Race One: The 100K ITV7 Today EBF Fillies' Novice Stakes - Class Three - 2-Y-O Only - Six Furlongs - Runners: 8

There would be an earlier than usual start on the Knavesmire and a slight change to the regular scheduling. An informative juvenile novice race would take place here and was promoted to the opening contest this year from its usual mid-afternoon slot. As the better quality of two-year-olds begin to emerge on track for the first time, this race had the potential to unveil a horse of the future. Last season, the race would be just a modest quality one as Karl Burke's Greydreambeliever made a clearcut winning debut, but has yet to progress further in terms of ability.

First of the previous winners would be Richard Fahey's Golden Palace, who won over five furlongs at Beverley but was very strong at the finish to suggest she could again over this distance. The William Haggas-trained Berlinetta is bred to be useful, but showed inexperience on her debut at Newbury where she was only sixth. She would also be a first ride at York for jockey Mirai Iwata. Richard Hughes has enjoyed a brilliant July and would look to finish it on a high with Calling A Star. She would improve from her debut effort to finish fourth over course and distance at the previous meeting. The Newmarket stable of James Tate would send up Dark Angel Star for this contest. She is related to some quick juvenile winners, so made appeal on pedigree at least. The North-Eastern based runner Goldie Bear is eligible for handicaps now after three runs to date, but trainer Rebecca Menzies opted to stick with novices. The daughter of Kodi Bear showed promise on debut, but has taken a couple of backward steps since then. Another runner from Malton would be Seb Spencer's Hellcat. The chestnut is bred to be quick and showed more encouragement when staying on well into third at Pontefract last time to suggest she can handle this longer trip. Tim Easterby regularly enjoys success in the juvenile division each season and would saddle Rum Therapy in this contest. She would race very greenly on debut, but showed a bit more when outpaced over five furlongs but kept on into third at Beverley. A second Richard Fahey runner would be Shes Got The Blues. She would make her debut at Beverley but veered away from the stalls and was never involved behind her winning stablemate Golden Palace.

Winner: GOLDEN PALACE (#1) (Palace Pier x Rioticism) - O. Orr - R. Fahey

Just eighteen hours after the last horse crossed the line in the final race of the previous evening, the action was back underway on the Knavesmire with an interesting novice contest, this time for fillies. All eight runners would take their place in the line up, spurred on by a large crowd. 

The field of fillies would get away to a decent start and from the outset, the pack would split into two. The larger group would remain in the centre of the track and was headed by the pair of Hellcat and Berlinetta. The chasing group would involve Calling A Star, Shes Got The Blues and Dark Angel Star as Goldie Bear brought up the rear of that particular pack. Over on the far side, Rum Therapy showed good early speed to race parallel to the leaders on the near side. She would be followed by red hot favourite Golden Palace, who travelled comfortably under Oisin Orr. The pace would be an average one and approaching the final two furlongs, Rum Therapy began to cry enough and was ridden under pressure. On the near side, the experienced Calling A Star moved into a narrow lead as Goldie Bear picked off a few toiling rivals. The focus however would be on the far side as Golden Palace had quickened up nicely to leave the pace setting Rum Therapy well behind. Richard Fahey's filly would take up a clear lead overall in the final furlong and went on to win decisively, crossing the line just under two lengths to the good over Calling A Star and Goldie Bear, who both produced personal best efforts. Back in fourth would be the newcomer Dark Angel Star who offered promise for the future.

It was expected to be a relatively easy assignment for the only previous winner in the field, Golden Palace, but the filly did the job in nice style. The daughter of the top class miler Palace Pier, whose first crop of juveniles are beginning to shine on track, is also a half sister to the very smart Irish sprinter Ladies' Church, who won a Group Two in her home country for trainer Johnny Murtagh. With a classy pedigree and a leading trainer, she was always going to be well regarded at home and she was a fancied in the betting on her debut at Beverley at the start of July. After a slow start, she would gradually warm into the race and finished strongly up the hill to deny a horse who had plenty of placed finishes beforehand. That was over five furlongs and the trip of six furlongs here would be a new challenge. Despite this, she looked better over this distance and is living up to her reputation at home. Connections suggested a tilt at Group company next time to find out her level and a return to York for the Lowther Stakes at next months Ebor Festival could be on the cards for this very nice prospect.

Race Two: The Sky Bet Dash Handicap - Class Two - Six Furlongs - Runners: 19`

A valuable and hotly contested handicap would take place over the straight six furlong course and as always at York, it would be a minefield of finding a potential winner. With former Group class horses dropping back in grade and improving sorts rising up the ladder, this would be an excellent meeting point for the two profiles. Some well established names have won this contest in the past, including in 2023 where David O'Meara's Aberama Gold landed this contest before going on to with the historic Stewards' Cup just a week later. Twelve months ago, Eve Johnson Houghton's Rage Of Bamby produced her best to win this race and just recently landed a Group Three race this year.

