Race One: The Sky Bet Stakes Heritage Handicap - Class Two - One Mile, Four Furlongs - Runners: 10

Day three of the festival would kick off with yet another strong handicap, but this time over the stamina testing twelve furlongs. Runners in this race may have held dreams of reaching the Ebor Handicap twenty four hours later, but this class two event is still a worthy prize to win. Last season, there would be a thrilling three way finish as the grey Shadow Dance stuck his neck out bravely to win for the Roger Varian stable. 

Top weight for the opener would be carried by Mount Atlas for the Andrew Balding stable. Runners from the yard have an excellent record at York and the four year old has been highly tried this year. After a fifth place in a strong Royal Ascot handicap, he would travel smoothly to win back at Ascot over this distance. Naqeeb's full brother Baaeed was a brilliant winner of the Juddmonte three years ago and Julie Camacho's five year old would aim to emulate him with a win at this meeting. The gelding has placed in handicaps at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood this summer.  A fascinating Irish challenger would be This Songisforyou from the excellent Emmett Mullins stable. The grey seven year old has improved on the flat recently and could have a good race in him. He was last seen in action in a Group Three just a fortnight ago. A runner for the Roger Varian team would come in the form of Wathnan Racing's French Duke. The son of Sea The Stars looked a good prospect for these sorts of races after winning at the Goodwood festival last year, but has managed only midfield finishes in both starts to date. The dual purpose stable of Alan King enjoyed success at Goodwood recently and would aim for more festival success with Insanity. The five year old finished down the order in last year's race, but has followed a similar path this season after a third at the Shergar Cup at Ascot last time. Another grey in the field would be Jane Chapple-Hyam-trained Champagne Prince. The four year old has reached a smart level on the all-weather but isn't as consistent on the turf. Despite this, he would run well when sixth over slightly longer at Royal Ascot in June. The Middleham based yard of Ed Bethell would be represented by Chillingham, who was awarded the Queen Mother's Cup Handicap over course and distance in June, but hasn't run to that form since; including once more in a lower grade here last month. High profile Irish trainer Tony Martin is a master of winning staying handicaps and would rely on Zanndabad, a smart dual purpose horse. The gelding has finished placed in some famous staying races in the past and warmed up for this race with a second over hurdles at Galway. Asgard's Captain has been well placed in the last few seasons by his trainer Dylan Cunha and the five year old would be another big festival runner for the Newmarket stable. After winning at Epsom in April, he would run well in the circumstances at Ascot a few weeks ago. Marhaba The Champ was very progressive two seasons ago and even won this race in 2023 for the Kevin Ryan stable. He would suddenly lose his form badly and has since been purchased by Sophie Leech, a trainer who can revitalise horses who have lost their way. Completing the lineup would be the Tim Easterby-trained Austrian Theory, who has plenty of experience at York. The six year old has yet to win over this trip but ran an excellent race to take fifth in the John Smith's Cup here last month.

Winner: ASGARD'S CAPTAIN (Make Believe x Twiggy's Girl) (#9) - J. Egan - D. Cunha

The sun would make a belated appearance to the Knavesmire as day three would get underway. The Irish runner This Songisforyou would be a frustrating withdrawal on the morning of the race for his connections, but it would leave a rounded figure of ten runners for the opener.

As the gates opened on the far side of the course, the well fancied Mount Atlas was sent straight into the lead under Oisin Murphy. He would be followed in close proximity by Naqeeb, with the likes of Chillingham and Champagne Prince also racing prominently. The early pace would be a modest one and a number of the runners would race keenly, using up vital energy early on. As the runners left the back straight and galloped past the trees, former winner of this race Marhaba The Champ would bring up the rear along with Zanndabad and Insanity. As the field made their way to the halfway point of the home straight, the field began to bunch up. Mount Atlas's soft lead would soon dissolve as he and Naqeeb were overtaken by some improving rivals. The grey Champagne Prince had travelled powerfully into a narrow lead and looked set for a bold bid. The Wathnan silks of French Duke also made stealthy headway towards the stands' side of the group and an exciting finish was in prospect. The order would change dramatically as Champagne Prince's seemingly inevitable win would soon disappear as Insanity squeezed through a gap to take the lead. Also thundering home would be Asgard's Captain, another who had been held up earlier on, and the five year old went eye to eye with Insanity in the final strides. The bay gelding would bravely stick his neck out and reach the line first. With a well timed challenge, the race would go to Asgard's Captain. Insanity would lose little in defeat with this near miss in second while French Duke took third. From the rear, Zanndabad arrived from seemingly nowhere to steal fourth and demote Champagne Prince to fifth.

