Race One:  The Clipper EBF Marygate Fillies' Stakes - 2-y-o Only - Listed Race - Five Furlongs - Runners: 9

The first pattern contest for juveniles would take place with this ever-valuable listed contest for fillies. This race comes at a perfect time for the more forward juvenile fillies as it sits nicely on the road to Royal Ascot. The five furlong event has been a useful trial for the Queen Mary Stakes in June, as shown by Ceiling Kitty and Signora Cabello both completing the double. Many other winners of this contest have run well in defeat at the Royal meeting.  Last year, the race would go the way of Betty Clover from the Eve Johnson Houghton yard. She had already shown smart form at the time and confirmed her ability by finishing a close second in Group Three company later in the year.

This is a race often targeted by the Nick Bradley Racing team with an early type and they would be represented by Alaskan Light. Karl Burke's daughter of Kodiac may have bumped into a good filly last week at Ripon, but still pulled clear of the third. The Gemma Tutty stable aren't shy of introducing debut winners and Awraad would be the latest as she showed a good change of gear to get up close home at Pontefract. Eternal Solace would make a taking debut at Brighton for Ollie Sangster as she blazed to a three length victory. She impressed with her professionalism on that day as she steps up in grade. David Evans is a renowned for having speedy juveniles and would be represented by the maiden Guernsey Lady. The daughter of Coulsty has shown up well in a pair of good novices at Newmarket and Goodwood respectively. The Richard Hannon-trained Harry's Girl looked green on debut but rattled home to win at Newmarket's Craven meeting and would be open to plenty of improvement. The Karl Burke stable have won this race in the past and would be represented by expensive Amo Racing purchase Love Olivia. The grey could hardly be any more impressive at Wolverhampton where she won by seven lengths and looks right up to pattern level. Up and coming trainer Jack Morland has a potential flag bearer for the stable in the form of Saucy Jane. After a promising debut at Pontefract, she would burst clear at Beverley to win impressively just over a week ago. Adrian Keatley isn't afraid of aiming high and would be represented by the maiden Secret Hideaway. She would chase home a smart prospect who had already shown plenty of ability at Redcar. David O'Meara would give a tough assignment to Solana Rose for her debut. Despite this, she is bred to be very useful and this would be a good gauge of her ability. 

Winner: SECRET HIDEAWAY (#8) (Starspangledbanner x Ejaazah) - PJ McDonald - A. Keatley

The blue skies and warm temperatures would make a return to York to provide a pleasant day of racing ahead. Despite a lack of experience, all nine fillies would calmly take the preliminaries in their stride and walked into their stalls without issue.

As the gates opened, last time out winner Saucy Jane would half rear but still broke on terms as the grey Love Olivia went straight into the early lead. She would race slightly keenly but was kept company by Saucy Jane and the two would set a decent pace. The speedy Awraad, Guernsey Lady and Alaskan Light would come next as the favourite Harry's Girl had to briefly hurried from the start to take up a prominent position. As the flying fillies made their way towards the final two furlongs, the race began to pick up. Tom Marquand dropped the anchor on Harry's Girl and his mount responded immediately to eyeball Love Olivia inside the final furlong. The two leading protagonists would do battle, but from further back, Secret Hideaway was also making good headway. As Harry's Girl fended off the attention of Love Olivia, she looked set to remain unbeaten but it would be Secret Hideaway who flashed home in the final strides and put her neck in front on the line. In a bunched finish, Love Olivia ran a solid race to take third, a place above fellow leader Saucy Jane and Eternal Solace who stayed on into fifth. The newcomer Solana Rose made a pleasing debut by finishing sixth at this classy level.

This looked to be an up to scratch renewal, which gives extra credit to the winning filly Secret Hideaway. Adrian Keatley's daughter of Starspangledbanner ran well on her debut at Ripon in late April, where she chased home an exciting colt in the form of Karl Burke's Clear Force. She did her best work at the finish on that first career start, but found a whole heap of improvement to win at pattern level. A half sister to the useful Elsals and grand-daughter of the very classy English Ballet, there is speed and quality in her pedigree. A win here will set up an exciting season for the up and coming Adrian Keatley stable. 