This year's high class handicap line up would be headed by an interesting runner from the David O'Meara stable, their French recruit Toyotomi. The four year old won a listed race in April and wasn't beaten far in a Group Three when last seen. His new trainer does very with horses of this profile in Britain. Jim Goldie has proven himself as a master of improving horses and Jordan Electrics would be another excellent example. The nine year old has progressed through the ranks and finished second at the Ebor Festival last season before rounding off the year with a fifth in the Ayr Gold Cup. This would be a tricky race to make his return in though. Another rapidly progressive runner would be Alzahir from the Jennie Candlish stable. The five year old started this year over seven furlongs and a mile, but has found further improvement over sprint trips, winning his last three starts; most recently over five furlongs at Ascot and his confidence is sky high. Karl Burke's Korker finished second in this race last year and is a regular in these contests at York. The six year old has a tendency of starting slowly and finishing fast, as shown when eighth at Royal Ascot last time. Elmonjed enjoyed a progressive season last year, winning at the Ebor Festival at this trip last August. William Haggas's four year old has done little wrong so far in three starts, including a close second at Windsor last time out. The lightly raced Pocklington lined up for the local stable of Geoff Oldroyd and has a big race in him based on previous efforts. The four year old just failed to catch the winner when denied by a short head at Newcastle a month ago and could make amends. Grant Tuer's mare Sophia's Starlight has been a solid money earner for the Nick Bradley Racing syndicate having won the Great St Wilfrid Handicap a couple of seasons ago. The five year old hasn't been at her best in two starts earlier this year. Indian Run is another former Group race winner in the lineup as he landed the Acomb Stakes here two years ago. Now with Julie Camacho, he is threatening to win again soon based on his recent close up finishes. Kevin Ryan does well in York sprint handicaps and would be represented by Sergeant Wilko in this year's contest. He would win four times last season and has run with credit in defeat so far this season. Richard Fahey's Strike Red won the same October handicap at York as he did in 2022 last year and has finished in and around the placings in all starts this season, in similar contests to this one. James Ferguson's Jubilee Walk looked a sprinter to follow after winning here last season, but his form trickled away through the rest of the year. He would show promise for the first time in a while when third at Chester last time out and could have turned a corner. The first runner for the Kevin Ryan stable would be the experienced Aleezdancer. The six year old won a similar event back in May 2024 and won for the first time since then with an all-the-way victory at Pontefract a few weeks ago. Adrian Keatley's gelding Francisco's Piece improved with racing last year and ended up placing in a couple of juvenile listed events at the end of the season. He would start over seven furlongs for his seasonal comeback at Epsom, but struggled to get involved and stepped back in trip. The grey Caburn landed a big prize by winning last year's Super Sprint at Newbury before taking on the best juveniles in group company. This year has been a disappointing one so far and he has recently switched stables across Newmarket to James Tate. Another three year old in the line up would be Jungle Drums, who ploughed through the mud to win a listed race over course and distance last October before moving to the Jamie Osborne stable. His latest start was his first run after returning from Dubai, so can be excused for needing the run. Ed Walker's Arctic Thunder ran very well on his first start back down to six furlongs when second at Haydock and was then very unlucky in a similar contest at Newcastle where he was blocked in his run and unable to challenge. Ruth Carr has found plenty of success at York this year and would look for another big handicap win with Rousing Encore. The five year old has found his groove once again at this yard and landed a good race at the Dante Festival back in May this year. The speedy King's Call ran to a decent level last season, but has been largely quiet this year. Now trained by Seb Spencer in Malton, he would produce his best run of the year when eighth in a Royal Ascot handicap last time out. The Ivan Furtado-trained Almarada Prince finished second in a big handicap here thirteen months ago which remains a career best. In two starts this season, the four year old has fared no better than seventh but it remains early days. Orne was a Group Three winner as a juvenile and kept his form at an above average level at the start of the last year for the Gosdens. He has lost his way in recent times though and is now with the Antony Brittain yard. He would finish towards the rear over seven furlongs here a fortnight ago. A pair of Richard Fahey runners would complete the field. Brooklyn Nine Nine is an irregular winner, but finally got his nose in front on his latest start at Hamilton in June, but was beaten out of sight just two days ago at Yarmouth. His stablemate Rock Opera produced a career best to finish third in this race last year and has a good record on the Knavesmire. 

Winner: ELMONJED (#5) (Blue Point x Naafer) - J. Crowley - W. Haggas

The field of twenty-two would reduced to nineteen as the top weight Toyotomi, Jungle Drums and Brooklyn Nine Nine were all deemed non runners on the morning of the race.
Despite the absentees, this remained a high quality line up of handicappers and a tough betting heat. There would be a number of front runners drawn on either side of the track so once the gates opened, there was a good pace in the opening stages. Over on the far side, Alzahir would narrowly hold the advantage and led the pack, but surrounding him would be Aleezdancer, King's Call and Pocklington. Over on the near side, Jubilee Walk was in the firing line along with Francisco's Piece and Jordan Electrics approaching the halfway stage. The one to lose ground at the start was Almarada Prince, who was briefly detached from the main group but eventually caught up with his rivals.

