Race One: The Sky Bet Lowther Stakes - 2-Y-O Only - Group Two - Six Furlongs - Runners: 11
Day two of the Ebor Festival would kick off with a view to the future as the Lowther Stakes for this year's leading juvenile fillies took place. The six furlong blast down the main straight is often a strongly contest event as form lines from Newmarket's July Festival and Royal Ascot come together and clash at York to decide the undisputed best. From the likes of Al Bahathri, Harayir and Cape Verdi prior to the year 2000's to Russian Rhythm, Queen's Logic and Tiggy Wiggy in more recent seasons, the winner of the Lowther Stakes is often high class. Last year, the Ed Walker stable would land this race with Celandine, who had this year's Commonwealth Cup winner Time For Sandals back in second.

The absence of high class juveniles Venetian Sun and True Love would be noticeable, but the cast for the Ladies' Day opener would remain a classy one. The Richard Hughes yard is enjoying a brilliant spell this summer and would saddle the grey America Queen. She would defy a slow start and win by a jaw dropping twelve lengths at Haydock on her debut and could be anything. Tim Easterby's Argentine Tango has made her name as a tough and talented filly as she carries the most experience in the field. After winning a listed race at Newmarket, she then stepped up again to finish third in a Group Two contest back at HQ in July and then runner up in the Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood. Dylan Cunha's stable is also in top form this summer and would rely on Come On Eibhlin. She would make a brillant start to her career by finishing ninth on debut in the cauldron of the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot and despite some steering issues at Windsor, still managed to win comfortably. Another Newmarket stable to be represented would be that of Simon and Ed Crisford's, with Dandana. She would look professional on debut at Kempton in July by bursting clear inside the final furlong and winning comfortably. She remains unbeaten following a comfortable win at Ripon at the start of the month. The Richard Hughes and Jaber Abdullah trainer and ownership combination would have a strong second runner with Mood Queen. The filly would win nicely on second start at Newmarket, but was outclassed in this grade back at the same venue in July. Pearl Fortune made her debut at the tricky Beverley course on debut for the Karl Burke stable and announced as a name to follow with a spectacular success, but was denied by Dandana at Ripon in novice company last time. Andrew Balding's Royal Fixation looked smart when winning on debut Thirsk, but bettered that effort by pushing Venetian Sun all the way to the line at Newmarket last time out.  Malton based trainer Adrian Keatley would bring Secret Hideaway back to York as she won a listed race on her second start back in May, but found the test of Royal Ascot next time. She then ran much better when not beaten far in a French Group Three last time out. The talented Staya won on debut for the George Scott stable before catching the eye with a fifth place in the Queen Mary. She would gain black type success in a listed race at Sandown two starts ago and ran well when second on first try at six furlongs upon her return to Ascot. A third runner for owner Jaber Abdullah would be the exciting Timeforshowcasing. Charlie Johston would look to emulate his father with a win in this contest with the unbeaten filly who looked classy at Newbury, winning for the second time in the process. Brian Ellison has seen horses of his go close in this race in the past and would rely on War Faayth in this year's renewal. After finishing a close up third on debut, she would show a lot of speed to win easily next time out. She has then made a successful trip to France with a stylish listed race victory.

Winner: ROYAL FIXATION (Palace Pier x FIxette) (#7) - W. Buick - E. Walker

Day two would kick off with a good looking renewal of this historic group two contest. This year's line up would be a rarity without any representation from the Ballydoyle or Godolphin operations, but a field of eleven would go to post.

The action would get underway and from the outset, the experienced Argentine Tango would go to the head of the pack under David Allan. The pair would be kept honest by the keen going Dandana, who was now ridden by Harry Davies following the absence of James Doyle. The light grey coated America Queen would sit in a handy position behind the leading pair, sitting alongside Secret Hideaway, Pearl Fortune and another of the Abdullah trio, Mood Queen. The local runner Wor Faayth had made a slow start to the contest and was already at the rear, with the well fancied pair of Royal Fixation and Staya sitting just ahead. The pace up until the two furlong pole had been an average one set by the leaders and as Argentine Tango began to get swamped by challengers, Dandana would still move well approaching the closing stages. America Queen was always in the right place to strike and she would kick into the lead inside the final furlong under Ryan Moore. Further back, Royal Fixation began to make headway from the rear, passing tiring horses and having America Queen in her sights. Royal Fixation would soon join the grey inside the final furlong and her strength saw her pull clear of her market rival, stamping her authority in the process. The daughter of Palace Pier would cross the line a length to the good ahead of America Queen with a gap back to third, which showed off both fillies' ability level. Back in third, Staya had to come down the middle of the track, but did her best work at the finish to take the final step of the podium as Dandana was relegated to an honest fourth.

Despite some weakness in the betting market, the Ed Walker-trained Royal Fixation would have the form lines which were clear than anyone else. She would make a smart looking debut success at Thirsk where she always travelled strongly and looked to know her job from day one. She would then line up at Newmarket's July meeting in the Group Two Duchess of Cambridge Stakes which showed the regard she was held in. Held up initially, she would quicken up nicely to chase the winner all the way to the line, making her pull out of the stops. The winner that day was Karl Burke's highly exciting filly Venetian Sun, who won at Royal Ascot on her previous start. That was an excellent run and she replicated it in this contest at York. Providing her trainer with a second win in the race in two seasons, Royal Fixation will now naturally aim for races such as the Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket in late September. 

