Juddmonte International Stakes 2025 Preview & Tips: Ombudsman Backed to Turn the Tables at York

The Juddmonte International is always one of the standout Group 1s of the summer and the 2025 renewal looks a belter, with a small but top-class field set to clash on the Knavesmire. Billy Grimshaw has gone through the runners and is siding with one horse he thinks can land the spoils at York...

Last year we saw City Of Troy return to his brilliant best in this race, powering clear and reaffirming his Derby brilliance in style. It was a performance worthy of the roll of honour that already includes Frankel, Roaring Lion and Baaeed, and once again we’ve got a line-up mixing proven stars with up-and-coming challengers.

The spotlight naturally falls on Delacroix, Aidan O’Brien’s colt who bounced back from Derby disappointment to grind out victory in the Eclipse at Sandown. He’s got Ryan Moore back on board and there’s every chance he builds on that success here. York is a fairer track and his tactical speed could prove decisive if this turns into a test of who quickens best at the two-pole.

Standing in his way once again is Ombudsman, who pushed him all the way at Sandown and looked the winner for much of the straight before being collared late. That was only his second start of the season after his Prince of Wales’s Stakes win at Ascot, and with that Eclipse run under his belt he should strip fitter now. The presence of his pacemaker Birr Castle should ensure there’s no hiding place, which could well tilt things back in his favour this time.

The Japanese raider Danon Decile adds real intrigue. He’s already shown world-class form in the Sheema Classic and looks the type to be suited by a strong-run ten furlongs. It’s always tough to travel and win, but his camp are confident and the market support in recent days tells you he’s not here to make up the numbers.

Unbeaten French colt Daryz takes a big step up in class but has done everything asked of him so far, while See The Fire is the filly in the line-up and comes here off a smart York win earlier in the season. Both have plenty to prove but it wouldn’t be the first time this race has launched a new star.

For me though, the one to be with is OMBUDSMAN. He looked the more straightforward horse in the Eclipse, he’s got a handy swing at the weights now, and if the race sets up as I expect he can turn the tables on Delacroix.

Delacroix is still the obvious danger and could easily confirm himself top dog, while Danon Decile is the fascinating each-way play at the prices, but I’m firmly in the Gosden camp this time. Ombudsman is my bet for the 2025 Juddmonte International.