As the race began to reach its boiling point, there would be a whole host of chances as the field fanned out across the track. Jubilee Walk had gained the upper hand over Alzahir, whose time in front began to come to an end. Pocklington was another to move strongly into contention despite navigating some traffic, but it remained neck and neck between the two sides. Rousing Encore had been travelling very strongly approaching the final furlong, but once out in the open, his effort began to peter out. The favourite Elmonjed had been smothered up in the pack throughout the race, but the gaps came at the right time and the four year old quickened up into the outright lead inside the final furlong. With eyes set on the new leader Jubilee Walk, Elmonjed began to wear down the deficit and just did enough to get his neck in front approaching the line. It would be a game success for the four year old, who denied a back to form Jubilee Walk with Rock Opera finishing with a flourish and taking third in this race for the second year running. Rousing Encore travelled like the winner, but could only manage fourth in the end.

It would be a second big handicap win at York for the classy Elmonjed, who is now at the very top of the handicap scale. William Haggas's son of Blue Point made a bright start to his career with two wins as a juvenile in 2023 before losing his unbeaten record over seven furlongs at York in May 2024. He would then be kept to six furlong races where he has lived up to his earlier potential. Winning the Constandine Handicap on the final day of the Ebor Festival offered the hope that he can be Group class this year. A trio of solid efforts in class two handicaps at Newmarket and Windsor showed Elmonjed's liking for these class two handicaps and this win wasn't out of turn. A strong traveller who likes to arrive late on the scene, he is now expected to make a quick return in next weekend's Stewards' Cup at the Glorious Goodwood festival to attempt the double which was last achieved by Aberama Gold two years ago. Onwards from there, Group races remain a high possibility for Elmonjed.

Race Three: The Sky Bet York Stakes - Group Two - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 7

The marquee event of the afternoon would take place and it would provide a mouth watering line up of horses in this Group Two contest. Taking place over ten furlongs, this race is often used by trainers as a prep run for the Juddmonte International which takes place in a month's time. Since the race's inception in 2006, Twice Over achieved the double in 2011 and remains the only one to do so. However, the likes of Mukhadram, Thundering Blue, Elarqam and Sir Busker have all won this race before placing in the August showpiece. Last year, the race would see a small field but it produced an exciting finish as Owen Burrows's Alflaila arrived with a late burst to make it back to back wins in this contest, having also won it in 2023.

With an added prize money boost and course experience to gain, this year's line up would be a top class one. Ed Walker thinks the world of Almaqan and would test his credentials for the Juddmonte in this race.  The four year old had the benefit of a run when beating the subsequent top class Ombudsman at Sandown at the end of May in a Group Three. Jack Channon's Certain Lad has been around the block but remains at this high level as a nine year old. He would win twice in France last season and continued his form with a third back on the continent at the start of the year. Richard Fahey unearthed a potential star at Epsom as Ecureuil Secret bolted up in a handicap on Oaks Day, but was then outclassed at Royal Ascot in a big field. Karl Burke's Royal Champion won the Winter Derby at the start of the year but has some classy back form to his name including a second at the highest level. Some high quality three year olds were also thrown into the mix as George Scott's Bay City Roller potentially has a good race in his locker. The unbeaten juvenile has been unlucky in two runs this year, firstly when second to an improving colt at Sandown and then second again at Deauville last time. Jessie Harrington's Green Impact defeated the now high class Delacroix as a two-year-old last year and was viewed as a Derby horse this year, but never made it to Epsom. After landing a listed race this season, he ran only moderately last time out in the Irish Derby. Ralph Beckett's Stanhope Gardens was highly regarded at the start of the season before injury cost him time at the start of the season. He would run a mighty race despite a lack of fitness when fifth in the Epsom Derby. 

Winner: ROYAL CHAMPION (#4) (Shamardal x Emirates Queen) - C. Lee - K. Burke

This high quality contest would get away with plenty of attention over it and from the outset, Bay City Roller harmed his chances with a sluggish start from the stalls. It would leave him trailing the field by a couple of lengths, but he soon caught up. The early leader would be the Irish raider Green Impact, who was ridden positively by Shane Foley. Sitting in second would be the veteran Certain Lad as Ecureuil Secret raced wider than ideal, but close to the leaders. Next came Royal Champion and Stanhope Gardens, just ahead of Almaqam and the recovering Bay City Roller.

