Race One: The Sky Bet Strensall Stakes - Group Three - One Mile, One Furlong - Runners: 11

The all important Ebor Day card would be headed by one of the most competitive Group Three races of the whole year, the Strensall Stakes. This contest takes place over nine furlongs which is rarely used in racing, but it provides a good opportunity for some distance specialists. Since the race joined the Ebor Festival in 2008, it has been won by a few stars of the world stage in recent seasons. The likes of Zaaki, Lord Glitters, Spirit Dancer and Real World have all gone on to feature in Group One contests in the Middle East and in Australia. Course specialists Alflaila and See The Fire are amongst those recent winners and last year saw a good result for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid al Maktoum as his horses King Of Cities and Boiling Point fought out a close finish to return first and second.

Damysus has gained a fan club due to his rare facial markings and the John and Thady Gosden-trained four year old is a talented sort when on song. After winning the Earl Of Sefton Stakes in April, he has proven frustrating this season and finished third in a good renewal of the York Stakes last month over a furlong longer. A second runner in the Wathnan Racing silks would be the Hamad al Jehani-trained Archivist. The chestnut has shown high class form in handicaps, including a win for these connections at Meydan. He bounced back from a quiet run at Royal Ascot to win the Golden Mile at Goodwood and moved up in grade here. Grand National winning trainer Dr Richard Newland has made a good fist of things on the flat and would be represented here by Dividend. The four year old progressed out of handicaps to take second in a Group Two at Meydan, but has been slightly below his best on his last two starts. Aidan O'Brien would have a rare runner in this contest with Expanded. The four year old held the potential to be high class earlier in his career, but injury has interrupted his progress. He has been narrowly denied in a pair of listed races in Ireland earlier this year. Andrew Balding has won this race in the recent past and would saddle the talented Jonquil. The four year old won a Group Two at Goodwood at this time last year and is capable of mixing it at the highest level. After winning a listed race at Ascot in May, he has proven too keen in his races of late. Julie Camacho would be represented by her stable star Naqeeb. The very well bred gelding has been a tough sort for connections, winning a listed race at Goodwood in October before taking a narrow second at the same venue to Boiling Point. This would be a further rise in class for the six year old. Richard Hannon's Persica is a tough horse to place, but is very smart at this level. The five year old returned to winning ways at Newbury last time in a listed race where he always looked in control. Point Lynas was a a late non runner in the valuable handicap over a mile on Thursday, but is also capable of making his mark in this company. Ed Bethell's seven year old has finished second at Group Two level in the past and ran well last time when chasing home a good sort in a listed race at Pontefract. There would be an intriguing runner here in the silks of Amo Racing, Ridari. The four year old threatened to make in to a high class horse last year and won a Group Two in October. He arrives in Britain after an unsuccessful stint in America so would be the unknown quantity in Britain. Ger Lyons's Geryon has done little wrong so far in his short career and led the charge of three year olds in this contest. The grey chased home some top horses in Ireland before gaining a deserved win over this distance in a Group Three two starts ago. Last time, he was a valiant second over a longer trip in the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood. A runner for last year's winning connections would be Hankelow. He was a high class two year old last season for Karl Burke, winning here on debut and then winning a Group Three, but he is another with a delayed start to the season. After a third in the French Guineas, he looked to be a non stayer in the French Derby when last seen in June. A horse open to progress would be King Of Earth for the William Haggas yard. The well bred colt has improved with experience, winning narrowly at Wolverhampton before stepping up to this distance in good style at the Curragh in a valuable handicap. A second runner for the Haggas stable would be Saber Strike, who looked to be an exciting prospect at the start of the season, but his progress has stalled at the moment. He would try hard without making an impression over a mile at Goodwood at a similar level last time out. 

