Hope has returned, maybe dampened and still smoldering. High Degree was allowed to drift to 2.94 on the exchanges -his long overdue second success at least ended the weekend with a payout.
The difficulty with backing the William Haggas trained horses since Royal Ascot is a majority seem to be performing at 95-97% of expected levels. This is highlighted by the data comparing the placings so far this August to the same point in 2025.
In 2025 52 runners 17 winners 10 placed 2nd or 3rd.
In 2026 53 runners 8 winners 22 placed 2nd or 3rd.
York on Day 1 presents the opportunity for Maltese Cross to be considered second only to Constitution River among the 10f+ crop of 3yo’s this season.
If he out battles Pierre Bonnard giving the Ballydoyle rival 5lb to win the Great Voltigeur, that will surely grant him that status and a certain place at the head of the market for the St Leger.
The biggest danger may come from the John and Thady Gosden trained Superior Choice who looked very promising when winning the Glasgow Stakes and could improve again for the step up to 12f.
The 5/2 Maltese Cross available Ante Post has disappeared but he rates as the most likely winner for Haggas at York this week and the colt who is still improving is worth a bet at 2/1 or bigger.
I’ve cut back from maximum stakes purely because of the stable form but have had a 2pt win bet.
The only other Haggas runner on Wednesday is the new recruit to the yard God Given Talent part owned by Michael Buckley of Constitution Hill fame. He appears for the first time for Somerville Lodge in the 6f Nursery that ends the York card at 5.20.
Given the overall inconsistent form of the 2yo’s and the lack of grass gallops it is very difficult to gauge how well he has settled in to the yard and a watching brief is the sound advice.
No Bet Recommended.
Maltese Cross bids to win the Great Voltigeur for Haggas on Wednesday.
Chrysalis Consortium 
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