Race Two: The Knights Solicitors Handicap - Class Two - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 13

The first handicap of the day would look a typically competitive one for York as a full field of twenty took part in this ten furlong contest. The race attracts plenty of lightly raced sorts from leading yards and in previous years, plenty of high profile names have won this prize. They would include Thundering Blue, Folk Opera and Mahsoob, who all went on to be smart Group class horses. Last year, the race would return to Newmarket as Roger Varian's Botanical scooted home to an impressive win before returning to the Knavesmire and finishing second in the John Smiths' Cup. 

The weights would be headed by Karl Burke's Thunder Run, who landed the Clipper Stakes over a mile at the Ebor Festival last summer. The four year old then produced a poor reappearance in the Lincoln, but attempted this new trip for the first time. The lightly raced Salamanca lined up for the Jane Chapple-Hyam team and as well as holding some useful form on turf, the four year old has improved plenty on the all-weather; winning a valuable prize at Newcastle on Good Friday last month. The Amo Racing owned Tony Montana was in good form this time last year and ran a belter to finish third in the John Smith's Cup over course and distance last summer. Michael Bell's five year old has become a solid sort at this level and returned this season with a good second at Newmarket. The James Tate-trained five year old Flying Frontier hasn't had much racing and remains an entire, but he has a good strike rate with three wins from nine starts. He would finish strongly to win a similar contest at Sandown when last seen in August. Alan King's gelding Brioni improved with each start before going close to winning at the Glorious Goodwood festival. His last two starts over varying distances have seen him struggle at Newmarket, so this track should suit him better.  The Richard Fahey-trained Have Secret posted strong placed efforts in good handicaps as a three-year-old but generally struggled last year. He would cash in on a much lower handicap mark to win easily at Ripon and was back at this sort of level. A second classy runner for Alan King would be Westerton. The five year old hasn't won for a while, but is capable at this level when in the mood. After a spell over hurdles, he returned to the flat with a modest effort at Goodwood recently. The Newmarket based stable of Kevin Philippart de Foy would be represented by Bint Al Daar, who ran two great races at York last season into second. The mare has warmed up with two decent efforts at a lower level, so looks to be primed here. The gelding Deborah's Dream won twice last summer before joining the Jennie Candlish stable. After a low key seasonal return at Doncaster, he would shape better with a close up sixth at Chester last week. The Tim Easterby stable are always well represented at York and they would saddle Austrian Theory in this contest. The gelding enjoyed a decent first season with the Malton yard and has improved further this year with a brace of seconds at Redcar and Chester. John Butler's Zain Blue has a decent record on the Knavesmire which was boosted by a win in September. He would tackle ten furlongs for the first time, but is bred to appreciate the extra distance. The Chris Dwyer-trained Man Of Desert is a half brother to none other than Epsom Derby winner Desert Crown, but the lightly raced four year hasn't reached that level so far. His best run would come on his most recent outing when third in a novice and was open to improvement on his handicap debut. Completing the lineup would be Tim Easterby's Financer, who caused a bit of a surprise to win at class two level at Ayr last September. He would chase home the reopposing Have Secret at Ripon last time out, but he wasn't disgraced.

Winner: THUNDER RUN (#1) (Night Of Thunder x Astonished) - C. Lee - K. Burke

This tightly contested handicap would get underway with a decent start, but Man Of Desert would miss the break slightly, making his job a little more trickier. Salamanca would make the best get away from his low draw and reached the first bend in a slender lead. Racing in second would be Have Secret, who tracked over to the running rail at the apex of the bend, just ahead of the keen going Thunder Run and Brioni. The race would be run at a decent pace and the main protagonists racing to the fore. 
The field began to migrate to the near side of the course for the first time during the meeting as Salamanca and Have Secret continued to duke it out in front as the race entered its climax. As the pace increased, Thunder Run would be caught briefly flat footed and lost a small amount of ground, but began to rally under Clifford Lee. Tony Montana had made strong progress down the home straight to lead at the furlong pole. It looked likely that the consistent five year old would finally land a good race, but Thunder Run began to roll again. The chestnut bravely fought back against Tony Montana and the pair were locked in battle approaching the line. The white face of Thunder Run got his nose in front at the right moment to take the win over the luckless Tony Montana. The front two pulled a length clear of the long time leaders Salamanca and Have Secret who completed the top four places.