It would be a memorable success for all involved with the five year old Asgard's Captain, who had plenty of support from his syndicate of owners. Trainer Dylan Cunha announced himself on the big stage on this very meeting in 2023 when Silver Sword landed the mile handicap but the former high class trainer in South Africa, who is now based in Newmarket, has grown in reputation in a short time. Asgard's Captain would arrive at the yard at the start of 2024 with just two wins to his name in Ireland, but Cunha has worked his making to raise him through the ranks. A productive spell of four wins in the space of five months over a range of distances showed his versatility and this year, things have become even better. A wide margin victory in the valuable and recognisable Great Metropolitan Handicap at Epsom Downs back in April was the previous highlight, but a win at this festival would surely rank highly. A likeable and consistent sort, Asgard's Captain will surely have more wins in his locker. It would also be a momentous victory for the veteran jockey John Egan, who is the oldest active rider in Britain at a tender 57. Also the father of David Egan, John has enjoyed a brilliant career which includes an Irish 2000 Guineas success and Group One sprint victories during the mid 2000's. Using all of his experience and expertise, Egan also affirmed that he wasn't finished with just yet.

Race Two: The Wetherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup - Group Two - Two Miles - Runners: 6

Next up would be the turn of the stayers with the Lonsdale Cup over two miles. The days of Stradivarius's domination in the division ended a couple of years ago and since then, the pecking order has remained wide open and arguably lacks a true staying great. Despite this, the two mile category is much more competitive now and bigger fields than usual are a common theme. As well as Stradivarius's three wins in this race, famous legends of the turf such as Further Flight, Persian Punch and Sergeant Cecil have all taken the trophy home since the 1990's. Last year, leading National Hunt trainer Willie Mullins would also land this race with the enigmatic Vauban, who battled gamely for the win.

Heading the card this year would be Ascot Gold Cup hero Trawlerman. Ever since winning the Ebor Handicap three years ago, the seven year old has been a staple in this division and it would be an emphatic and well deserved win at Royal Ascot in June. The Tom Clover-trained Al Nayyir emerged on the scene with a brilliant run to take a close second in this race last year. He would suffer another narrow defeat at Sandown back in July. The highly likeable Al Qareem is a very tough and game gelding from the Karl Burke stable and arrives here on the back of two successes at York over a mile and six furlongs. He has been at his very best this season. After two wins at Meydan, Saeed bin Suroor's stayer finished third in the Ascot Gold Cup earlier in the summer. Sweet William would also make a return to York for the John and Thady Gosden stable and is another popular stayer. The six year old has finished second in an Ebor Handicap in the past but has made his name in these contests. He was finishing strongly into third when last seen in action in the Goodwood Cup. Completing the line up would be the only three year old in the line up, Aidan O'Brien's Shackleton. The colt has shown potential for this trip recently with a second last time out over a slightly shorter trip behind a high class older horse in the Curragh Cup.  

Winner: TRAWLERMAN (Golden Horn x Tidespring) (#1) - W. Buick - J & T. Gosden

Despite the small field of six runners, this contest would be right up to scratch with the standard and plenty of racegoers swarmed the parade ring to catch a glimpse of these old favourites.

The race would start just in front of the grandstands before taking a circuit of the Knavesmire. As the gates opened, the three year old Shackleton was sent into the lead under Wayne Lordan and another habitual front runner, Trawlerman, was happy to sit in second passing the winning post. Al Qareem would settle in third, racing alongside the blinkered Sweet William while Al Nayyir and Dubai Fortune took up their usual positions at the rear of the group. The early pace was just an even, steady one set by Shackleton which meant Trawlerman and Al Qareem would race slightly keen, but their riders didn't show much concern. The field would make their way out of the back straight and along the tree lined false straight and it was here where William Buick opted to nudge Trawlerman alongside Shackleton, injecting a little bit of pace into the race. At the top of the home straight, it was clear that this would be a true test of stamina and Shackleton began to feel the pinch, gradually weakening away. The all blue silks of Trawlerman would have the packed grandstands to aim at as Buick began to turn the screw. Just behind him, stablemate Sweet William had tanked through the race under Rab Havlin and was still travelling smoothly in second. At the two furlong pole, Trawlerman was asked for an effort and he would respond gamely. Sweet William wasn't going to lie down though and moved up to Trawlerman's hind quarters. Al Nayyir had crept into the race as well, just as he did twelve months ago, but his challenge this year was only a brief one. Inside the final furlong, the quality began to take effect and Trawlerman saw off the attention of Sweet William, beginning to pull away approaching the finish line. It would be a hard earned victory for the seven year old as he crossed the line a length and a quarter ahead of Sweet William. There would be a gap back to Al Nayyir in third with an even bigger gap to Al Qareem, who failed to stay and came home in fourth.

This race can often prove tricky for Ascot Gold Cup winners as the three pound weight penalty they carry in this Group Two event can prove too much. Despite this, Trawlerman was at his very best today and is growing in popularity within the staying division. His previous visit to the Knavesmire was at this meeting in 2022 where Frankie Dettori produced a brilliant ride on the gelding to win the Ebor Handicap, which was only the start of his career. He would make a name for himself in late 2023 by overturning the great Kyprios in the Qipco Long Distance Cup on Champions Day at Ascot, which moved him into the big time. Last year, the front runner made most of the running in the Ascot Gold Cup but found only Kyprios too strong close home, going down by a length in an epic battle. The retirement of Aidan O'Brien's staying great Kyprios due to injury earlier this year left a big hole in the staying division. After a warm up victory at Sandown in May, Trawlerman had a golden opportunity at the Royal meeting and took it with both hands. Making all the running, he would pour it on in the final stages, pulling seven lengths clear of his nearest rival and bagging one of the biggest prizes in racing.  Long distance horses are popular with racing fans due to their toughness and longevity; Trawlerman is now the latest fan favourite in a list of all-time greats.