The pace would be an average as the game of chess unfurled on the Knavesmire. The pack would begin to close up and suddenly Green Impact's lead in front wasn't as clear cut. Certain Lad moved up alongside the leader, but his challenge would be a brief one as he was quickly disposed of once the pace quickened up. Ecureuil Secret was also caught flat footed as the pace rose and found himself at the rear of the pack at a crucial stage. Almaqam travelled smoothly towards the front of the line, but no horse was travelling as smoothly as Royal Champion. A quick glance around from jockey Clifford Lee would precede a burst of acceleration from the seven year old who burst clear in the final furlong, leaving his rivals standing. The gelding would be all by himself inside the closing stages and despite Almaqam finishing well into second, the race was already sealed. It would be an emphatic win for Royal Champion over Almaqam in second, Ecureuil Secret rallied back to take third and a career best finish while the early leader Green Impact could only manage fourth.

The slightly softer ground conditions here played to the strengths of Royal Champion, who provided his trainer Karl Burke with another high profile winner at York. The seven year old doesn't have quite as much experience as expected for a horse of his age and the son of Shamardal has been around the globe during his career. Making a winning debut at the end of 2020, a potential tilt at the Derby was halted when he finished ninth in the Dante Stakes in 2021. After a few handicap race wins and a listed race success at Ayr in 2022, it wouldn't be until 2023 where he began to show his talent. After winning the Wolferton Handicap at Royal Ascot in the summer of 2023, he would then go on to finish third in this race on his next start. His best performance at the time came later that year where he finished second in the Grade One Woodbine International in Canada. He would then leave Britain all together for a brief spell in Australia last year, where he produced a best finish of second in the Group Two Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley. He would then return back to Britain, this time with the Middleham based Karl Burke and he made an instant impact last winter by winning the listed Quebec Stakes on New Year's Eve and then the Winter Derby at Southwell in February. His latest start came in the Group One Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot, but he was unsurprisingly outclassed on that day.

This was a reminder to all of Royal Champion's ability and although he may have appreciated the going more than others, he still some very good horses look ordinary. He is likely to skip the Juddmonte International as he doesn't hold an entry in the race, but a trip to Leopardstown for the Irish Champion Stakes could be on the cards instead. Almaqam may have lost a small amount in defeat, but he still ran a good trial for the Juddmonte International which has always been the plan for Ed Walker's star colt. 

Race Four: The Sky Bet Jump Jockeys' Nunthorpe Handicap - Class Four - Five Furlongs - Runners: 19

The most popular and unique event of the afternoon would be the yearly Jumps Jockeys' Nunthorpe handicap, which would be a brief change from the regular order. The five furlong contest is dubbed the Nunthorpe Handicap as it is run over the same trip as York's fastest race of the year in August. The horses in the lineup would be ridden for this one time only by National Hunt riders, who are usually accustomed to hurdles and fences than stalls and speed. The event has been well supported by many big names in "the other sphere" over the years and the likes of Daryl Jacob, Bryony Frost, Sam Twiston-Davies and Paul Townend are just a few top class riders to have ridden in this race. Last year, the race saw an all-the-way winner as Night On Earth and Charlie Todd led from start to finish with a dominant display. 