For the second time in two days, a horse that had disappointed in the Lincoln Handicap bounced back to win at the Dante Festival next time out. The well bred Thunder Run made his debut only eleven months ago but rapidly progressed into a smart handicapper, winning the Clipper Stakes on just his fifth career run and then finishing fourth in the Balmoral Handicap at Ascot on Champions Day. Just like Old Cock, yesterday's winner, Thunder Run was well fancied for the season opening contest at Doncaster, but blew out on the softer ground. Given a break to recover and returning to quicker ground, this was much better on his first try at ten furlongs. After getting back up to lead on the lead, connections will now look at a potential return to the John Smith's Cup Handicap, one of York's most prestigious races of the year. 

Race Three: The Sky Bet Fillies' Stakes - Listed Race - One Mile - Runners: 10

The focus on the fillies' would continue with this usually well contested listed race for three year olds. This race is often won by a smart filly and the race often provides clues for the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot in a month's time. In 2022, Fonteyn landed her first race win in this contest but showed it wasn't a fluke as she went on to win the Group One Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket a few months later. In 2023, Sounds Of Heaven caused a small shock to win this race before running very well at Royal Ascot in the Coronation Stakes. Last year, the race went to Godolphin as Devoted Queen extended her winning streak to three with a smooth success under Will Buick.

Heading the field would be the Andrew Balding-trained Bermuda Longtail, who was also making her turf debut. She has raced exclusively at Kempton, winning on her second start but was outstayed by the exciting Glittering Surf.  William Haggas's Consecrated is bred in the purple and made an exciting winning debut. The daughter of Frankel used a massive stride to stretch clear over seven furlongs and looks Group class. Gemma Tutty would take on some big names of the training world in this contest with Elsie's Ruan. The daughter of Ulysses won a maiden race that is often won by very smart horses before finishing third at Group Three level at Newmarket. The aforementioned Glittering Surf put her unbeaten record on the line for trainer Owen Burrows and has looked very smart in two starts. She would show a sharp turn of foot to run down Bermuda Longtail in the closing stages at Kempton in a conditions event. The maiden Gulya wouldn't be lining up here if her trainer Roger Varian didn't think she was without a chance. After an eyecatching debut second, she improved once again at Ascot when flashing home into a close second to an unbeaten Godolphin filly. Another unbeaten filly who has plied her trade on the all-weather would be Kon Tiki for the Jane Chapple-Hyam stable. The Night Of Thunder filly is bred for stamina so has done well to win twice over a mile at Wolverhampton and Kempton. John and Sean Quinn's Royalty Bay won twice in novice company over six furlongs, including here last summer. She would then compete in group company where her best finish was second in a French Group Three. This would be her first attempt over a mile though. Chris Dwyer clearly thinks plenty of The Third Star as his filly took her place in this quality line up. The daughter of Iffraaj looked smart when winning at Southwell in April before chasing home an above average sort at Yarmouth. The field would be completed by Ed Walker's Troia, who was looking to give her trainer a first win in the race since 2021. After a winning debut, she went on to finish fourth in the Oh So Sharp Stakes last autumn, but returned to winning ways at Catterick earlier in the season. 

Winner: KON TIKI (#8) (Night Of Thunder x Maid Up) - D. Egan - J. Chapple-Hyam

The field would be reduced by one as John and Sean Quinn's Royalty Bay was deemed a non runner on the morning of the race. It would leave a field of nine unexposed and beautifully bred fillies, so success on track could be beneficial for their second career at stud.

The outsider in the betting The Third Star would get make the best start of all and tracked over to the running rail after a furlong to lead the pack. In doing so, she would briefly cut across fellow rival Elsie's Ruan, whose rider Jo Mason had to take evasive action for a stride or two. Once the race settled into a normal flow, The Third Star would bowl along in the lead at a steady pace. Running in second would be Consecrated and the keen going Glittering Surf began to pull her chances away. Serving With Style would go forward on the approach to the home bend and moved into second place for the run into the home straight. Those watching on from behind would include Kon Tiki, Bermuda Longtail and Troia as the pack stuck to the near side rail this time. The race began to heat up and the early leader The Third Star quickly found this company too hot to handle. Kon Tiki had moved through the race stylishly and arrived in contention at the two furlong pole. She would gain first run on her rivals by kicking into a clear lead a furlong and a half out. As some of her rivals toiled, the gap looked to be a winning one for Kon Tiki, but Bermuda Longtail began to pick up nicely from the rear as well. The margin in front began to whittle down as Bermuda Longtail tried her best, but the race was safely in Kon Tiki's pocket and she would take this useful prize and remain unbeaten. In a race that changed complexion to when it started, Bermuda Longtail kept on into second, ahead of Troia who also raced at the rear early on. Fourth place would be taken by Consecrated, who was arguably unsuited by how the race panned out. 