Race Three: The Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes - 2-Y-O Only - Group Two - Six Furlongs - Runners: 8
One of the most prestigious contests for juvenile colts would get underway with the Gimcrack Stakes, a race that has made a habit of producing top drawer racehorses. From the legendary Mill Reef's spectacular win in 1970 to the likes of Royal Applause and Rock of Gibraltar in the late nineties and early two-thousands. There would be a flurry of high class sprinters turned sires who won this race in the mid 2010's, Muhaarar, Sands of Mali and Blue Point. Last season, the Andrew Balding-trained Cool Hoof Luke would add his name to the prestigious roll of honour by landing this contest with a degree of comfort.

The star names on display this year would be led by Comical Point for last year's winning trainer Andrew Balding. The son of Blue Point won well on debut and has since proven himself at Group level with a fast finishing fifth in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot. He would then race too keenly in the July Stakes at Newmaket on his first try over six furlongs. Ed Walker's Do Or Do Not improved from a low key debut to finish second in a maiden here in May, but since then he has shown high class form. A strong finishing second in the Coventry and July Stakes and then third in the Vintage Stakes over seven furlongs. More York form would be on display with Ralph Beckett's Egoli. The colt built on his debut promise by pulling away in a novice race here in June, winning in good style and then added a second win to his name afterwards. He could only manage sixth in the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood however. British expat from the Middle East  Ismail Mohammed would saddle Irish Fighter in this contest. After running well enough at this level at Royal Ascot on his second start, he would show plenty of speed to win at Windsor. Declan Carroll can often introduce an above average youngster and he did so again at Thirsk with Lifeplan. He would show plenty of speed and looks a good prospect. Reciprocated looked to be an exciting prospect for the Karl Burke stable by winning a pair of novice races with ease. He then lost his unbeaten record at Ascot over seven furlongs in disappointing style. In the same owner silks of Sheikh Mohammed Obaid al Maktoum, Rock On Thunder lined up for Kevin Ryan; a trainer who has won this race on numerous occasions in the past. After making a good winning debut, he wasn't disgraced in the Coventry Stakes before taking second in the Rose Bowl at Royal Ascot. Completing the field would be the Mick Appleby-trained Yorkshire Puds, who would be a well named winner here. The colt showed promise on debut at Pontefract, but struggled on his latest start at Goodwood in maiden company and this would be an even bigger step up. 

Winner: LIFEPLAN (Kodi Bear x A Taad Moody) (#5) - Z. Wheatley - D. Carroll

Just like in the Lowther Stakes on the previous day, this famous Group Two race would be without a representative from Godolphin or Ballydoyle, which left a great opportunity for others.

All eight runners would go to post in this informative contest and as the gates opened, the Sheikh Mohammed Obaid runners would lead the field. Rock On Thunder made an alert start and would go forward into an early lead while Reciprocated reared up, but quickly made up the lost ground to sit in second. The pace wasn't a break neck one and the majority of these youngsters would race keenly. Comical Point would share third with Do Or Do Not as Egoli wasn't too far away either. Lifeplan was eased back into the pack early on and bringing up the rear would be Yorkshire Puds and Irish Fighter, albeit never too far away from the leaders. There would be little change in the order for most of the home straight and approaching the final furlong, Rock On Thunder quickened away from his rivals, opening up a decent advantage. As his rivals were caught flat footed, it appeared that the race would go the way of Kevin Ryan once again, but there would be one last challenger. Lifeplan would bridge the gap and drew alongside Rock On Thunder inside the final furlong and the two juveniles would go eye to eye. Lifeplan would find a little extra and began to draw away from the long time leader, crossing the line a length to the good. Rock On Thunder ran a mighty race to take second, creating a five length gap back to Do Or Do Not who finished placed in yet another Group race. Fourth would go to Comical Point, who was well held but stayed on slightly at the finish.

It would be a huge day for jockey Zak Wheatley, a young rider who is a regular on the Northern circuit as he landed the biggest success of his career. Attached to the Declan Carroll stable, Wheatley is more used to riding in class five or six races around Carlisle or Ripon, but as the saying goes, one horse can define your career. It would also be a poignant success for Malton trainer Declan Carroll who, back in 2017, was preparing to saddle the exciting Santry for this very race until the horse was killed on the gallops. As for Lifeplan, the son of Kodi Bear made a big impression on his debut at Thirsk in late July where he looked professional and won with plenty in hand. The first foal of listed placed racemare, Lifeplan is also related to the classy and multiple winning sprinters Captain Ramius and Sunny King. Lifeplan still showed signs of inexperience when asked to quicken here, but did so impressively and looks set for the highest level. With a speedy pedigree, connections also have plenty to look forward to for years to come.

