IT'S TIME TO TAKE STOCK

Paul Jacobs looks forward to seeing some big on-track questions answered

- Paul Jacobs

Following the numerous mid-summer festivals September is the month when the two-year-old ratings begin to solidify and, in turn, the ante-post lists for the 2025 Classics start to take shape.

There have been a number of juveniles that have caught my eye in the last couple of months and the brilliant Tom Segal drew my thunder somewhat by naming his juveniles of distinction thus far this season.

Acapulco Bay was the youngster that topped my list when he came home strongly on his debut behind stable mate Delacroix in a Curragh maiden on August 10.

To my eyes he looked to have a lot more physical scope than the winner and he looks sure to stay a mile and a half standing on his head. Entered in both the Betfred Champagne Stakes (September 14), Royal Lodge Stakes (September 28) and then later the Dewhurst in early October, his next outing will be huge in assessing his ability as we begin to piece together the end of season ratings for the juveniles of 2024.

As for this year's Classic generation, the Befred St Leger (September 14) is the final chance for the current 3yo crop to get their name forever printed in indelible 'ink'..

Irish Derby winner Los Angeles has been at the head of the market for a long time and for a horse that winds up slowly and lengthens rather than quickens, the Town Moor event looks made to measure. However, the word coming out of Ballydoyle is that they still think he has rich pickings over a mile and a half and with City of Troy excavating the mile and a quarter route, he could well be their Arc charge.