Race Two: The Harry's Half Million By Goffs Stakes - 2-Y-O Only - Class Two - Six Furlongs - Runners: 21

Next up would be an incredibly valuable contest which would see a wide array of talent, but the race is somewhat reminiscent of a lottery. All horses taking their place in this sales race began their lives in the sales ring at Doncaster as yearlings in 2024. Any purchase made at the Goffs auction house would be eligible to compete in this contest with a share of £500,000 in prize money up for grabs. Since its inception in 2005, some high class horses have won the race including Dark Angel and Mum's Tipple. Last year, the prize would go to Clive Cox's runner Diligently, who in turn was winning for the first time. The result goes to show that any horse can win and dreams of winning this contest already began a long time ago.

Heading the racecard would be the high class runner in the field, Archie Watson's Tadej. After winning his maiden here in May, the colt has gone on to be an established Group performer and was successful in a Group Three in France on his latest start. Tom Dascombe has won this race in the past and would aim for another trophy here with Italica. The son of Sergei Prokofiev has progressed nicely with a pair of wins at Chepstow and Salisbury before running above expectations to take third in a listed race at Ascot. The bargain buy Anthelia didn't cost much at the sales for Middleham Park Racing, but won the lucrative Super Sprint at Newbury when last seen and Rod Millman's filly would go for another big pot. A first runner for the Hugo Palmer stable would be Ardisia. The gelding has already won three times this year and returned from two low key runs to win at Goodwood. Ed Walker would send up Astrazar from his Newmarket base and the colt has run well in novice company so far. A pair of seconds over this trip remain his best efforts so far. Richard Fahey would run the maiden Boston Dan here in search of his first win. The son of Ardad hasn't done much wrong over five and six furlongs so far and should win races. His stablemate Cosmic Clarets has shown promise with two second placings at the start of his career and was given a tough task in a competitive maiden in Ireland a few weeks ago. The interestingly named Deluded lined up for the Charlie Fellowes stable, but was another to run with promise on his debut. The Shaman colt was only narrowly denied recently at Chelmsford. Another experienced runner in the line up would be George Scott's Front Line Fury. The gelding has won twice by wide margins earlier in the season and went on to run excellent races in defeat, most recently when fifth in a similar contest in Ireland. The Kennet Valley Syndicate owners won this race two years ago with Dragon Leader and would aim to win it again with Ed Walker's Golden Brown. The gelding remains a maiden from four starts, but looked unlucky on his latest start at Goodwood when finding all sorts of traffic issues. Dylan Cunha often aims high with his runners and they regularly run with credit. The stable would be represented by Kamakemeleon in this year's contest. After breaking his maiden, the colt has run excellent races in the Windsor Castle and National Stakes when fifth in both races. Richard Hannon and Middleham Park Racing combined to win this race in 2022 and often aim to win this lucrative prize. They would be represented by Magician Of Riga, who has raced just twice so far and despite a good pedigree, he has finished last in both starts. Another of the higher quality runners would be the RIchard Hannon-trained Raakeb, who has been busy since his debut win back in May. Since that first win, he has run excellent races in defeat in some good company, including the Coventry and July Stakes. Another runner for the Tom Dascombe yard would be Renovatio Angel. The son of Harry Angel has shown gradual improvement throughout his short career and landed his first success two starts ago at Leicester. His better form has come over seven furlongs, so his stamina is assured. Kevin Ryan is another trainer who has done well in this race over the years and would saddle the promising Riki Tiki Tavi. The gelding went very close to winning on debut over course and distance before taking a step backwards on next start. He would have dig deep to win for the first time on his latest start at Thirsk, impressing in the process. Clive Cox and Middleham Park Racing could be the perfect duo for this race and they would combine with a strong chance with Song Of The Clyde. The colt would overcome some trouble in running to win at Chester on his second start before pushing a smart prospect all the way at Newbury last time out. Clive Cox's army of runners in this race would continue with Wojtek also taking his place. The form of his debut second at Salisbury now reads very strongly, but the gelding hasn't run to the same level in two subsequent starts. The first of a handful of fillies would be lead by Richard Fahey's Cotai Belle. She would gradually improve before winning two wins on the bounce, but struggled in the Super Sprint last time and moved up to six furlongs for the first time here. The David Evans stable traditionally excel with juveniles and they would be represented by Diamond Alexander. She would go close to winning at Bath on her second start before taking on listed company in France. She would then struggle back in novice company and this would be no easier. The grey Game Striker would be yet another runner for the Hugo Palmer team and she has already shown useful form this year. She would break her maiden tag by a narrow margin but has struggled in better company at Newmarket and Goodwood of late. Stan Moore is another shrewd stable in contests like this and would send up Paroda Diva from his Lambourn base. The daughter of Magna Grecia looks to be more exposed than some of her rivals, but her only win to date came over seven furlongs. Completing the line up would be Richard Hannon's filly Saffron Dandy. The speedily bred filly was pretty impressive when making a winning debut and was then raised into Group company last time, where she struggled in Ireland. 