Race Four: The Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes - Group One - Five Furlongs - Runners: 17

The feature contest of the afternoon would turn into the need for speed as the world's best sprinters would converge on the Knavesmire for more Group One glory. The five furlong blast is often over and done with in the matter of moments and provides a thrilling spectacle for those in attendance. From the exceptional sprinters of the 1990's, Dayjur and Lochsong to modern day greats such as dual winner Battaash, Highfield Princess and Sole Power, this contest is appreciation of the fastest horses on the planet. The unpredictable nature of the race can also throw up a surprise result of two, as shown by recent winners Margot Did, Live In The Moment and Alpha Delphini. This race is also unique as it is open to all ages, providing one of the first opportunities for this year's star juveniles to take on their elders with a healthy weight allowance. Twelve months ago, the lineup was an excellent one, but it saw a powerful display by champion sprinter Bradsell, who blew his rivals away. 
Topping the bill would be the highly likeable JM Jungle for the Malton yard of John and Sean Quinn, who won this race in 2022. The five year old has tonnes of form on the Knavesmire and has progressed out of handicap company where he won races like the Epsom Dash on his way to winning the King George Stakes at Goodwood, a Grade Two contest. Clive Cox would be represented by Kerdos, who won the Temple Stakes last year, but that remains his only Group race win. The five year old has finished just out of the frame at Group One level in the past so would look to go a few places better. The John Ryan-trained Manaccan was a highly progressive sprinter in 2022 before injury meant he would miss over two years of action. He has gradually returned to near his best this season and took fourth on his latest start at Ascot in July. Another Yorkshire runner would be the rapid Night Raider. The four year old is a high class sprinter on the all-weather, but hasn't achieved the same on turf yet. Despite this, there have been excuses for his latest defeats over this trip this year. Johnny Portman would supplement his star sprinter Rumstar into the contest at the final entry stage and the chestnut is a smart type for the yard. He has won two Group Three contests so far this year and stepped back into the big league here. Archie Watson and Hollie Doyle combined to win this race last year with Bradsell and would do so again with Spartan Arrow this year. The high class handicapper would win a listed race in France on his first attempt at pattern company, but managed only ninth at Goodwood last time out. A second runner for the Hambleton Racing would be Kevin Ryan's Washington Heights. The five year old finished sixth in this race last year, but has improved this season. He would gain an overdue win in good style in a listed race over course and distance in July which serves as a good trial for this contest.There would be a strong female presence in the lineup with half of the racecard being taken by fillies and mares. The first of them would be the Australian challenger Asfoora. The seven year old was just below top class in her home country but has done well in her two holidays to Britain. Last year's King's Stand Stakes winner took fourth in this race last year but things haven't gone as well this time around. The formerly French trained mare Mgheera joined Ed Walker's stable at the start of the season and has improved a lot already. She would win her first two starts for the yard, including the Temple Stakes at Haydock and she was last seen chasing home Arizona Blaze at the Curragh last time. Another from Newmarket would be Frost At Dawn for the William Knight stable. The grey has improved a lot since her quiet run in this race last year and after winning a listed race earlier in the season, she would take a brilliant second in the King Charles III Stakes at the Royal meeting before a solid fourth at Goodwood. Irish trainer Jack Davidson would send over his stable star She's Quality for this contest in the hope of breaking her curse. The four year old has finished second in each of her four starts this year, all at group level. She would finish strongly to take second behind JM Jungle at Goodwood and a victory here would be deserved. The three year old contingent would consist of three runners, the first of them would be another from the Kevin Ryan stable, Ain't Nobody. The colt won last year's Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot on just his second start, but hasn't achieved much since. He has finished down the field in Group Three and listed contests on his last two starts. The first of the Irish challengers would be Adrian Murray's star sprinter Arizona Blaze. The very tough colt has placed at the last two Royal Ascot festivals and warmed up for this contest with an impressive success at Group Two level at the Curragh. Celandine was a high class juvenile last season and won the Lowther at this festival twelve months ago. After finishing a good third on her comeback here in July, she would back it up with another solid placing at Chester and dropped down to the minimum trip here. Richard Hughes won the July Cup with a filly last month and would aim to do the same here with the three year old Sayidah Dariyan. After a fourth place in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot, she looked high class with a stylish win here over six furlongs in July and dropped back to the minimum trip. The last two year old winner of this race came in 2007 and it is rare for a horse to accomplish this despite a huge weight allowance from the older horses. Two speedy fillies were added to the field with the aim of making history. First up would be Ger Lyons's Lady Iman. The daughter of Starman has won four of her five starts so far and looked to be all speed in the Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood last time out. Joining her would be another winner from the Goodwood festival, Michael Bell's Spicy Marg. Her trainer won this race in 2011 and has held this juvenile in high regard since her debut win in May and she bounced back to form with a second win last month. 

Winner: ASFOORA (Flying Artie x Golden Child) (#10) - O. Murphy - H. Dwyer

The feature contest of the day was the subject of much discussion in the build up to the week with so many potential outcomes for the race, but once the horses were in their stalls it would be time for the talking to stop and the attention firmly on the action in this "blink and you'll miss it" contest.