The Newmarket stable of Jane Chapple-Hyam have made a habit of training high class fillies in the past and look to have a new one on their hands. In the past, they have won the Sun Chariot Stakes with the ultra-talented Saffron Beach in recent seasons and now Kon Tiki could be on her way to Group One level. The daughter of Night Of Thunder made a winning debut at the end of December last year, getting up close home over seven furlongs at Wolverhampton before a small break to strengthen up. Returning for her latest run at Kempton in April, she showed a smart turn of foot once again to come clear during the final stages and increase her record to two from two. Her pedigree also opens plenty of options. Her dam, Maid Up, won over staying distances and Kon Tiki's half sister is her stablemate Champagne Prince, who won over as far as a mile and four furlongs. With an unbeaten record in tact and the ability to win on turf now ticked off, Kon Tiki has seemingly yet to find her limit. 

Race Four: The Boodles Yorkshire Cup - Group Two - One Mile, Six Furlongs - Runners: 5

The feature race of the day would focus on the stayers with the Group Two Yorkshire Cup. A boost in prize money in the staying division has seen a surge in quality in these sorts of races and this year's line up was no different. The fourteen furlong contest attracts the very best stayers in the game as it forms the first leg of the "Triple Crown", alongside the Gold Cup, Goodwood Cup and Doncaster Cup. Over the years, some old favourites have been successful such as Sergeant Cecil, Kayf Tara and of course, the three time winner Stradivarius. Last year, the race saw its latest multiple winner as Marco Botti's Giavellotto repeated his 2023 win with a stylish victory over the top class Vauban. The five year old would then go on to win at the highest level in the Hong Kong Vase at the end of the year. 

This year's renewal would be a classy one as Godolphin's globe-trotting superstar Rebel's Romance made a return to British soil. The seven year old gelding has won a Group One in America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East and has been a brilliant servant to connections. His latest run saw him finish fourth in the Dubai Sheema Classic. Former Ebor runner-up Sweet William has developed into a top class stayer for the John and Thady Gosden stable, including a third in last year's Ascot Gold Cup. The six year old is very consistent and would be likely warming up for Royal Ascot once again. Andrew Balding's grey Alsakib won a smaller contest over course and distance in July, but remains fairly unexposed as he steps into the big league of stayers. Representing the Ballydoyle battalion would be Continuous. Aidan O'Brien's former St Leger winner has been frustrating in recent seasons, but connections have persisted with the five year old. Local trainer David O'Meara has eked out improvement in plenty of his stayers in recent years, as is the case of Epic Poet. The classy handicapper has turned into a Group class stayer and was third in the Dubai Gold Cup when last seen. 

Winner: REBEL'S ROMANCE (#1) (Dubawi x Minidress) - W. Buick - C. Appleby

Despite the five runners, this would be an epic lineup and worthy of its Group Two status. The old pro's would calmly walk into their stalls without issue.

Once the race got underway, it would be Continuous who bagged the lead in the pair of blinkers he wore for the first time. The field would race in single file and Rebel's Romance would be happy to race in second under Will Buick, a place ahead of Sweet William. The grey Alkasib raced back in fourth as Epic Poet took up his usual position at the rear of the field. The early pace set by Ryan Moore on Continuous would be a pedestrian one, which set up the potential of a messy race. The majority of the quintet pulled hard down the back straight, giving punters a few nervy moments watching the race. 

The field would amble their way around the home bend and soon they would face up to the grandstands and the winning post. In an interesting tactical move, Ryan Moore kept Continuous alone on the far rail and William Buick brought the remaining four to the near side. Continuous was soon under pressure and failed to pick up, so the focus moved to the larger group. Alkasib started to feel the pinch and was next to fold, but Sweet William loomed large in the mirrors of Rebel's Romance. The Godolphin-owned gelding kept finding for pressure though and gamely held on to the lead. From further back, Epic Poet had crept into contention and looked the biggest threat of all under Dan Tudhope. With little to choose between the four horses, the crowd roared into action. Epic Poet got upsides Rebel's Romance, but the globetrotter dug deep into his reserves and fought back. Approaching the line, Rebel's Romance would get his head back in front and deny Epic Poet in a thrilling race. Sweet William would finish just a length behind in third. A blanket could be thrown over the five runners at the finish as they were all covered by two lengths.