Winner: SONG OF THE CLYDE (Sergei Prokofiev x Queenoftheclyde) (#16) - R. Ryan - C. Cox

The bumper field would be reduced by only one as the Tom Dascombe-trained Italica was deemed a non-runner on the morning of the race. It would still leave a field of twenty one which looked impossible to find the winner in. 

As the gates opened, the field would get away to a generally even break. With a bias starting to appear on the far side, the main body of the field would drift across to that side. Only a small group of three runners kept straight and stayed on the stands' side, they would include Riki Tiki Tavi, Kamakameleon and Diamond Alexander. Over on the far side, the favourite Tadej was always prominent and had a narrow lead overall as the pack thundered down the home straight. Others to race prominently would be Boston Dan, Golden Brown and Song Of The Clyde as the pace looked a decent one. 
Approaching the final stages, the pack began to fan out across the track and the three runners in the smaller group had latched on to the main group. The likes of Tadej, Raakeb and Cosmic Clarets would begin to get swallowed up by the improvers and the lead would go to Song Of The Clyde in the secondary Middleham Park Racing silks. Boston Dan would also keep on willingly in second and the race whittled down to these two contenders in the final furlong. After a short head to head, Song Of The Clyde dug deep to find extra and began to pull clear of Boston Dan, taking this lucrative prize by just under a length. From a little further back in the field, Ardisia would stay on into third while another maiden would fill out the top four as Astrazar ran a good race into fourth.

This ultra-competitive and valuable contest has been farmed by the Clive Cox stable recently as the leading trainer has now won the last three renewals of this race. After winning it with the impressive Dragon Leader in 2022 and then the outsider Diligently last season, Cox would have just two runners in this year's contest. Leading syndicate owners Middleham Park Racing also feed off these races to survive and they too have a strong record with placings and wins in this race. Their last win came in 2022 with the subsequent Group Two race winner Shouldvebeenaring. This year, they would have four darts in the contest and the unexposed Song Of The Clyde would step up at take the win. The son of speedy sire Sergei Prokofiev, he would show inexperience on his debut at Goodwood when last of six in June. Using that experience, he was much better at Chester when looking professional to win despite racing wide at the tight track. Remaining in novice company at Newbury on his previous start, he would take on another previous winner in the form of Egoli and wasn't disgraced by finishing second. The winner of that race would go on to contest in Group company on his next start. Son Of The Clyde looked a strong type physically in the paddock and this performance was very pleasing to watch. With plenty of speed in his pedigree, he has the potential to become one of the higher class winners of this prestigious race with Group races a realistic target.

Race Three: The Clipper Handicap - Class Two - One Mile - Runners: 17

The first of some very difficult looking handicaps would be the Clipper Stakes, a heritage handicap over the round mile course. Races of this nature are a battle ground for some York regulars and with plenty of similar races that take place on the Knavesmire earlier in the season, this would be the latest chapter in the rivalries of many of the runners here. Twelve months ago, the Karl Burke-trained Thunder Run continued his quick progression by landing a big contest in his first season, pulling clear of some more experienced rivals.

Top weight in this year's renewal would be carried by  a very classy runner in the line up, Charlie Hills's Ancient Rome. The six year old finished third in a Grade One this time last year but recently he has been very frustrating. His best performance would be a third at Sandown back in July. William Haggas would saddle the strongly fancied Bullet Point in this contest. The four year old has been very progressive of late and has been caught only close home in a pair of very competitive Ascot handicaps over a mile. Myal would be a big race runner for trainer Steph Hollinshead and the four year old has been a prolific winner during his career. The seven furlong specialist has some excellent pieces of form and also placed in the Spring Mile back in March this year. The York regular Northern Express would line up on the Knavesmire once again for the Michael Dods stable and finished fifth in this race in 2023. More recently, he has finished in minor placings in competitive handicaps this summer. Jack Channon would also be represented by Urban Lion, who has found his form this year with a pair of wins. After winning a Sandown handicap in June, he would run an excellent race to finish fifth in the Royal Hunt Cup just four days later. The Kevin Ryan-trained Apiarist is a strong traveller and this sort of race will suit him, but the best of his form has come on the all-weather. Despite this, he would catch the eye after finishing strongly at Galway into fifth having suffered traffic issues. A progressive three year old in the lineup would be the Owen Burrows-trained Remmooz, who only made his debut in April. He won his first two races before running an excellent race in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot. He would then warm up for this race by winning over course and distance in July and could end up being better than this level. Another York regular in the line up would be the Roger Fell trained La Trinidad, who has won twice at this venue in the past. The eight year old has been running fairly well in good company this season and may not be finished with just yet. The Ian Williams-trained Aalto landed the Bunbury Cup over seven furlongs last year at Newmarket and was cruelly denied by a nose in this year's running of the same race. He appears to be a course specialist at Newmarket however as his other two runs have been poor this year. Another for the Thirsk based stable of Kevin Ryan would be Sisyphean, who has won over course and distance in the past and went very close to winning here again in May and in July. A return to this venue could see him bounce back. The first of a handful from the David O'Meara stable would be the smart mare Julia Augusta. The six year old has spent most of her time running in pattern races, but she does have some good efforts in handicaps this year which raised her chances. Another runner from Malton would be Thunder Roar, the star of Tony Coyle and Kaine Wood's stable. The chestnut was first past the post in this year's Spring Mile in March, but demoted to second for interference. He is also a winner at York in the past, so had some positives around him. Another former York winner in the line up would be Ed Bethell's Old Cock, who has a good win ratio so far and bravely landed a similar event over course and distance back in May. He was below form last time out in July, but could easily return to form with a low weight. Cerulean Bay would be yet another runner from the David O'Meara stable, but he is another who arrives here in poor form. The four year old's one good run this year came at Chester over seven furlongs back in May. The old favourite Blue For You loves this venue and even won this race in 2022. This year has been largely one to forget however for the O'Meara stable stalwart and he could be on the start of a decline. Leadman was an interesting transfer to the David O'Meara stable earlier in the year and landed a good handicap at Newmarket's July Festival and he went very close to winning at Newbury during the previous weekend. His stablemate Duke's Command was an expensive cast off from Godolphin but landed a handicap win at Doncaster in June. That remains the highlight of his season so far however. The popular Dutch Decoy finished sixth in this race two years ago and continues to run well for his Owners Group fan club, He has since added two more wins at Newmarket's July course and would make a quick return to action having raced there just six days earlier. The Newmarket yard of George Margarson landed this race two years with the popular Ropey Guest and would look to return to the winners' enclosure with Mythical Guest. The five year old is an irregular winner, but often runs well and has placed four times this season.