The gates would crash open and like uncoiled springs, the sprinters surged out their box. The immediate pace would come from the far side as the rapid Night Raider took the early lead as expected. He would provide a tow for those drawn around him such as Asfoora, Frost At Dawn and Arizona Blaze, but the field would remain as one group this time around. The fillies Mgheera and Sayidah Dariyan would be slightly hesitant from their stall and lost crucial ground on their rivals as they were forced to race at the back. Over on the stands' side of the pack, Spartan Arrow, JM Jungle and She's Quality were all to the fore as the furlong markers would pass by in a blur. The race would begin to reach its climax at the furlong pole and the front runners were all still right there. As Night Raider's petrol gauge began to flicker on empty, the grey Frost At Dawn nosed into a narrow lead at the furlong pole. JM Jungle was also there with every chance and the Australian mare Asfoora was unloading her challenge. With a sharp burst of acceleration, Asfoora kicked away from her rivals, leaving them in her wake. She would power towards the line and remind the world of her ability, winning the Nunthorpe in comfortable fashion. The race for second was much closer, Kevin Ryan's colt Ain't Nobody had been ridden quietly, but flashed home in the final furlong to bounce back to form and take second. Frost At Dawn would run another excellent race to take third while the early leader Night Raider ran his best race of the year to take fourth.

It would be a case of mission accomplished for Australian trainer Henry Dwyer as his star racemare Asfoora delivered on the big stage in Britain once again. The seven year old is a talented sort in her home country, but was never considered one of the greats in a region that has produced the likes of Black Caviar, Choisir and Takeover Target, all of whom were outstanding sprinters in their day. Asfoora was identified as the latest Australian challenger to take on the Brits last year and arrived in the UK with plenty of excitement. She would swoop home to win the Group One King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot in June 2024 before going down narrowly at Goodwood on her next start. She would then line up in last year's Nunthorpe where a draw bias on the day went against her and she could only manage fourth. Undeterred, connections were keen to have a second go in Britain, but to this point, Asfoora's second stint in the UK hadn't gone to plan. Despite a promising fifth in the King Charles III Stakes at the Royal meeting, she would struggle into seventh at Goodwood last time. Plenty of work had gone into Asfoora since then and she showed how good she can be with this impressive display. It would be a second Australian win in the race and the first since Ortensia in 2012. It would prove the point once more, that they don't make sprinters like they do Down Under.

Race Five: The Assured Data Protection EBF Fillies Hertitage Handicap - Class Two - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 13

After the "blink and you'll miss it" nature of the Nunthorpe previously, the dust would settle and the fillies and mares would take to the stage. This ten furlong contest would attract a strong line up of fillies and mares over the age of three and has been the stepping stone to better things for a number of previous winners. Last year, the Ed Walker-trained Canoodled galloped on resolutely to cause a shock and win under teenage star jockey Billy Loughnane.

This year's line up would see the first of two Irish challengers, Akecheta, carry top weight. Kevin Coleman's five year old has been running well in defeat this year, including on her last two visits to Britain when second at Epsom and fourth at Goodwood at this level. The talented Ciara Pearl would line up for the Dan and Claire Kubler stable and has been a reliable sort at a lower level, winning seven times. The five year old was last successful at Nottingham in May and wasn't beaten far at Ascot recently. The three year old Zgharta has progressed steadily this year, getting off the mark at the third attempt. The daughter of Ghaiyyath has run better than her form figures suggest in good handicaps as Ascot and Goodwood this summer.  Ralph Beckett won this race three years ago with a progressive filly and would return this year with Power Of Destiny. After a promising first season last year, she was disappointing in this race twelve months ago and has since proven inconsistent subsequently. Another Newmarket trainer involved would be Harry Charlton with the mare Roarin' Success. The five year old has more ability than her three victories suggest and after winning at Hamilton over nine furlongs two starts ago, she went down fighting at Doncaster when second over this trip last time. The lightly raced filly Wonder Star lined up for the William Haggas stable and could progress to be better than this level in the future. The daughter of Sea The Stars looked smart when winning for the first time at Ascot in May and bounced back to form with a close second at Goodwood in a similar contest. The unexposed Brielle has progressed on each of her three starts and is bred to be useful. After finishing placed in her first two starts, she would pull clear in the closing stages to land her first win on latest start. The second Irish runner would be Paul Traynor's Fiver Friday. As well as running to a decent level on the flat, the mare has also won over hurdles earlier this year. She was last seen in action over hurdles where she was well beaten. The Middleham based yard of Ed Bethell would be represented by Callisto Dream and the three year old has looked smart on both occasions she has won. She has since run adequately when third in a pair of small field races at Ascot and Redcar. Cape Flora would line up for the John and Thady Gosden and comes from a strong staying and high class family. She has been a slow burner so far and gained her first win on fifth start in dominant style. The five year old Bint Al Daar has run well at York in the past, especially when staying on into second in last year's running of this race. She has since moved yards to the Kevin Frost stable mid season and ran a better race when fifth at Hamilton last time out. Charlie Johnston's Blessed Star comes from a family of multiple, talented winners, but remains a maiden herself. Despite this, she has shown ability already and this would be her first try over ten furlongs. Completing the lineup would be the four year old Jujubella for the newly formed Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore partnership. The filly has improved plenty this year and was winning for the fourth time at Haydock in July, to show she can handle the turf as well as the all-weather.