Heading the weights would be the grey Nazron, trained by Ivan Furtado. The four year old was well beaten in a stronger race here earlier in the season but has developed a liking for Chester recently, finishing in the frame twice in his last two starts. Sean Quinlan would take the ride here. Jess Macey would saddle Smart Vision in this contest with Grade One winning jockey Tom Cannon in the hotseat. The gelding has run at Doncaster on a regular basis over longer trips but went off too quickly last time out so would be interesting back at this venue. Another four year old in the line up would be Air Force One, who remains lightly raced so far and made good late headway into ninth on stable debut over course and distance two weeks ago and had journeyman jockey Danny McMenamin in the saddle. Looking For Lynda has some very smart form at York in the not-too-distant past but began to show a disliking to the stalls this year. Switching to the Craig Lidster stable, the five year old completed the race on his latest start here a fortnight ago which was half of the battle. Craig Nichol would team up with the gelding. The Yorkshire legend Copper Knight would be a popular runner in this contest and the eleven year old remains in top form as he finished fourth in a similar event two weeks ago. With Jamie Hamilton in the saddle, Tim Easterby's much loved sprinter is still aiming for York win number eight. Johnny Burke would take the ride on Mick Appleby's Bona Fortuna, who looks ready to win races in the near future following some placed efforts this season. He remains lightly raced enough to have some improvement to unlock. Paul Midgely has won this race in the past and is a regular supporter of races at this level. He would be represented by American Bay with high profile rider Sam Twiston-Davies booked to ride. The gelding would get his eye in over this distance by winning at Haydock last month. David O'Meara is another trainer who has won this race in recent seasons and would saddle his new recruit Moon Flight. The five year old is a reliable sort on the all-weather, but boiled over on the way to the start on his first run of the year. He would team up with Micheal Nolan once again, a combination who have won this race in the past. Two time champion National Hunt rider Brian Hughes would be another famous face on the Knavesmire as he took the ride on Ollie Pears's Keldeo. The grey filly has been running well with a string of placed efforts of late and would make her first start at York. The Ed de Giles-trained Treacherous is approaching his 100th career start and the eleven year old finished fourth in this contest three years ago under David Bass. The pair would be reunited once again with the hope of finishing a few places higher this year. Wen Moon is a regular in York sprint handicaps and his latest win came here over course and distance back in late 2023. Ben Haslam's five year old hasn't been at his best recently, including last time where he raced too keenly. Richie McLernon would take this one off ride here. Rebecca Menzies is one of the best dual purpose trainers in the North East so this test would come natural to her. The stable would be represented by Arnhem, who has been disappointing since moving from Ireland and Nathan Moscrop would do the steering. Liam Bailey's Protest Rally has been largely in good form this year with a pair of wins so far in 2025 but his latest run in a big field would be his first below par run of the year. In the saddle would be Brendan Powell on this occasion. Yet another runner for Paul Midgely would be Match Play, who has been running well in defeat this year and gained his latest win on his penultimate start at Pontefract. Tom Bellamy would make the return to York for this contest. His stablemate Birkenhead won this race back in 2022 as part of a 1-2 for the stable, but finished towards the rear in last year's running. He has remained in form recently with some good placed efforts and just like in 2022, he was ridden by Johnny England. Soul Seeker became the only double winner of this race with successes in 2021 and 2023, with Micheal Nolan in the saddle on the latest win. He was narrowly denied a hat trick in this race last year and now trained by Phil Kirby, returned for another go with Joe Williamson in the saddle. Despite this, he arrived in poor form of late. Grant Tuer's Mersea has been a speedy horse in the past with a good record at this course to boot. The five year old mare finished strongly over five furlongs last time out at Haydock and arrived in good heart with Henry Brooke taking the ride. Robbie Dunne would also return for another go at this race as he got the leg up on Fortunate Star. Declan Carroll's five year old has improved with a tounge tie of late, winning emphatically at Haydock and then caught on the line at Doncaster this month. The Tom Tate-trained Bayraat finished a strong finishing third in this race last year under David Noonan and has warmed up for another go this year with some podium placed finishes over six furlongs.

Winner: AIR FORCE ONE (#3) (Starspangledbanner x Great Dame) - D. McMenamin - G. Oldroyd

This novel contest would be reduced by two runners as Jennie Candlish's Rosenpur was engaged for a different at Chester and David O'Meara's Moon Flight was a non runner based on the ground conditions. 

It would leave a field of nineteen revved up sprinters and a few apprehensive jockeys as they prepared to face this totally different task to what they are used to. Looking For Lynda needed the most attention from the stalls handlers to get him into his gate, and once the race was underway he would miss the break and trail the field. Former winner of this race Birkenhead would be the one to lead in the early stages under Jonathan England as the likes of Copper Knight, Air Force One and Keldeo would be among those to race prominently. The group of experienced sprinters would continue to blaze their way down the home straight and within a minute of them starting, they were already approaching the final furlong pole. As Birkenhead's time in the lead came to an end, Copper Knight would be briefly caught for speed as Air Force One and Danny McMenamin took off inside the final furlong. The pair began to pull clear and put daylight between themselves and Bona Fortuna, who emerged from the pack into second. It would be another Yorkshire winner at York during the Yorkshire Summer Festival as Geoff Oldroyd's four year old crossed the line to take victory. Bona Fortuna and Johnny Burke would stay on into second as Bayraat and David Noonan produced a copy of their run last year, finishing strongly from the rear into third. Copper Knight would produce another excellent run this year by taking fourth.

This would be a smart performance by the lightly raced four year old Air Force One, who was winning for just the second time in his eight career starts to date. The son of Starspangledbanner has always been owned by local business Bond Thoroughbreds Limited, but he has been trained at three different yards already in his light career. Starting out with David O'Meara, he would make his debut at York in May 2023, but faded away into seventh and ran just once more in Yorkshire, resulting in a fourth place at Sandown. He would then transfer to Ireland with the shrewd Paddy Twomey stable which is where he began to show ability. An all-the-way success on stable debut would get him off the mark and his remaining time in Ireland was mixed as he finished second before signing off with a low key effort at Bellewstown. He would move back to Yorkshire once more, this time with the veteran Geoff Oldroyd and he would catch the eye with a nice closing effort from the rear in a similar contest to this one. Allowed to stride on from the front, this would be a much improved performance and there is potential now to unlock further progress in the four year old. 

Race Five: The Sky Bet, For The Fans Handicap - Class Three - One Mile, Four Furlongs - Runners: 9

The speed tests would be over and done with as the stayers took to the stage with this good looking contest over a mile and a half. Last year, the race only saw a field of six go to post, but the stamina test would bring out the best in Harry Eustace's Ziggy, who gained a well deserved win that set up an unsuccessful tilt at the Ebor Handicap.