Winner: ARCHIVIST (#2) (Dubawi x Provenance) - C. Rodriguez - H. al Jehani

The opening contest would go without Naqeeb and Expanded, but the remaining eleven runners provided a very high standard for this type of contest.
The afternoon's action would be set up in pleasant sunshine and a gentle breeze, optimum weather conditions for a day of racing in the summer. As the runners and riders arrived at the post, King Of Earth became fractious in the preliminaries, half rearing and prompting Cieren Fallon to jump off. As the heart settled, he chose to join his opponents in the stalls and day four would get underway. The field emerged to an even break and from the outset, Point Lynas was pushed straight into the lead. There was quite the rush to get on with things as the leader set a quick pace down the back straight. Geryon pulled hard but sat in a share of second with Hankelow, Jonquil and King Of Earth. Towards the rear, the second string of Wathnan Racing, Archivist, sat at the tail of the field with Persica and Saber Strike as Dividend struggled to go the early pace and was already detached from the main group.
Swinging around the bend and into the home straight, Hankelow moved closer to the leader Point Lynas at the three furlong pole. Ridari was another to make a forward move as Jonquil lost his prominent position. The long time leader Point Lynas had gone off too quickly and faded out of the contest halfway down the home straight which left the race wide open. Damysus was next to lay down his challenge at the two furlong pole as Hankelow was the latest runner to fade away. A wave of Wathnan Racing silks arrived on the scene as Archivist made stylish headway on the near side rail. He would ease pass Damysus and Saber Strike at the final furlong pole and his rider Callum Rodriguez said go. The four year old quickened up immediately and went clear from his toiling rivals. Inside the final furlong, it was one way traffic as the gap kept extending. The opening contest was turned into a rout by Archivist, winning by seven and a half lengths from Saber Strike who ran a personal best himself in second. Distance specialist Persica stayed on from the rear to take third, while Damysus had to settle for a well held fourth.
Group races are very rarely by this sort of distance, which increases this performance by Archivist. The four year old raced for the William Haggas stable earlier in his career and comes from the family of Group One performers such as Integral and the Ebor contender Paddy The Squire. Last season as a three year old, he was a progressive handicapper; winning at this venue before stepping in distance with a third in the John Smith's Cup. He was purchased by the big spending Wathnan Racing and his career has taken off since. An impressive handicap at Meydan in March this year was his first for new connections before he flew back to Britain. He was sent off favourite for the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot in June, but he had no chance from a far side draw. He returned to form at Goodwood last time out when winning the Golden Mile Handicap at Glorious Goodwood, quickening up well to beat some experienced rivals. This performance was potentially helped by a strong pace early on, but it shows he is capable of mixing it in lower Group company. The gelding has already lived up to his price tag.

Race Two: The Sky Bet Melrose Handicap - Class Two Heritage Handicap - One Mile, Six Furlongs - Runners:17

The second race here would be a prelude to the main event as the "mini Ebor" took place, the Melrose Stakes. This contest is given its nickname as it takes place over the same course and distance as the Ebor Handicap, but it has the potential to unearth an early contender for next year's edition. Some of the best staying three-year-olds would take their place and former winners include the popular Pattern race mainstay Hamish, high class stayer Coltrane and Middle Earth, who placed in last year's Melbourne Cup. The winner of this race gains automatic entry into the 2027 Ebor Handicap and will be following in the path of Tarriance, who was very tough to win this race narrowly last year.