Winner: CAPE FLORA (Kingman x Waldlied) (#11) - K. O'Neill - J & T. Gosden

After a top class mare won the feature just half an hour earlier, the theme of females would continue with this competitive middle distance handicap.

Starting from the Juddmonte distance of ten furlongs, a prominent position is vital before the slight bend into the false straight. From the outset, Cape Flora would get away to a good start and move into the early lead under Kieran O'Neill. She would be joined up front by Callisto's Dream as the pair of three year olds raced keenly. Further back, Power Of Destiny was slow from her gate and Bint Al Daar quickly lost a lot of ground in the opening furlongs. As the race settled into a flow, Ciara's Pearl would sit in a handy position along with Wonder Star and Roarin' Success. A few more runners would race with enthusiasm, but throughout the race both Jujubella and Fiver Friday travelled noticeably strongly. With little change in the order rounding the bend, Cape Flora began to up the ante in front. Blessed Star had made eye catching progress through the field and as Cape Flora was sent on her way, Blessed Star gave chase. The leader responded to every urging however and began to pull clear of Blessed Star and the grey Akecheta, who had plugged on as well. With the crowd willing her on, Cape Flora would cross the line to an easy victory, two and a half lengths to the good. Blessed Star would finish in the placings once again, but was joined on the line by Akecheta. The pair would have to share second place in a dead heat while Zgharta was never nearer than fourth at the finish.

It had been a very inconspicuous start to Cape Flora's career as the three year old had shown an aversion to the stalls in previous outings. In her first four starts, she was very slow from the stalls, losing ground and then racing too keenly. It meant that she was unable to run to her true potential, but after a change of tactics and going to the start early, things began to look up. Making all the running at Leicester on her previous start, she was clear in front a long way from home but maintained the advantage to get off the mark. Given a similar ride here, but this time under more restraint, Cape Flora was able to dictate the race and pull clear in the style of a stayer on the rise. The filly comes from a top class family as a distant relative to none other than 2019 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Waldgeist and 2011 St Leger winner Masked Marvel. Connections seem to have found the key to their filly now and she is already a good broodmare prospect but for now, Cape Flora can afford to aim high in the future.

Race Six: The British Stallion Studs EBF Convivial Maiden Stakes - 2-Y-O Only - Class Two - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 13

The penultimate contest of the day would provide a view to the future. The Convivial Maiden is one of the most valuable races of its kind and has the potential to unearth a high class horse. The seven furlong contest attracts the support of leading stables and expensive purchases and they would battle it out on the Knavesmire. One of the highest profile winners of this race would be Hoo Ya Mal back in 2021, who went on to finish second in the following year's Epsom Derby. Last year, the very expensive yearling purchase Angelo Buonarroti showed his class to win this with ease before going on to place in the Royal Lodge on next start.

This year's lineup would be headed by Beny Nahar,  who has gone close to winning for the Charlie Johnston stable. The son of Kingman has finished second on both starts, beaten by small margins on both occasions. Irish trainer Paddy Twomey would send over the grey colt Bond for this valuable contest, in the colours of his local owners. The son of Too Darn Hot showed inexperience on debut at Killarney when fifth behind a smart looking winner. The first debutante of the field would be Gemma Tutty's colt Ephron. The stable have sent out a newcomer winner at this venue before, so market clues would be helpful here. Another once raced runner would be Kevin Frost's Explosive Finnish. The son of Pinatubo made his debut in a small field novice at Nottingham, but ran keenly throughout and could only manage fifth. Aidan O'Brien won this race in 2023 with the useful Battle Cry and also ran the high class Whirl in last year's running. This year, he would be represented by Frescobaldi, a twice raced son of No Nay Never. After an educational debut, he kicked clear on his second start but was caught on the line and demoted to second last time out. The Newmarket based stable of Richard Spencer is another respected stable when it comes to newcomers and would be represented by Ice Cube. The grey is related to some talented types who raced in Europe. Kevin Ryan would saddle the newcomer Inishbeg, who lined up in the colours of Sheikh Mohammed Obaid, an owner who has enjoyed plenty of success with the Ryan stable. The colt would aim to go a few places higher in this race than his smart half brother Volterra, who finished fourth in 2023. Hugo Palmer often sends his better novices to the big meetings and would do so here with King Of Thunder. He would help to force the pace in a decent looking maiden at Ascot before weakening into fourth. Carrying the Wathnan Racing silks would be Karl Burke's Naval Light. The well regarded colt has been highly tried already, including a midfield placing at Royal Ascot. He would finish strongly over six furlongs back in novice company at Goodwood, but moved even further up in trip here. Another prospective winner in waiting would be the New Monarch for the Andrew Balding stable. The son of Acclamation has returned second behind some smart winners at Newbury and Ascot, but is bred to be better over longer distances next year. Another local yard with a runner would John and Sean Quinn with Night Wolf. The colt is related to a few Group race performers which bodes well for his future and has a speed influence from his sire Kodi Bear. Tim Easterby's gelding Red Spells Danger would be another Yorkshire runner and he ran an excellent race on debut here four weeks ago. After getting caught flat footed at a crucial point, he kept on again into third behind a promising winner. Another runner in the growing Eco Power Racing ownership would be Adrian Keatley's Sea The Power. The son of Sea The Moon raced keenly in the early stages of his debut recently, but plugged on into third over an extended seven furlongs in a decent introduction. Alan King is more used to training hurdlers and chasers, but would be an interesting name to feature in this contest with the newcomer Spyce. The colt comes from a very classy family and both of his half siblings have won a race so far. Completing the field would be the only filly in the field, Isle Of Fernandez for the Kevin Ryan stable. After a low key debut at Haydock at the start of July, she would improve to take second at Goodwood at the end of last month, finishing behind an exciting prospect.