The weights in this year's contest would be headed by Ed Bethell's Chillingham. The six year old has his quirks, but was promoted to first in the Queen Mother's Cup over course and distance back in June and has some good placed form at this venue in the past. The four year old Kildare Legend has more improvement under his sleeve as James Ferguson's gelding progressed nicely in his first season before getting cruelly denied on the line at Haydock in a better race than this. Ralph Beckett has won plenty of races at York this year and would be represented by Albany here. The mare is bred for stamina but her career has seen some ups and downs so far. Her latest win at Nottingham last year came in impressive style, but she was outclassed in a class two at Haydock in May. Creatif has been well handled by David O'Meara since arriving from France and is proven at this trip, but weakened away over longer distances recently.  A local runner would be Craig Lidster's Intinso, who arrived at the yard at the end of last year. The former John Gosden-trained five year old showed ability in the past and dropped into this grade for the first time in a while. Another Yorkshire runner would be Kevin Ryan's Dark Moon Rising, who won this race back in 2023. The six year old was last seen finishing a staying on seventh in the valuable John Smith's Cup Handicap a fortnight ago. Per Contra looked to be an exciting prospect as a younger horse, but lost his way badly last year. Since joining the Tim Easterby stable, the four year old has finished in the placings on his last two starts. The Charlie Johnston stable are well versed in training stayers and would be represented by L'Eagle Aid. The four year old arrives at York in top form having won his last two starts; one in battling fashion at Newcastle and then a dead heat win at Chester recently. Completing the field would be the Ian Williams trained Beylerbeyi. The five year old is versatile with distance and often runs with credit, including last time out over ten furlongs here earlier in the month. 

Winner: BEYLERBEYI (#9) (Invincible Spirit x Gherdaiya) - C. Lee - I. Williams

The small but select field of nine runners would get away from the stalls without issue as Clifford Lee dropped Beylerbeyi to the rear of the pack by design as the grey Intinso was sent forward to set the pace. The gallop would be no more than an ordinary one set by Sam James and as a consequence, some of his rivals raced keenly. Kildare Legend would be one of those racing enthusiastically but joined the leader down the back straight to ensure he didn't have an easy time of it in front. L'Eagle Aid would come next, running along the inside railing alongside Creatif as the pack raced in an orderly manner. There would be little change in the positions throughout the contest, until Intinso began to increase the pace rounding the bend. 

The change of gear of the leader saw him gain a couple of lengths on his rivals, but the other jockeys remained calm and stuck to their original plan. Kildare Legend kept Intinso in his sights and approaching the two furlong pole, managed to overtake Intinso which then led to the grey retreating quickly back down the order. The race would begin in earnest as the new leader Kildare Legend was joined by Creatif, Per Contra and lastly Albany, who was staying on strongly entering the final furlong. The last to challenge would be Beylerbeyi, who had been ridden quietly until the home straight and began to motor home in the final furlong. As Albany went clear with the race at her mercy, Beylerbeyi finished strongly to grab the mare on the line and take the victory. Per Contra would weaken back into third, just over a length behind as Kildare Legend took fourth after doing most of the hard work earlier in the contest.

It would be a hard fought success for the Ian Williams-trained Beylerbeyi, who was winning for the fifth time in thirteen months. The five year old son of Invincible Spirit had originally won on debut in France three years ago, but his form has improved since moving to the Ian Williams stable. A win at Wolverhampton in June would kick start a spell of four wins before the end of last season, but those wins came between seven furlongs and nine furlongs. He would even try out hurdles during the winter, but his stamina would empty over longer trips. This year, the gelding's season began slowly, but he has gradually finished closer with each start. Attempting middle distances on the flat for the first time brought about some improvement as he stayed on well into third over ten furlongs at the previous meeting and it also offered the hope of staying further still. A quiet ride throughout and well timed challenge from Clifford Lee would bring about success here and also open up further options at this sort of distance.

Race Six: The Sky Bet Prize Drop Handicap - Class Four - One Mile - Runners: 19

Next up, it would be the turn of the milers with this competitive handicap which featured plenty of familiar faces to York. Last year, the quirky Theme Park produced one of his better performances to win for just the second time in his career at that stage. 