Top weight would be carried by a leading contender for the St Leger itself, Joseph O'Brien's Limestone. The Irish challenger has made rapid progress this year, winning three in a row which ended with a brave win in the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot. He didn't seem to enjoy the drop back in distance when a well beaten sixth in a Group One at Longchamp last month. William Haggas has done very well in this race in recent seasons and has a new potential star stayer in the form of Infraad. The son of Ghaiyyath has improved since a short break, winning a competitive handicap over a mile and a half at Goodwood but he was very tough to win that day. That would bode well ahead of his first try at this distance. Godolphin have won this race in the past and this year, their representative would be the Charlie Appleby-trained Into The Light. The colt made a winning debut back in February and bounced back from a poor run at Royal Ascot to win at the Glorious Goodwood festival, once again showing potential to stay this extra distance. Ralph Beckett is a capable trainer of young stayers and the first of his representatives would be Tierra Del Toro. The gelding finished second in a good conditions race at Newbury last year before a third in the valuable London Gold Cup at the same venue in May. Since then, he has shown decent form in handicaps at Ascot and Goodwood and looks unexposed at this sort of distance. Last year's winning trainer Andrew Balding would saddle the improving Mythical Bay in this year's contest. The son of New Bay has found form since moving to longer distances and won for the third time in a similar even at Newmarket where he battled very gamely for the win. Karl Burke's Galilean Quality had been crying out for a long distance ever since his debut and has now won four times over at least ten furlongs. The son Teofilo ran well at Royal Ascot two starts ago before dropping in grade to win at the same venue on his first try at this distance in July. David O'Meara would be represented by My Ballyquinn in this contest. He is another in this field who has been transformed by a step up to this sort of distance; winning against older horses over this course and distance in June before a slightly unlucky second at Sandown last month. Also representing the Ralph Beckett stable would be Glory Road. The son of Too Darn Hot comes from a German family filled with stamina and finally got off the mark at the fourth attempt at Newcastle. He would be another with the potential to improve over this trip. Willie Mullins would an ominous name on the entry list as he saddled the unknown quantity Sharkeyboy, in the famous silks of Hurricane Fly. The son of Zark remains a maiden, but went close last time out at Leopardstown and is totally unexposed in this company. A second runner for the Andrew Balding team would be Who's Lope. He was a comfortable winner at Beverley in May on what was his third start, but went on to improve on that effort with a valiant second to My Ballyquinn over course and distance. The pair of them pulled clear of some older, more experienced stayers that day. Baltic Fleet would be another runner with previous York experience as he finished third at the Dante festival in May. After the promise of that run, he moved to the Ian Williams stable but was tailed off and pulled up at Goodwood last month. He soon bounced back with a good third at Ascot two weeks ago and is now moves up further in distance. The grey Devil's Peak took his place in the line up here but looked to be one of the more exposed runners in the field. John and Thady Gosden's gelding appeared to stay the distance over a mile and a half when winning a lower grade handicap at Newbury in determined fashion before chasing home Into The Light at Goodwood last time. Another Irish challenger would come in the form of Bay Of Stars for the legendary trainer Dermot Weld. The gelding is bred to be suited by a stamina test and has run accordingly this year. After winning for the first time in April, he stayed on into third at Down Royal in a premier handicap over a slightly shorter trip. Steel Raven would take his place to represent the Adrian Keatley stable. The gelding isn't particularly bred for staying distances but has done well this year. After an impressive win at Pontefract over ten furlongs, he gradually weakened away at Goodwood over eleven furlongs last time out. Irish Grand National winning trainer Emmett Mullins is always feared wherever his horses are entered and he would have a dangerous looking prospect at the foot of the weights. The first of them would be Vantage Code, who has found improvement recently and won by huge margin at Galway last time out. Eniac hasn't been at Brian Ellison's yard for long, but the Malton-based trainer should be able to find an opportunity for his new recruit. The son of Siyouni placed twice in Ireland for his previous stable and shaped as if he will stay this trip by keeping on into third at Newcastle last time out. Australian owners OTI Racing have invested in the Kevin Philippart de Foy-trained Probation, so his future looks set to move Down Under. The gelding's form has taken off over longer trips of late, winning by half the track at Lingfield two starts ago and then pulling clear of My Ballyquinn at Sandown last month. 