This would be a notable win for Godolphin as they landed this race for the first time and were represented by one of the toughest horses in training. The seven year old Rebel's Romance was a surprise but quality inclusion in the race as he made his first attempt at Cup distances. The gelded son of Dubawi is a popular stalwart on the global stage having won a Group One race in five different countries. His CV features two wins in the Breeders Cup Turf, a Hong Kong Vase, a Dubai Sheema Classic and three Group One race wins in Germany. With over £10million in prize money won, there are few horses like Rebel's Romance and it would be a privilege for British racegoers to see him race in his home country. His battling nature was used to great effect here and next up for Rebel's Romance could be a trip to Goodwood for the Goodwood Cup, where he could take on Kyprios et al over a new distance. 

Race Five: The Irish Throughbred Marketing Handicap - Class Three - Five Furlongs - Runners: 22

The theme of competitive handicaps would continue with this hotly contested event for three-year-olds over the minimum trip. Despite its class three status, this race has often been a breeding ground for pattern-class sprinters, such as former winners Moviesta and G Force. Last year, the prize went to James Ferguson's upwardly mobile sprinter Jubilee Walk, who won this comfortably ahead of a subsequent Royal Ascot winner, Pilgrim.

This wide open contest would be headed by Against The Wind, from the Kevin Ryan stable. The gelding finished an excellent fifth in a sales race here last summer, but looked much better last time out when showing plenty of speed to win nicely at Thirsk back down to this distance. The Harry Redknapp-owned King Of Bears won at the second attempt last summer and was then highly tried in pattern races. Moving yards to the George Scott stable, he didn't show much on his seasonal reappearance, but he would now revert to five furlongs for the first time. The Karl Burke-trained King Of Light ran well here on a couple of occasions last year and won twice on slower conditions. He has been competing in Group races recently, so this would be much easier despite the hefty weight. Richard Fahey's Loom got off the mark over this distance before running very well in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot. His two other defeats have come over six furlongs, which suggests he could be an out and out five furlong horse. The unexposed Sudden Flight would make his first start on turf for Richard Hughes. He would claim the notable scalp of the exciting Hammer The Hammer when scoring at Southwell in March. Robert Cowell has trained many top sprinters in the past and would be represented by Lexington Blitz here. He benefited from his debut to win his next two starts, showing a large amount of speed. He would struggle in listed company in September, but dropped back down in grade here. A second runner for Richard Fahey would be Mearall, who won nicely on debut at Ripon before returning there to finish third in listed company. After a below par run back in novice company, he has been gelded ahead of this season and also dropped back to five furlongs for the first time. A second runner for the Robert Cowell stable would be Elouise's Prince, who likes to go as fast as possible and that was seen to good effect last winter when making all the running at Wolverhampton and winning twice easily. It would be harder to dominate here though. Storm Call won once last year, but ran well to finish second at the Glorious Goodwood festival during the summer. He ran better than the result suggested in a listed race at Newbury last August and could be a good recruit for the Mick and David Easterby stable. Michael Bell's filly Amestris showed good early season form last year, winning by a wide margin, but struggled in pattern company. She ran better when dropped back into novice company towards the end of the year, but was well beaten last time when finishing third at Musselburgh. The Grant Tuer-trained Al Hussar did well to win three times on differing surfaces last season, but ran too keenly on his seasonal return at Chester a week ago. The Ralph Beckett stable are usually associated with high class middle distance horses, but they would be represented in the sprinting division here with The Quiet Gent. The colt is bred for speed and made all to win at Kempton on his second start, but he was narrowly denied by a newcomer at Ripon last month over a furlong longer. The Man won an early season maiden on the all-weather in good style for Richard Spencer, but was then tasked with group race assignments for the rest of the season. He would be outclassed in those, including the Roses Stakes here in August, but he has now been gelded for his handicap debut. Adrian Keatley's Do It Now was another quick, early type last season before running well in the Super Sprint at Newbury. He would become slightly inconsistent towards the end of the year, but posted a decent effort when fourth on his comeback at Thirsk last month. Dylan Cunha's Newmarket stable continues to grow in stature and would send up Just King High for his seasonal reappearance. The gelding showed promise before getting off the mark at the third attempt at Southwell over the winter. Mick and David Easterby's Acrisius was narrowly denied in a close finish at Doncaster last time, but the gelding has improved with run to date.  JM Jhingree ran well in a minor contest at Beverley a year and showed glimpses of talent during his first season. He has now joined the Jim Goldie stable and should be able to find more wins in the near future. The filly Two Shoes lined up for the in form Julie Camacho stable and showed a great turn of foot to get up in the final stages at Carlisle on debut, but struggled to go on from that. She would enter handicaps with a relatively easy rating. Another for the Kevin Ryan yard would be Cape Sovereign, who has been unlucky not to win a race so far. The gelding has finished in the placings on four occasions now, the latest coming at Beverley at a lower grade ten days ago. I'm Next pulled clear in the closing stages to win on heavy ground last season and Tim Easterby's gelding showed he can handle quicker ground when third at Ripon recently. He remains lightly raced and open to improvement. Richard Fahey's Tuscan Point has raced most of his career on the Knavesmire so far and his best finish has been only fifth. Now gelded for this season, he would have a chance if returning to his best effort of second at Chester two starts ago. Completing the lineup would be the lowly-rated Boyne Lady for the Roger Fell stable. She has gone close to winning on a few occasions, most recently when collared close home at Haydock over six furlongs. 

