Mickael Barzalona thinks Cap O'Rushes is Group 1-worthy

Godolphin jockey takes ride on Cap O'Rushes and believes his mount has what it takes to go all the way to the top, writes Geoffrey Riddle.

Mickael Barzalona considers Cap O'Rushes 'a proper group horse'. Pawan Singh / The National

Charlie Appleby's Cap O'Rushes vies with Saeed bin Suroor's Secret Number in the Group 2 Voltigeur Stakes at York on Wednesday.

The Godolphin pair face five rivals in the 12-furlong contest as Bin Suroor and Appleby try to establish whether their colts are good enough to run in next month's English St Leger.

Cap O'Rushes easily accounted for Secret Number when winning the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood three weeks ago but enjoyed a much easier passage when holding off Excess Knowledge in a driving finish.

That contest was staged on good-to-soft going, and the Moulton Paddocks trainer had hoped for softer ground than the forecast good-to-firm going on the Knavesmire.

"He saw the trip out really well and really appreciated the cut in the ground, as a horse with his short action would," Appleby said.

Mickael Barzalona takes the ride on Cap O'Rushes and believes that his mount has what it takes to go all the way to the top. "He doesn't give a lot in the mornings but he is a proper group horse," Barzalona said. "I think he would have every chance in a Group 1."

Secret Number endured a terrible passage at Goodwood and did not have the chance to prove conclusively he stayed 12 furlongs, having been restricted to 10 since making his season debut at Meydan in March.

"Secret Number was a little unlucky at Goodwood but still ran very well. He gets a mile and a half well and has been working nicely," Bin Suroor told the Godolphin website.

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