Winner: FRESCOBALDI (#5) (No Nay Never x Kodiva) - R. Moore - A. O'Brien

The field would be reduced by two as John Butler's Explosive Finnish would be withdrawn on the morning of the race and was soon joined by Hugo Palmer's King Of Thunder. It would still leave a fascinating lineup of unexposed and promising types and the notebook would be ready for future reference. 

The bunch of juveniles would behave remarkably well considering a warm day and a large attendance of racegoers. The thirteen runners would break away to a good start and from the outset, dual runner up New Monarch would dispute the early lead with the Coolmore-owned Frescobaldi. The newcomer Inishbeg was also close to the lead alongside the only filly in the race Isle Of Fernandez. Beny Nahar would also have a front row seat under Will Buick and the pace was a decent one. From the start, Sea The Power would veer to his right, hampering Night Wolf and Ice Cube as the tail of the field was brought up by Ephron and Spyce. Entering the home straight, the pace began to pick up and push came to shove for some of the youngsters. Frescobaldi and New Monarch would take turns holding a narrow lead approaching the final furlong, but New Monarch would weaken gradually. Naval Light was running a good race as Night Wolf and Red Spells Danger attracted attention with some progress through the field. Inside the final furlong, Frescobaldi was given a strong ride and kept finding for pressure as the newcomer Spyce weaved through tiring rivals and laid down his challenge. The dark blue silks of Frescobalid wouldn't be for passing in the final stages and Aidan O'Brien's colt would break his maiden tag at the third attempt. Alan King's Spyce would run a very promising race to take second, getting the best of a bunched finish for the minor places. Naval Light held every chance but could manage third, just in front of New Monarch. Fifth would go to Night Wolf, who was staying on strongly at the finish and would also show a lot of promise. 

It would be a second win in this race in the space of three years for the Aidan O'Brien stable as Frescobaldi would get off the mark. The yard was responsible for the 2023 winner Battle Cry, who had produced near-identical form figures to Frescobaldi prior to this race. Making his debut in an early season maiden in April, Frescobaldi could only manage fifth at the Curragh as he looked outpaced over six furlongs. He wasn't seen again until June where he lined up at Fairyhouse, this time over seven furlongs. After leading early, he would produce steering issues and lost out by a narrow margin that day. Given another break ahead of this contest, the son of No Nay Never looked more assured this time and responded to plenty of pressure from Ryan Moore.  In a stable blessed with outstanding juvenile talent this year, it remains to see where Frescobaldi sits in the pecking order at Ballydoyle, but he showed a willing attitude to fend off his rivals and could be a nice, progressive colt over a mile next year. 

Race Seven: The Sky Bet Mile Heritage Handicap - Class Two - One Mile - Runners: 17

The finale of day three would see a nigh-on impossible race to crack and punters would face a challenge of finding the winner in the "getting out stakes". A class two handicap for three year olds only would feature a whole host of classy names and progressive horses and a case could be made for the majority of them. This race usually goes the way of a Group-level prospect, as shown recently in 2023 by Silver Sword, who gave Dylan Cunha his first big winner in this race before going on to place in Group Three company. Last year, there was a popular winner as William Haggas's Treasure Time pulled clear to win for this army of owners. 