Winner: THE MAN (#13) (Mehmas x Pale Orchid) - D. Egan - R. Spencer

As so often is the case, this race looked to be the hardest to solve out of the entire three day meeting. With plenty of three year old handicappers who were open to progression and others who had achieved a fair amount last season.

With a maximum field of twenty two unpredictable young sprinters, the stalls handlers had to be at the top of their game to load the runners on time, but with great skill and quickness, they managed to get the race away on time. With front runners drawn down the middle and either sides, the pace was expected to be a good one. From stall six, the favourite Across The Wind got away to a perfect start and quickly took up the lead under Tom Eaves. Those drawn in the middle looked to have an advantage as Mearall, King Of The Bears, The Man and Boyne Lady. On the near side of the track, a smaller group was headed by Lexington Blitz and Acrisius as the race checked off the furlongs at a rapid rate. The main action would remain down the centre as The Man moved up to challenge Against The Wind approaching the final furlong and took over in the lead. He had travelled well up until this point and kicked right away from this big field, sealing the deal in a matter of strides. From out of the pack, Loom emerged as next best, robbing Against The Wind of second place. Boyne Lady would run a very good race from a light weight to complete the first four finishers.

Trainer Richard Spencer seems to know the time of day with sprinters and looks to have yet another smart prospect for this season, in the form of The Man. Yet another winner in the week for sire Mehmas, The Man won on his racecourse debut at Southwell just over a year ago. He would then be pitched into Group company, finishing out the back in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot as well as the Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood. His last appearance on track came here in August for the Roses Stakes at the Ebor Festival, where he fared better on that occasion, finishing eighth of sixteen. He was then given time to strengthen over the winter and at the same time, underwent a gelding operation and wind surgery. Following his full MOT, The Man appeared to be a league ahead of his rivals here and could make a return to the classier races in the near future. 

Race Six: The Darley EBF "Confined" Novice Stakes - Class Two - One MIle - Runners: 6

Next up would be one of the newest races of the meeting, a valuable novice for three year olds over a mile. First run in 2022, this contest has already produced some classy sorts, namely from the John and Thady Gosden yard who have won both renewals of this race. Last year, the Juddmonte-owned Lead Artist pulled clear in the closing stages to win for the first time before going on to win a pair of Group Three races later in the year. 

John and Thady Gosden would aim to win this race for a third time with the exciting Bowmark. The son of Kingman looked to be of the highest quality when bolting up on debut at Kempton, but was unsuited by a slow pace at Newcastle on his recent comeback. Another former winner came in the form of Point Of Contact for the Andrew Balding yard. He would be a shade fortunate to land a Newbury maiden in April, but travelled strongly into the race so clearly has ability. Craig Lidster would saddle his once raced gelding Coulsea, who was always on the back foot on his debut at Ayr, but is seemingly well thought of. A second runner for the Malton-based Craig Lidster yard would be Real Trouper. The colt is related to a couple of very useful sorts, but would need to be above average himself to feature here. Marsh Meadow would line up for trainer Adrian Keatley. The daughter of Raven's Pass was slow from the stalls on her recent debut at Catterick and was unable to land a blow when third of four. She would need to improve a lot to feature here. Rounding out the line up would be the newcomer from Ralph Beckett's yard, Sea The Wonder. The daughter of Sea The Stars is bred to pretty useful over middle distances so this will be a good starting point. 