Winner: INFRAAD (#2) (Ghaiyyath x Ferdoos) - T. Marquand - W. Haggas

A full field of seventeen young, up and coming stayers would take their place at the start for this ever informative contest. The action would get underway from the Ebor starting point and from the outset, Steel Raven emerged with the overall lead, but had to track across the field from his high draw to the near side running rail. Mythical Bay disputed the lead as the group rejoined the racecourse loop, with Infraad, Baltic Fleet, My Ballyquinn and Limestone amongst those to race in front rank. Irish challengers Sharkeyboy and Vantage Code were nestled inside the pack as Galilean Quality was held up at the rear of the field, watching and waiting. The order remained mostly the same until the turn-in for home as Steel Raven kicked clear under Mikey Sheehy. The outsider of the field opened up a lead of a few lengths five furlongs out, but there was a long way to go from home. Tierra Del Toro had raced prominently originally, but was outpaced on the home turn and shuffled back a few places. Steel Raven maintained his advantage, but at the two furlong pole his rivals ganged up behind. Eniac had raced keenly throughout and made a swift move through the field to challenge the leader, but his early enthusiasm would empty his stamina gauge quicker than expected. That would lead Infraad to take up the running approaching the final furlong and the William Haggas-trained colt continued to grind it out up front. Galilean Quality had cut through tiring rivals and emerged from the pack approaching the final furlong, but Infraad kept finding for pressure from his rider Tom Marquand. He would hit the line two lengths to the good and record another victory in promising style. Second would go the way of Galilean Quality, who did best from those ridden patiently, with Who's Lope also keeping on into third on his first run after a break. Tierra Del Toro would take fourth, running well after being outpaced at a crucial point.
William Haggas is always a trainer to follow and would land this contest for the fourth time since 2019. He looks to have another exciting staying prospect in the form of Infraad, who is progressing with each start. The son of 2020's Juddmonte winner Ghaiyyath, the colt is also a half brother to Group One winner Nezwaah, so there is plenty of ability in his family. He made his debut at the end of last season in a good looking novice contest at Doncaster, where he stayed on strongly into second, but he was unable to match that form on his seasonal debut at Nottingham where he could only finish third. He gained his first win at Pontefract in May where he dominated a small novice contest by six lengths and set him up for a rise in grade. He caught the eye in a major way at Chester on his handicap debut, meeting trouble through the race and finishing strongly into third on the tight and twisty track, so he was moved further in distance. His first attempt at twelve furlongs came at the Glorious Goodwood festival last month and he showed great tenacity to hold off his nearest challenger and win. This win was just as impressive as he saw this trip out strongly. He looks next in line from the Haggas school of top stayers and should be able to make an impact in high class handicaps such as the Ebor next year or even Group races. 

Race Three: The Sky Bet City of York Stakes - Group One - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 14

The final Group One contest of the week would come in the form of the newest race at this level, the City Of York Stakes. The seven furlong contest has always been well supported by trainers over the years as the likes of Space Blues, Kinross and Expert Eye have all won this race in recent years. After passionate campaigning and a lack of Group One contests over this intermediate distance, York were granted their wish as the City Of York Stakes was promoted to Group One status in 2025. The inaugural running of its new guise saw Andrew Balding's Never So Brave continue his progression by getting up close home under Oisin Murphy. The race also contained the subsequent Prix de la Foret winner Maranoa Charlie back in third.