Winner: BULLET POINT (Advertise x Crying Lightening) (#2) - T. Marquand - W. Haggas

The field would be reduced by one for this strong handicap as course regular Sisyphean was taken out of the race earlier in the day. 
The remaining seventeen would line up in the stalls without issue and got away to a good break, as expected from such an experienced field. There would be a battle on for the early lead, but it was Myal who was able to navigate his wide draw and lead the pack under Clifford Lee. Urban Lion, Remmooz and Bullet Point would take a handy position just behind the leader, but the pace would be just a steady one and the majority of the runners would race keenly. Northern Express, Cerulean Bay and Mythical Guest would also be close up while the rear was brought up by Leadman, Duke's Command and Aalto. The race would wind its way around the long sweeping home bend and Myal remained at the head of affairs, gradually increasing the pace as he kicked into the home straight. As the field bunched up at the two furlong pole, traffic issues became the main concern for a lot of horses in the pack. Bullet Point had been shuffled back slightly and was crowded out as Remmooz took over as the leader. Northern Express would receive a bump as well as Apiarist and Leadman would be just a few others who had to sit and wait for a gap. The seas would part for Bullet Point in front and the pink silks burst forward, taking aim at Remmooz in front. Joining the leader inside the final furlong, Bullet Point would finish strongly and had the race sealed up inside the closing stages. The four year old would cross the line to provide the Haggas and Marquand combination another York handicap win by a length. From out of the pack, Cerulean Bay chased home the winner, running one of his better races this season while Remmooz lost little in defeat, taking third in this very tough handicap. Fourth would go the way of Mythical Guest, who was another to overcome a rough ride to finish in the frame.

Races of this nature are often won by progressive horses who could end up at a higher level and that profile would fit this year's winner Bullet Point. The son of Advertise began his career slowly last year with some low key performances in novice company and initially in handicap company. He would gain a first win in emphatic style at Newcastle in mid-October and followed up a few weeks later at Newmarket to make it two successive victories. William Haggas's colt would then make a sparkling comeback at Newmarket once again, this time winning a decent handicap by a wide margin in April. Next up would be the cavalry charge of the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot, one of the toughest handicaps of the entire year. Racing in the disadvantaged far side group, Bullet Point would "win" his group, but come second overall with just the exciting Group race prospect My Cloud ahead of him. A return to Ascot would come next for his latest start, once again over a mile but he would find the three year old Fearnot too strong in the final stages. Bullet Point has improved rapidly in the space of ten months and he could rise even further. A dip into Group company could be on the agenda and the four year old would potentially make a quick reappearance at York as he was declared to race in the Group Three Strensall Stakes over nine furlongs here in two day's time. There would be a strong chance of a rare quickfire double.

Race Four: The Pertemps Yorkshire Oaks - Fillies & Mares - Group One - One Mile, Four Furlongs - Runners: 4
The feature of day two would be an exciting clash of generations in the Yorkshire Oaks for three year old fillies and older mares. The twelve furlong contest is often a meeting ground of Classic winners in Ireland and Britain with plenty of scores to settle. With raiders from France and further afield in the past, the stature of the race continues to grow. Former winners of this illustrious contest include Dimimuendo, User Friendly as well as fantastic dual winners Enable and Islington. Twelve months ago, the race would lack slightly in quality, but the Irish Oaks runner-up Content gained her first Group One win for the Aidan O'Brien stable, who were winning the race for the eighth time.