Winner: BOWMARK (#1) (Kingman x Bound) - W. Buick - J & T Gosden

Plenty of the pre race interest was lost as William Haggas's Crown Of Oaks was withdrawn on the morning of the race. The newcomer Sea The Wonder arrived at the start calmly enough, but once faced with entering the stalls, she would prove troublesome and she too was deemed a non-runner. 
It would leave just a field of five and the race looked to be effectively a match. From the start, Bowmark made a good getaway under Will Buick and set the pace in the early stages. Racing in second would be his nearest rival Point Of Contact while Real Trouper and Marsh Meadow raced alongside each other. Bringing up the rear would be Coulsea as the group made their way around the course. Approaching the two furlong pole, Buick began to unwind on Bowmark and the colt responded to the request. He would start to pull clear of Point Of Contact and with each stride, the margin grew bigger. In an uneventful race, Bowmark returned to winning ways in smart style. Point Of Contact gave chase in vain and did as well as he could have done as the newcomer Real Trouper ran well for Craig Lidster in third, a place ahead of Marsh Meadow.

Sadly for the spectacle, the withdrawal of well fancied runners Crown Of Oaks and Sea The Wonder left a gaping hole in the race. It would however ensure that the team of John and Thady Gosden remain unbeaten in this race for the third season in a row. Their previous winners have both gone onto much better things, namely last year's winner Lead Artist who scored in the Group One Lockinge Stakes a year to the day on. Bowmark went in thoughts of many racing regulars on his debut back in December where he showed a brilliant change of gear at Kempton to win by four lengths. After missing various spring targets, he would return to action at Newcastle for the Burradon Stakes, a listed race over a mile. Facing a slow early pace once again, he pulled too hard and was left vulnerable at the finish; eventually going down by a neck to a lesser fancied runner. A return to novice company here would be an ideal race for him to fine tune his skills and remind everyone of the talent he has. The son of Kingman comes from the family of shock Epsom Derby winner Serpentine, so there is stamina in the pedigree. Taking a while to pull up after the finish, a rise in distance looks to be the most natural step for Bowmark, who remains a name to remember.

Race Seven: The Yorkshire Equine Practice Handicap - Class Four - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 22

The finale of the day would be a typically competitive race for the "getting out stakes". A whole host of returning York regulars from local stables and from further afield would take their place in this class four handicap. Races of this nature can often produce different winners each time and the race would be a minefield for punters.  Last year, the race saw a decisive winner as David O'Meara's Knavesmire regular Riot made a successful return to turf, winning in style and with plenty in hand. 