The dark grey Mr King arrived at Iain Jardine's stable last season with some potential, but his form has gone backwards in the space of a year. Despite this, he has run in some better quality races in the past so could find this easier despite carrying top weight. The lightly raced Ata Rangi would represent the Kieren Shoemark and Ed Walker partnership. The four year old made a winning stable debut at Kempton, but ran below par back at the same venue next time. Jim Goldie's Yaaser held an entry over seven furlongs twenty-four hours earlier and lined up again for double duty. The seven year old has held his form well in a busy spell and finished third over six furlongs at the start of the week. Malton-based runner Billyb lined up for the Craig Lidster stable. The quirky six year old moved up to a mile having finished well into third at Doncaster over seven furlongs. Another Yorkshire runner would be Declan Carroll's mare Alessia Fernanda. The formerly Irish-trained five year old made a winning debut for the yard over a longer trip and made the drop back to seven furlongs. The highly consistent Cosmos Raj has yet to run a bad race this year for the David O'Meara stable and has won three times this year alone. His last visit to York saw an agonising defeat over nine furlongs and could go well again. Another in form runner would be the Terry Kent-trained Drifts Away. The gelding racked up plenty of wins on the all-weather and then carried his improvement over to the turf last time with a win at Yarmouh and third at Goodwood last time. Nick Bradley's mare Bellarchi has taken a busy career well and would be in winning form last time out for the Grant Tuer stable. The four year old filly has won at a higher level in the past. Making his seasonal debut in this contest would be the Scott Dixon-trained Perseverants. After winning in April last year at Windsor, this would be his first start on track for the first time in fifteen months. Another runner for the Grant Tuer stable would be Empire Of Light, who ran consistently well with a number of placings last year, including at class two level. He would produce a poor run on his seasonal return at Redcar back in April and has been off the track since then. The grey Mudamer lined up for the Geoff Harker stable. The six year old has finished in and around the placings this year, with the exception of one poor run which came at this venue over seven furlongs. Another consistent runner would be the Mick and David Easterby-trained Yaajooz. The four year old has threatened to win since joining this yard after podium placings on three of his four starts this year. An all-weather regular would be the Sam England-trained Mr Mistoffelees. The five year old placed on a regular basis on that surface and made a return to turf for the first time since last year. Karl Burke's Tele Red has a very good record at York, which includes a win at this meeting two years ago. He would warm up for this race with a good second over ten furlongs at Ripon a week ago. Jim Crowley would be an interesting booking for the Kevin Frost-trained Master Of Combat. The seven year old is another all-weather regular, but hasn't won since September last year and hasn't been in the best form recently. Ivan Furtato's Bowood appears to be coming into form now after breaking a quiet spell with a third at Doncaster over this trip last time out. Chuzzlewit was highly regarded for previous connections, but never lived up to it. He has recently moved across Yorkshire to the Seb Spencer stable and he posted a better effort when third at Newcastle last time out. A second runner for the Kevin Frost stable would be Siam Fox, who only finished ninth in this race last year but has improved nicely since then. He would finish a close up third behind an in form winner at Newmarket recently. Rebecca Menzies would saddle King Chaos in this contest and he has been lightly raced for his age. He has also been tried over a range of trips, including ten furlongs two starts ago and seven last time out. Completing the line up would be Northbound, who is now trained by Roger Fell. After winning on the all-weather back in April, the seven year old was slightly unlucky when third at Wolverhampton last time out in June.

Winner: BILLYB (#4) (Raven's Pass x Aztec Queen) - S. James - C. Lidster

The bottom weight Northbound would be the only non runner in the contest at the afternoon's action began to wind down. The theme of impeccable behaviour at the starting stalls would continue as all nineteen runners calmly walked into their allocated stall and the race was soon underway.

The battle for a good early position would be hotly contested as usual and it would be the mare Alessia Fernanda who nosed into a narrow lead from her wide draw. She would share the lead with Ata Rangi, who needed rousting along from the stalls to ensure he wasn't boxed in and soon helped to set the pace. The likes of Yaajooz, Billyb and Siam Fox would all race prominently as the order stretched back to Yaaser, who sat behind and waited just like he did the previous night. The general pace would be just an ordinary one but there was little change in the order. At the halfway stage, the free going Empire Of Light caught the eye by pulling his way to the front and briefly looked threatening until he reached his stamina limit. 
Ata Rangi would kick for home under Kieran Shoemark and would surge a few lengths clear entering the crucial late stages of the race. He was there to be shot at however and the challengers came in their masses. On the rail, Billyb had ground it out to join in contention and took over the lead at the furlong pole. The dark grey coat of Mr King would arrive late on the scene and threw down his challenge down the centre of the track, but it was Billyb who stayed straight and true to hold on for victory. Ata Rangi bounced back to form with a second placing, Mr King produced a season's best finish while Yaaser threaded his way through the field to take fourth, a deserved return for his double engagement at York. 

It would be just the third win of Billyb's career as Craig Lidster's quirky six year old produced his best efforts on track. Some of his older form includes successes at a much higher level to this one, but things often needed to fall right in running for the son of Raven's Pass. His most recent success came at Beverley in June 2024, but he would often travel strongly before finding less than expected off the bridle. On his previous start at Doncaster, Billyb was ridden closer to the pace and was able to finish his race off by taking a close up third over seven furlongs. That effort suggested a return to a mile would suit and although he was pushed along halfway down the home straight, the gelding dug deep and found extra close home to provide trainer Craig Lidster with a first York winner since relocating to Malton this year. The stable also had a winner on this card last year, so it remains a happy hunting ground.