This year's renewal appeared to be a top class one, despite a very small field of four runners. Topping the bill would be the grey Estrange, who has come of age this season and is the apple of her trainer David O'Meara's eye. The four year old has lived up to the hype this year with a stylish comeback win and then a battling success in the Lancashire Oaks, both at Haydock. This would be her biggest test to date. The three year olds would be headed by Garden Of Eden, who emerged from relative modesty to cause a surprise by winning the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot in emphatic style, but would face plenty of questions on the back of a poor run in the German Oaks. The biggest hope for Ballydoyle would be dual Oaks winner Minnie Hauk. She has improved from start to start and after a comeback win at Chester, she was very tough to land the Epsom Oaks in June before confirming that form with another battling success in the Irish Oaks next time. Ed Walker would join David O'Meara as the only trainers to take on Aidan O'Brien as he saddled his improving filly Qilin Queen. The chestnut landed a listed race at Newbury back in May but was down the field in the Epsom Oaks. She would bounce back in some style to win a French Group Two when last seen in July and stepped back into the highest level here.

Winner: MINNIE HAUK (Frankel x Multilingual) (#3) - R. Moore - A. O'Brien

After much doubt and discussion, the connections of Estrange decided to race their star filly here as the ground was running quick, but not rapidly quick. That would mean that all four fillies would take their place in the line up as expected.
Tactics would be an easy one to work out as habitual front runner Garden Of Eden was sent straight into the lead under Wayne Lordan and Qilin Queen sat in second. Red hot favourite Minnie Hauk would race quietly in third and bringing up the rear and watching from afar would be the grey Estrange. The pace would be a nice and even one set by the Ribblesdale winner and although she began to open up a lead on her rivals running past the trees on the far side of the course, there was no need for concern that she was about to slip the field. Rounding the bend with a two length lead, Garden Of Eden brought her rivals down the middle of the track as Ryan Moore began to nudge Minnie Hauk forward. For some brief moments, it appeared that Minnie Hauk was struggling as Estrange travelled powerfully under Dan Tudhope, going much the better than her three year old rival. The two protagonists would settle down into battle and quickly left Garden of Eden and Qilin Queen behind. Ryan Moore had gained first run on Dan Tudhope as Minnie Hauk began to stretch her legs, opening the gap between herself and Estrange to three lengths inside the final furlong. As Estrange's challenge wilted away, it was left to Minnie Hauk to grind out another impressive victory, making it four on the bounce. There would be a three and a half length gap back to Estrange, who ran well on unsuitable ground while Garden Of Eden and Qilin Queen never threatened at any stage, taking third and fourth respectively.

It would be a record equalling ninth victory in this contest for the master trainer Aidan O'Brien, who joins Sir Michael Stoute and Matthew Dawson on the all-time winners list for trainers. The Ballydoyle yard have won this race with plenty of high class fillies in the past and the very likeable Minnie Hauk could join that list. The daughter of Frankel has quietly gone about her business this year, whilst raising her reputation each time. Last season was one of foundation as Minnie Hauk finished second on debut behind a smart winner before using that experience to win on her only other start as a juvenile at Leopardstown. Starting this year at Chester's May festival in the Cheshire Oaks, she was always well positioned and ground out a workmanlike victory. That form didn't look special, but Minnie Hauk would become a household name at Epsom as she showed a steely attitude to deny stablemate Whirl in a titanic duel inside the final furlong, gaining the win on the line. She would then take advantage of an weak lineup at the Curragh to win the Irish Oaks, completing a famous English/Irish Oaks double. Minnie Hauk is also superbly bred as a daughter of Frankel and a distant relative to the outstanding miler Kingman. There are not many pedigrees in racing that are stronger than hers and she has also boosted her profile by becoming the first horse to win the Cheshire, Epsom, Irish and Yorkshire Oaks since the brilliant Enable in 2017. A trip to Paris remains a strong possibility for Minnie Hauk for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, where she could face the improved Whirl once again, but Minnie Hauk is the undisputed queen of the track this season.

Race Five: The Sir Henry Cecil EBF Galtres Stakes - Fillies & Mares' - Listed Race - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 9

Next up would be a lighter version of the feature race, the Galtres Stakes for fillies and mares over a mile and a half. The contest also pays tribute to the late Sir Henry Cecil, trainer of the legendary Frankel who adored York and is revered as one of Britain's greatest trainers. This listed race will be prove invaluable to the winner as it will help to boost their profile as a broodmare once retired from racing. It has also produced future Group One winners since the turn of the millennium, namely Kastoria, Search For A Song and Mezzo Soprano.