The closing contest of this year's Dante Festival would see a big field go to post and the weights would be headed by Eldrickjones, from the Nawton based stable of Roger Fell. The six year old would make a quick return to action having won last weekend on the all-weather and was clearly in good health. William Haggas wouldn't normally have runners at this sort of level, but Altmore would represent the Newmarket stable here. After a late start to last season, he won twice over six furlongs and has form over a mile, so this intermediate trip should be ideal. Grant Tuer's The Turpinator got up in the dying stages to win once again at Newcastle in April and bettered that form last week when third behind Probe at Chester. Dolce Courage looked promising during the early stages of his career but his form has dipped slightly. Now trained by James Horton, the gelding finished just outside the placings before a disappointing run at Newmarket over a mile last time out. Mick Appleby's Intervention would make his ninety-ninth career start here and the all-weather specialist has won twelve times throughout his career. The eight year old is still capable on the turf, but blew his chances at the start last week at Chester. Mereside Diva won at a higher level last year for the David and Nicola Barron stable and has gone well at this venue in the past. She would do well to finish fourth at Wetherby last time, where she made good late progress. The Richard Fahey-trained Musical Touch is belatedly living up to expectations after winning his last two starts in comfortable style. This would be his first try at seven furlongs, but he is progressing nicely. Sword had shown promise in his first few starts, but became frustrating for the Gosden stable. He eventually got off the mark at the seventh attempt, but only narrowly over ten furlongs. He would be interesting dropping back to seven furlongs for new trainer David O'Meara. Yet another runner from the Helmsley based David O'Meara stable would be Al Muqdad, who won three times for current connections and has been a solid type at this level. The five year old should improve for his recent comeback at Redcar. Another from the leading Malton yard of Richard Fahey would be Flying Fletcher who hasn't had many attempts at seven furlongs, but has run well when he has. The Ann Duffield-trained Master Richard has previous winning experience at York, but not for a while. The six year old has run well in defeat in recent starts so remains an honest type. The lightly raced One Night Thunder hasn't seen much racing since joining the Gemma Tutty yard in 2023. After refusing to race in the Spring Mile at Doncaster, he found traffic issues on his latest start.  Michael Herrington's Feel The Need won a similar race over course and distance in May last year so appears to like this course. He has been kept busy on the all-weather so this will be a nice change for the gelding. The once very classy Mums Tipple would easily dispose of his rivals during his prime, but age has started to catch up with Richard Hannon's eight year old. His run of poor form has seen his rating plummet and this would be his first start in class four company. Quest For Fun is another with a good record at York and Tim Easterby's seven year old was unlucky to be blocked in at Thirsk on his recent comeback run. Last year's winner Riot returned to defend his title for the David O'Meara stable and races of this nature bring out the best in him. The eight year old's rating has dropped to the same as the one he won off twelve months ago. The seven year old Yaaser has been kept typically busy by his trainer Jim Goldie, but he clearly enjoys racing as he made his fiftieth career start a winning one at Ayr last time out. The gelding has also placed in similar contests at York in the past. Eligible came with a strong late run to win this race back in 2023 for Mick and David Easterby and despite being a much better sort on the all-weather, the gelding is best suited to strongly run handicaps like this one. The chestnut Minnesota Lad's most recent win came at Doncaster over six furlongs last summer but he has now joined the Ivan Furtado stable just outside of York. The five year old's latest run came over five furlongs when a far from disgraced fourth, but he now goes back up in trip for a first try at seven furlongs. Stockpyle won four times for previous connections, but he hasn't tasted victory for a while. As a result, the well bred five year old's rating has fallen quickly, but he has threatened to win again in recent starts for Sam England. The filly Delicacy made a winning stable debut for James Owen just six days ago at Leicester and would be a threat to all once again if racing off her old rating. She appreciated the return to turf by winning comfortably for new connections. The field would be completed by Scott Dixon's Golden Pharaoh. The chestnut hasn't achieved much in Britain, but posted a better run last time out; albeit at a lower level at Brighton.

Winner: DELICACY (#19) (Saxon Warrior x Novat) - S. James - J. Owen

Another capacity field would round out the card and provide a headache for punters aiming to end the meeting on a high with a winner. 

The customary dash for a front running position in a race like this would take place and Master Richard came out in the lead after a furlong. With runners spread out across the track, the field hurtled towards the dog leg turn that led them into the home straight. The Turpinator, Golden Pharaoh, Minnesota Lad and the keen going Sword would all come next as most of the remaining horses were hidden in a scrum of horses. As Master Richard brought the field along to the two furlong pole, Mums Tipple had travelled well up until this point. The purple silks of Richard Hannon's veteran look to be a big danger, threatening to reenact his spectacular win on the Knavesmire back in 2019. Under young rider Alex Voikhansky, the eight year old kicked for home and quickly opened up a three length lead at the furlong pole. He would be out in front with a big target on him and the closers began to make their move. Top weight Eldrickjones emerged into daylight and charged after Mums Tipple, reducing the margin with each second. As the pair drew alongside each other to do battle, the final challenger emerged in the form of Delicacy. The filly ate up the ground under Sam James and grabbed the race from the jaws of defeat in a barnstorming finish. Eldrickjones confirmed his well being with a second here which followed his win last weekend, finishing just ahead of the unfortunate Mums Tipple in third. Quest For Fame would run yet another good race at York, overcoming plenty of traffic to take home fourth. As always with York handicaps, there would be a whole host of hard luck stories. The David O'Meara pair of Riot and Al Muqdad both suffered trouble in running and could have finished closer, while Yaaser's rider Will Buick did an excellent job to stay on board, finishing the race in sixth after his girths snapped.

For the winner though, it would be a case of a perfect start for her new trainer. The four year old filly began her career with the Richard Hannon stable where she recorded the solitary win before moving north for a short stay with Roger Fell. She would achieve modest results during the early months of the year for the Nawton stable before getting moved on once again, this time to the James Owen stable in Newmarket. Making her debut for the stable at Leicester six days ago, she looked better suited to the turf by pulling clear and winning by a length. She would line up at York on the rating in which she won on at Leicester, so connections opted to strike while the iron was hot. She needed to pick her way through the field, but was given a superbly judged ride by Sam James to get up in the closing strides.