Honolulu can step up as big gunstake a break

ALTHOUGH Aidan O'Brien opted to skip a trip to York with his big-name stayers, Friday's Emirates Airline Yorkshire Cup can still go back to Ballydoyle courtesy of Honolulu.

Yeats and Septimus sidestepped a Knavesmire outing, but their four-year-old stablemate looks a more than capable deputy.

Although he will be making his seasonal bow against some race-fit rivals, O'Brien is adept at getting them ready for their first run and Honolulu makes plenty of appeal.

The Montjeu colt did not make his racecourse debut until last May, but he soon made up for lost time, winning two minor races before claiming a highly creditable second behind Purple Moon in the Ebor.

That was a fantastic effort and Honolulu then boosted his profile with third in the St Leger.

Although he failed to sparkle in the Canadian International, the trip to Woodbine came at the end of a long season and he was really not beaten far in a blanket finish to the 12-furlong event.

Honolulu shaped as more of a stayer last term, though, and should be up to the task here.

Farringdon's Daily Double

Etain
Newbury 5:05 (nap)
Great Charm
Hamilton 6:50

Houseman's Choice

Honolulu
York 2:40