The "mini Oaks" would be headed by the Newmarket challenger Charlotte's Web who lined up for the Simon and Ed Crisford stable and the four year old has been largely consistent this year. The multiple winner on the all-weather surpassed that form to take third in a similar race here over ten furlongs at the previous meeting. The Karl Burke-trained Karmology has a good record at York and finished a held second in last year's running of this race. This season, she hasn't quite been at her best, but has still produced useful form which includes second placings in a pair of listed races at Pontefract and Beverley. The first of two Royal runners would come in the form of Rainbows Edge for the Gosden stable. The lightly raced four year old had a nice upward profile prior to a disappointing run at Royal Ascot, but returned to form with a narrow second in a similar race here over ten furlongs. The three year old generation would be headed by the second Royal runner, William Haggas's Aeolian. She is bred to be a stayer and after taking second on debut in July, she impressed with her relentless galloping to win at Newmarket a few weeks ago. Dermot Weld won this race in 2019 with the subsequent dual Irish St Leger winner Search For A Song and would be represented this time by Alice Monet, another improving three year old. The Moyglare Stud-owned filly began her career slowly but has been dominant of late with two wide margin victories at a lower level. Butterfly Wings is perhaps one of the lesser lights of the Aidan O'Brien stable, but should be a nice prospect for the breeding shed in the future. The daughter of Justify has just one win to her name, but outran her odds when fourth in the Irish Oaks on her latest start. Another runner for John and Thady Gosden would be the well bred Crepe Suzette. The Saxon Warrior filly won on her seasonal return and has progressed through handicaps with a pair of seconds. This would be a tougher task though. Wathnan Racing would also be represented in this race with the Ralph Beckett-trained Lady Vivian. The daughter of Camelot had progressed nicely earlier in the season, but soon found her limit when only seventh in the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot. Roger Varian would be represented by the twice raced filly Little Dorrit. The well bred filly looked in need of the run on her debut at Ascot, but looked transformed to win nicely at Kempton on her next start. 

Winner: CHARLOTTE'S WEB (Night of Thunder x Chamundi Hills) (#1) - D. Tudhope - S & E. Crisford

The sole absentee from the field would be Butterfly Wings, who was withdrawn earlier in the day by trainer Aidan O'Brien, but it would still leave a wide open field of nine runners.

From the moment the stalls opened, Little Dorrit would be a little slow to start as the strong stayer Aeolian would go forward and take the early lead in the second set of the Royal silks. Lady Vivian and Rose Prick would sit in second and third respectively, followed by the other Royal runner, Rainbow's Edge. The pace would be just an average one, but all of the fillies and mares would race comfortably amongst themselves. Entering the home straight, there would be little change in the order, but those who had been held up earlier in the race began to creep closer and meet the leaders at the same point. The nine runners would fan across the track approaching the final furlong and the majority were still travelling strongly. Once Aeolian had been dispersed with halfway down the home straight, Lady Vivian was next to be swallowed up by the chasing pack. The grey silks of Charlotte's Web had travelled smoothly into contention and quickened into the lead at the furlong pole. The stamina gauge began to flash on empty and her advantage began to reduce. Crepe Suzette had been outpaced once the speed increased, but found a second wind to challenge all the way to the line. The lead would go from two lengths down to a length as the line approached quickly, but it would be Charlotte's Web who held on for the win by a neck. Crepe Suzette was finishing strongly but could only take second while Karmology finished placed at this level once again by taking third. Fourth would go to the Irish runner Alice Monet.

This was a brave performance by the winner Charlotte's Web, who was winning on turf for the first time in her career. After making her debut in July last year, the Night of Thunder filly showed glimpses of promise in her initial races, finishing second or third in her first three races. Her progression wouldn't start until September where she landed a modest class five handicap at Wolverhampton, but that would be the start of her journey. She would go on to win her next three starts on the all-weather during the autumn and winter, becoming a leading earner during the winter season. She would then finish in the placings of come valuable class two contests, including the Easter Classic at Newcastle in April. With the all-weather season finished, her focus returned to the turf this summer and she has used her improvement to run well at this level recently. After taking third in a Group Three at Newcastle at the end of June, she would then take two more top four placings in similar company at Pontefract and then York over ten furlongs last month. This would be her first try over a mile and a half, but her ability to quicken off a slow pace would be the difference between winning and losing. Yet to finish lower than fourth in fourteen starts now, she has been a credit to connections with her consistency.

Race Six: The Peddler Industries EBF Stallions Nursery Handicap - 2-Y-O Only - Class Two - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 18

The first of two strong handicaps would complete day two of the festival and they would both start from the seven furlong chute at the top end of the course. First up would be a hotly contested nursery handicap which was filled by progressive juveniles from stables big and small with little between them on official ratings. Twelve months ago, the race would go the way of Angel Hunter from the Richard Hannon stable. The colt had shown promise previously and was wining for the first time in the process.