Heading the weights for the closing contest would be Fearnot for the Clive Cox stable. The colt has been highly reliable so far as he has yet to finish lower than third in all six starts. He has shown a liking for Ascot with a third in the Britannia Stakes and then landing a good quality handicap there last month. Dividend was well beaten at this meeting last year, but Richard Newland and Jamie Insole's colt has improved massively since then, winning twice on the all-weather at the start of the year and placing in a pair of strong handicaps including the Britannia Handicap last time at Royal Ascot. Montpellier would line up here instead of the mile handicap on the previous day's card for the James Ferguson stable. The well bred colt looked smart by winning his first two races and was unlucky when fourth last time at Goodwood, suffering traffic issues. The Ian Williams yard does well with recruits from France and would be represented here by Supido. The dual winner in Europe has since acclimatised to life in Britain nicely with two good performances in Ascot handicaps lately. The Richard Spencer-trained Yah Mo Be There made a good debut here in May last year when second and has progressed further to even contest the 2000 Guineas this year. He would make a pleasing return to handicap company when fifth at Goodwood last time out. John and Thady Gosden would hold a strong hand here, firstly with the Godolphin-owned Fifth Column. The gelded son of Kingman has been a solid handicapper with three wins this year and stayed on into fifth behind some more experienced horses in the Golden Mile at Goodwood a few weeks ago. Tiger Mask's previous visit to York saw him take second over six furlongs last year but since then, Karl Burke's grey finished fourth in a pair of Group contests. He would make a belated return to action in late June, where he looked in need of the run against older horses at Newcastle. An interesting runner would come in the form of Geoff Oldroyd's Big Leader. The locally trained gelding is unbeaten in three starts and would make his handicap debut under the "could be anything" banner. Another improving sort in the silks of Ahmed Al Maktoum would be Terroom from the Roger Varian stable. The chestnut colt completed a hat trick of wins in the Silver Bowl Handicap at Haydock, but his progress has halted slightly after two quieter runs at Ascot. Representing last year's combination of Marquand and Haggas would be Sea Force, who took four goes to get off the mark, but was gelded soon after. The son of Sea The Stars has since run well enough in a couple of handicaps won by a couple of reopposing rivals. Hugo Palmer's King Casper showed he could be a smart prospect this year by winning a Newmarket handicap by a wide margin in April, but his form has levelled off since. He would struggle on the rain softened ground at Goodwood last time so the quick ground would suit him better here. The David O'Meara-trained We Dare To Dream showed some useful form at the start of this year and has finished second more times than he has won. He would be another to struggle with the underfoot conditions at Goodwood three weeks ago when posting a rare poor run. Phillip Makin has done a good job with placing his gelding Impartiality as he won three times at a lower level earlier this year and bounced back to form with an excellent second at Goodwood behind Principality. The sole representative from the Andrew Balding stable would be Point Of Contact, who made a winning start to this year at Newbury before taking second over this course and distance in May. He would run a solid race last time at Goodwood in a messy race three weeks ago. Horses from the Charlie Johnston stable have a reputation for being tough sorts and that can apply to Sir Paul Ramsey. The gelding has improved since moving to handicaps and has won two of his last three starts. He fought hard to win by a nose at Haydock a fortnight ago. A second runner for the Hugo Palmer stable would be the improver Miami Matrix. Having made his debut at the end of January this year, the gelding has gone on to win a pair of Chester handicaps but was down the field at Goodwood last time out. This would be a first try over a mile however. A second runner for the partnership of Richard Newland and Jamie Insole would be Knights Gold, who has also enjoyed a good season this year. The gelding has risen through the ranks with four wins and produced a career best when third at Goodwood last month. 

Winner: FIFTH COLUMN (Kingman x Inner Secret) (#7) - W. Buick - J & T. Gosden

The finale would see a full field of intended runners and a wide open betting heat.

A prominent position over a mile at York is vital and as expected, there would be some twitchy riders trying to bag a front row seat. Sir Paul Ramsey was slightly awkward from his inside draw but kept forward momentum to take up the lead in the early stages. Point Of Contact, Teroomm and Big Leader were all close to the leader as Tiger Mask and Sea Force had to race wider than ideal in the early stages. As the field rounded the home bend and approached the home straight, Sir Paul Ramsey stuck to the far side rail as his rivals began to spread across the track, looking for racing room. Teroomm would lay down a big challenge to the leader at the furlong pole and King Casper was also making a bold sight. Point Of Contact was also in the firing line for the Balding stable and Big Leader was also surging home. As Sir Paul Ramsey began to lose his grip on the race, the gaps opened in time for Fifth Column and the Godolphin silks burst through to emerge on the scene. There would be five horses in contention in a grandstand finish as Big Leader and Fifth Column crossed the line together. A photo finish was called to determine the outcome of the final race and after a short wait, it was announced that Fifth Column had done just enough to win by a short head. Big Leader lost his unbeaten record in agonising circumstances and long time leader Sir Paul Ramsey was only overthrown in the final strides to take third. Fourth would go the way of Teroomm, who was beaten just a length overall by the winner. 

There would be a winning favourite to send punters home happy and the third leg of a treble for the John and Thady Gosden stable. Their colt Fifth Column has been a tough customer this year and was gaining his fourth win of the year and his career. The son of Kingman made a quiet start to his racing life at the end of last season, but rounded it off with a pair of second placings on the all-weather. He would then land his first win on his seasonal comeback at Kempton in April this year before adding a second win at Sandown, denying a Royal Ascot runner up in the process. He was a big fancy for the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot, a cavalry charge over a mile in June, but ran a decent race to take seventh overall and first in his group of runners. Next up came a trip to Newmarket for another valuable handicap over a mile at the July Festival and showed his battling qualities to land the win. Having done well against his own age group, Fifth Column was then pitched against older and battle hardened handicappers in the Golden Mile at Glorious Goodwood at the start of the month. He would sit and suffer in a rough race but stayed on well to take a very creditable fifth. He would need to show his grit and determination here once again, but he is becoming a very good handicap sort. As a gelding, he may not reach the highest level, but he can continue to have a long successful career, with a potential trip to Dubai at the start of next year given his owners.