Race Seven: The Sky Bet Extra Places Every Day Handicap - Class Four - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 16

The closing contest would be restricted to three year olds and would be comprised of some closely matched sorts over the intermediate trip of seven furlongs. Last year, the race would go the way of Craig Lidster's Finn Ironside, who got the narrow verdict in a thrilling three-way photo finish.

This year's lineup would be headed by Monotone, who made his first start for the Antony Brittain yard. The formerly Irish based gelding finished third in a listed race last year but hasn't shown form close to that since then. The improving Kisskodi has been in top form recently and completed a hat trick of wins at Epsom last time out for trainer Harry Eustace. Tim Easterby's U Sure Do remains a maiden, but has run in some good quality novice races so far, placing three times. He would make a good handicap debut when staying on into fourth at Hamilton last time. Another Newmarket challenger would be the Alice Haynes-trained filly Brave Byreflection. She would benefit from a positive ride by making all to win easily at Chepstow last time out. John Ryan's Naina relished racing last year, winning four times including a class two handicap. She has subsequently been highly tried and this would be an easier task here. Mystical Storm produced some promising efforts in novice company last year and finally broke his maiden tag for Julie Camacho at Doncaster last time in comfortable style. Another horse to make his debut for a new year would be Cairdeas, now with the Paul Midgely stable. The chestnut has shown glimpses of ability in the past, but has yet to run consistently enough. Heather Main's Eazy On The Eye recorded back to back wins on the all-weather last year, but has generally struggled since then. Despite this, his best effort came when third at Sandown and then a midfield finish at Royal Ascot last time. Golden Redemption began his career out in Dubai where he failed to trouble the judge and was an interesting transfer to the Andrew Balding yard. The American bred colt ran a much better race when third at Newbury on stable debut last time. Another last time out winner would be the James Fanshawe-trained Pietro, who is reunited with jockey Kyle Strydom. The gelding confirmed his good form by winning a small race at Brighton recently. The Malton-based yard of Adrian Keatley would be represented by Green Pursuit, who made a winning stable debut back in April and has been generally consistent in the placings. His two runs at York have been low key however. Grant Tuer would saddle Chesneys Charm, who has plenty of experience so far and has been campaigned over much further of late. He has placed over nine furlongs this year before running well over ten furlongs recently. Another from the Tim Easterby stable would be Fan Mail, who was progressive at the start of the year before having a short break. He would run slightly below his best at Haydock when trying this trip for the first time. The Mick and David Easterby yard would saddle Lever Up, who is another to have raced over longer trips this year. Despite this, the gelding has improved with each start, including a second last time over a mile. The first of two runners for Ivan Furtado would be Pearly Squirrel, who confirmed her improvement by winning at Doncaster at the start of this month. She would fail to back that effort up next time at Haydock however. Richard Fahey's Tuscan Point has spent most of her career racing at York over a range of distances, but hasn't really fired so far over a range of distances. Completing the line up would be a second Ivan Furtado runner, Seed Investor. His one promising effort so far came at Doncaster in late April, but he has generally been disappointing so far. 

Winner: CHESNEYS CHARM (#12) (Mohaather x Velvet Charm) - O. Stammers - G. Tuer

The finale of the afternoon looked a very tricky contest to solve with so many variables to consider around the majority of the field. The filly Naina would be the only absentee from the original line up and a field of sixteen lined up for the starter.

The fight for the early lead would be a hotly contested one as Golden Redemption, Eazy On The Eye and Brave Byreflection all sat in front rank for the duration of the seven furlong chute. The pack would be tightly packed as they swung around the bend and into the home straight. The keen going favourite Kisskodi would pull himself into a narrow lead at the halfway point of the home straight over Eazy On The Eye as plenty of challengers lined up behind. Golden Redemption would be next to join in at the front and briefly took over in front at the furlong pole. The race would be wide open with five horses in contention, but from out of the pack, Chesneys Charm was guided through the field and arrived on the scene with the best finish of them all to nail Pietro inside the final furlong and land the prize under a good ride from Oli Stammers. Pietro made a race winning move only to be caught close home and relegated to second while Golden Redemption would finish third for the second race running. Mythical Storm had always been close to the pace and kept on into fourth.

The Grant Tuer-trained Chesneys Charm had a lot more experience than his rivals with sixteen starts to date, but the son of Mohaather clearly enjoys his racing. After starting his career with Michael Bell in Newmarket, he would win twice for the yard before transferring to the Northallerton stable of Grant Tuer. It was there where the gelding continued to improving, winning on debut for his new yard before placing on soft ground over a mile on numerous occasions during the autumn. This year, he would be campaign over staying distances which provided mixed results. A previous best finish of second over nine furlongs at Musselburgh was followed by a low key effort over a mile and half at Chester. Dropping a long way back in trip to seven furlongs for this contest, it was a much more suitable test for the three year old and after chasing a good pace early on, Chesneys Charm would put his stamina to good use and return to winning ways. Sometimes an exposed handicapper isn't such a negative when they have the experience to rely upon for success.