This year's renewal would see the smart Command The Stars carry top weight for trainer George Scott. The colt has improved from his debut in a warm Haydock novice to win his last two starts easily and could be better than this level. The first runner for the Balding stable would be Stellar Sunrise, who has gradually gotten the hang of things in three starts. After an unlucky debut second at Goodwood, he would then place here over six furlongs. A first win came on his latest start in a traditionally strong maiden back at Goodwood at the end of July. Last year's winning trainer Richard Hannon would be represented by Ballistic Missile in this year's contest. The son of Mehmas looked smart when winning on debut at York in May before stepping into Group company at Royal Ascot. He would bounce back from a poor run there to finish second on handicap debut at Newmarket recently. The improving Daydreama lined up for the locally based Tim Easterby stable. The colt offered plenty to work on when third on debut, but has since looked competent with two wins in novice company over six furlong. Representing George Boughey would be Hey Tru Blue. After a pleasing debut second, he was outclassed at Royal Ascot next time. A first career win would follow at Doncaster before taking fourth in a similar race on heavy ground at Goodwood. The unbeaten Special Dividend would face his toughest task yet for the Dr Richard Newland and Jamie Insole stable and looks to be a smart prospect. The son of Ardad has won twice on the all-weather by wide margins so far. The filly Just A Girl would line up for the Charlie Johnston stable and is another with an upward profile. With two gradually improving starts, she would win on her latest start in excellent style at Lingfield. Another high profile stable represented would be Roger Varian with Peel Park. The Mehmas colt got his eye in with encouraging displays in novice company before getting off the mark on his latest start; this would be a first try over seven furlongs. Amazing Journey is another with winning experience on the Knavesmire as Jamie Osborne's colt landed a lower grade handicap in July over six furlongs and looked unlucky at Goodwood last time out. Owen Burrows would saddle Hengroin in this contest on the back of a recent win. The colt had shown promise on his first two starts before struggling in a very warm Newmarket maiden in July. He would then get off the mark with a solid performance at Epsom three weeks ago. Richard Hannon would also saddle Logi Bear in this contest and the colt had other options during the festival but opted for this race. After showing promise earlier in the season and gaining a first win, he has since struggled in some higher quality races lately. Adrian Keatley's Better And Better is another who has multiple entries this week but chose this contest. He has been generally progressive with the exception of one race this year and returned to winning ways at Haydock recently. Richard Fahey's Advance Twentyfive came third in a maiden race here back in May which has worked out very nicely and lined up in a good looking novice at Ayr in which he finished fourth behind some exciting prospects. This would be his first handicap start here. A second runner for the Charlie Johnston stable would be Champion Island, who has gained plenty of experience already. The chestnut colt would win a small novice at Chelmsford and has since filled the placings behind Sir Albert at Chester and Goodwood respectively. The Brian Ellison-trained Kanishka made her debut as early as the Brocklesby Stakes in March and has carried her form through to the mid way stage of the season. The daughter of Coulsty landed her first win recently at Newcastle on the all-weather. Hugo Palmer's maiden Gold Dawn finished second on his debut behind a very smart juvenile, but was disappointing on his next start. He would return to somewhere near his best when fifth in a strong looking novice over course and distance at the end of July. Yet another Newmarket challenger would be William Knight's Norfolk Blue. The son of A'Ali has some form lines with some reopposing rivals, but was still well beaten in fourth at Epsom last time out. The lightly weighted Dublin Bay has been transformed since moving into handicaps and Ollie Sangster's gelding arrived here on a potential hat trick. He has landed back to back handicaps with some ease and took a sharp rise in class. Malton based runner Ubetterseethis would represent the Craig Lidster stable here. The colt showed useful early season form before struggling on the all-weather. He would then get off the mark recently at Chester, a first win at sixth attempt. 

Winner: STELLAR SUNRISE (Space Blues x Herecomesthesun) (#2) - O. Murphy - A. Balding

After running less than twenty-four hours earlier, the bottom weight Dublin Bay would be the only non-runner in the contest and a field of eighteen would go to post.

Given the competitive nature of this race, any ground lost at the start would be a disaster for the horse's chances and as the gates opened, Amazing Journey and Daydreama would both rear up and trail the field. Champion Island would also veer to his right, but retained forward momentum to sit in a prominent position as Ubetterseethis showed bright early speed to lead the field to the end of the seven furlong chute. As the group made their way into the home straight, Ubetterseethis was joined up front by Stellar Sunrise and Advance Twentyfive, who both travelled nicely through the race. The likes of Kanishka, Gold Dawn and Better And Better would overcome issues earlier in the race to sit close to the leaders as the race began to develop. Approaching the final furlong, Stellar Sunrise had taken up the overall lead under Oisin Murphy as Ubetterseethis began to feel the heat of this level. Advance Twentyfive would take on the new leader Stellar Sunrise for a few brief moments, but Stellar Sunrise quickened up impressively to go two lengths clear inside the final fifty yards. The race had been sealed with that finishing burst and the colt would make it two wins on the bounce with a smart performance. The race for the placings would be much tighter as the top weight Command The Stars was held up early, but made rapid late progress to take second under top weight while Special Dividend was another to come from the rear and take third, losing his unbeaten record in the process. Completing the top four would be Advance Twentyfive, who ran a good race from his handy position,

The Andrew Balding stable won this race in 2023 with Gushing Gold and they would continue their excellent record at York with another win here, courtesy of the smart Stellar Sunrise. The son of Space Blues made his debut at Goodwood at the end of May, but after a slow start he tailed the field that day. Once the penny dropped however, he would make rapid headway to take a promising second that day, showing he could be smart. He would then move on to York over six furlongs where once again the colt wasn't the best away from the stalls. He would do his best work at the finish again, this time staying on into third behind the useful Egoli. On his latest start at Glorious Goodwood, he would line up in a strong maiden over six furlongs. Much better away from the stalls this time, he was always well positioned and kicked clear of a useful colt in the process, breaking his maiden tag. A first try over seven furlongs would come in this race, but the flat track of York clearly suited him. Winning with plenty in hand, this will surely open more options before the end of the season. 

Race Seven: The British EBF Fillies' Handicap - Class Two - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 18

The finale of day two would see another fiercely competitive handicap, this time for fillies and mares of the age of three and older. The seven furlong contest would be see a perfect mix of specialists over this distance facing others who see out six furlongs strongly and others who don't quite last over a mile. Last year, there would be an emotional victory for the Craig Lidster stable as their stable star Alfa Kellenic won for the fifth successive start and went on to win the Ayr Silver Cup a month later. 

