lengths from Spycatcher and the 11/4 joint-favourite Minzaal back in third.

Garrus was fourth while the disappointment of the race was fellow joint-favourite Dragon Symbol who weakened out of the reckoning after trying to match strides with Highfield Princess through the first couple of furlongs.

Winning jockey Hart said: “I don’t know what the boss does but he seems to get horses to progress through their careers.

“I got her in a lovely rhythm and when I pressed the button I couldn’t believe how well she quickened up. She’s definitely in that [Platinum Jubilee, Royal Ascot] and you’d think that’s where she’ll go.”

Sky Bet go 12/1 (from 60/1) about Highfield Princess for the Group One Platinum Jubilee Stakes while Paddy Power and Betfair go 14/1 from 50s.