Heading the weights would Silver Ghost, from the predominantly jumps based stable of Emma Lavelle She would win twice in May in good style, but has since finished in the pack in a strong handicap at Ascot and Group Three at Goodwood lately. Rogue Sensation lined up here for the Ed Bethell stable. The three year old has finished runner up over this trip twice already, including at listed level last year. After two quiet runs here over six furlongs, she would return to form when second at Chester over seven furlongs recently. The consistent filly Perfect Part would line up for Brian Ellison and has made a habit of finishing fourth this year. She has taken that position in two listed races this year and has ability. An intriguing Irish runner would be the Paddy Twomey-trained Bonus Time. The filly has quickly progressed into a smart type since her debut in May with two victories, the latest of which came in a conditions race at Naas. The lightly raced three year old French Sand retained plenty of potential for the Archie Watson stable. After winning impressively on her third start, she wasn't disgraced when stepped into listed company at Haydock back in May. Andrew Balding's horses are always well fancied at York and he would be represented here by Dance In The Storm. After winning a handicap at Sandown in June, she would go close to winning again with a slightly unlucky second at Goodwood. Ralph Beckett is another trainer who does well at the Knavesmire and saddled Dash Of Azure in this contest. After gaining her first win earlier in the season, she would run an excellent race to take fifth in a strong handicap over a mile at Royal Ascot, but failed to stay the mile trip at Goodwood last time. The likeable Royal Velvet has been in excellent form this season for the William Knight stable and landed her second win of the year at her favourite venue, Newmarket. She would run disappointingly there on her latest start however. The tough and hardy Bellarchi has been an owners' dream for the Nick Bradley Racing syndicate as the Grant Tuer-trained four year old landed her eighth career victory at Musselburgh at the start of the month. A second runner for Brian Ellison would be Callianassa, who took an age to land her first career win, but now has three. She has a liking for the all-weather following a pair of wins at Newcastle in successive starts recently and reverted back to seven furlongs. Another Yorkshire runner would be the Gemma Tutty-trained Ormolulu. The five year old produced a career best finish when taking third at this level over six furlongs, but has been unlucky in running during her last two starts over course and distance. Richard Spencer is getting a good tune out of his string at the moment and would be represented by Shallow. The four year old is smart on her day and has form over a range of distances in the past. There would be Royal interest in the race as Purple Rainbow lined up in the colours of the King and Queen. The William Haggas trained chestnut looked promising at the start of her career but has tasted a couple of heavy defeats of late. Jim Goldie would be represented by Mostar Dreams, who has improved since switching stables earlier in the season. She would make a strong late burst to win at Haydock just over a week ago over this trip. Next up would be Jim Goldie's Eternal Sunshine. The five year old mare has been a likeable type at a much lower level and isn't assured over this distance. Another runner for the Ralph Beckett stable would be Maybe Not. The well bred filly has improved steadily this year over seven furlongs and a mile by winning twice; most recently in good style at Kempton over a mile. Completing the field would be the Dylan Cunha-trained Lady Mariko. The daughter of Kameko has been a quick improver and has won twice since moving to her current stable. She would be below form last time, so needed to bounce back.

Winner: ROYAL VELVET (Lightning Spear x Velvet Morn) (#12) - W. Buick - W. Knight

A full field of eighteen runners took to the start, making the challenge of finding the winner no less harder for punters. 

From the outset, yesterday's runner up Eternal Sunshine was eager to get on with things as she surged into the early lead under Archie Young. The keen going pair of Bonus Time and Rogue Sensation would follow the leader and they were also flanked by Shallow in the opening stages. Perfect Part and Ormolulu would be just two of those who made a slow start and would bring up the rear along with the keen going Dance In The Storm also further back than ideal. The leader Eternal Sunshine continued to blaze a trail down the home straight of the Knavesmire as Shallow sat in her slipstream. Approaching the final furlong, the race would change complexion as Eternal Sunshine inexplicably veered to her left which opened the door for her challengers. Shallow would inherit the win, but the opposition were coming fast. Despite her slow start, Dance In The Storm had down well to enter contention and take the lead as Maybe Not also improved into second. Also from the rear, Royal Velvet had weaved her way through the field and quickened up nicely inside the final furlong and would come out on top by a length, winning comfortably in the end over Maybe Not in second and Dance In The Storm in third. Shallow would be rewarded for her brave run with fourth. 

With Queen Camilla in attendance at York, it would be a topical double of winners with the Royal prefix in the name. The William Knight-trained Royal Velvet would be gaining her biggest victory to date. The homebred daughter of Lightning Spear doesn't have the most consistent of profiles, but as she showed here today, she is a very smart filly when it all falls her way. Her previous two wins came at Newmarket in similar hold up style, the latest of those coming at class two level just like this race. Her latest race at the start of the month would be disappointing at Newmarket, but she never looked happy on that occasion and with Will Buick returning to the saddle, she was much happier. With plenty of similar races for fillies on the calendar, there should be more prospects of victory for Royal Velvet in the coming months.