This year's renewal looked just as strong as last year's and the field was led by Lake Forest who is a quirky sort, but a former Gimcrack Stakes winner at this meeting. William Haggas's five year old won the Lennox Stakes at Goodwood last month and stayed on into second in last year's renewal of this race. Local owners Bond Thoroughbred Limited would love a big race win at this meeting and would be represented by Andrew Balding's Marvelman. The four year old made all the running to win the Park Stakes at Doncaster just under a year ago, but was too keen at Goodwood last time out. Another very smart handicapper to step into the highest league would be Native Warrior from the Karl Burke stable. The five year old has been on the road this season and picked up a Group Three in Ireland in June. The top class miler Notable Speech would be a notable runner here for the Charlie Appleby stable. Running in the Godolphin silks, the five year old was a brilliant winner of the Lockinge Stakes in May, but disappointed at Royal Ascot and now drops down in distance here. One of the more unexposed runners in the field would be Ed Bethell's Paborus. The five year old has suffered a few injury setbacks during his career, but won nicely on his comeback at Newcastle over six furlongs so looks worth a try at this level. Powerful Glory became the biggest priced winner of a Group One in history last autumn by winning the Champions Sprint at Ascot, but Richard & Peter Fahey's four year hasn't had many chances to prove his ability. This would be an ambitious first try over seven furlongs, but he has form at this level. James Owen's rise to the top table of trainers continues this year and he would saddle Rogue Diplomat. The four year old was an impressive winner of the Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot before coping with a new test by staying on into second in the Lennox Stakes last time out. Japan have yet to win a race at York, but the racing nation would love to break the hoodoo at some point. Top class sprinter Satono Reve would carry the hope of a nation and he has been unlucky not to win this summer. A narrow defeat over six furlongs at Royal Ascot was followed by third in the July Cup, but he hasn't raced over this trip for a while. The likeable chestnut Ten Bob Tony has plenty of fans due to his facial markings, but has improved beyond recognition this year. After winning at Epsom on Derby day, he produced a shock win in the Queen Anne Stakes at Ascot and stayed on into fourth in an epic Sussex Stakes over a mile last time out. Another runner in the colours of Wathnan Racing would be the mare Flora Of Bermuda, who goes well at York. The five year old landed the Summer Stakes here in July for the second time and improved for the step up to seven furlongs to win another Group Three at Goodwood. Her course form should see her go well in this contest.  Last year's Gimcrack Stakes winner Lifeplan provided trainer Declan Carroll with his biggest moment as a trainer, but the colt missed the first half of this season through injury. He would make a satisfactory return to action at Chester a few weeks ago and should improve for the run. Amo Racing have held plenty of regard for their colt Power Blue and Robson de Aguiar's three year old was a Group One winner last year. He would take small part roles in Group Ones this summer, but returned to his best over seven furlongs with an impressive win at the Curragh recently. Aidan O'Brien has yet to win this contest in any guise and would send over Puerto Rico, a dual Group One winner in France last season. This year, he hasn't hit the same heights, but has been involved in plenty of drama so far. Zavateri was one of the best juveniles around last season as he landed the Group One National Stakes in Ireland, but injury ruled him out of the Guineas. He would make a good return to action when fifth in the Sussex Stakes and this looks an ideal race for Eve Johnson Houghton's star colt. The sole three year old in the contest would also be a high class one, True Love from the Aidan O'Brien stable.

Winner: NOTABLE SPEECH (#3) (Dubawi x Swift Rose) - W. Buick - C. Appleby

The organisers of this contest were rewarded as all fourteen runners took their place with runners from both sides of the planet. The Japanese representative Satono Reve showed signs of agitation at the stalls, but finally relented to walk into his gate. With fourteen top class Group performers locked away and ready to go, the starter release the gates and the newest Group One in the country was underway.
The pace in the opening stages would be a strong one. Marvelman and Power Blue helped to force the early gallop in differing lanes of the track, but the chasing pack were close behind. Flora Of Bermuda sat in a prominent position next to Satono Reve and Paborus, Zavateri and Puerto Rico. The short priced favourite Notable Speech settled into a comfortable rhythm just behind the leaders as the field swung into the home straight and opted for the near side rail. Marvelman was still setting a strong gallop and looked to be cruising halfway under PJ McDonald. Those who raced further back such as Rogue Diplomat, Native Warrior and Powerful Glory were all struggling before the race warmed up, as the leader Marvelman showed the first signs of him cracking. Marvelman's rider became more animated in the saddle as Notable Speech cantered into contention in all blue silks of Godolphin. The five year old was sent forward to win his race and the colt responded immediately, bursting away from Marvelman and taking a victory cheer from the onlooking crowd. He would cross the line to an impressive two and three quarter length victory as Lake Forest stayed on from the back to take second in this race once again. Marvelman was rewarded with a third place after setting the race up while Ten Bob Tony continued his excellent form this summer with a fourth place.
This would be a sixth Group One victory for the top class Notable Speech. The star of Charlie Appleby's stable was a surprise inclusion in this race, but it gave the contest a solid base for a Group One. The chestnut has been top class ever since bursting onto the scene in 2024 with an excellent win in the 2000 Guineas at Newmaket and then Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, defeating older horses in the process. 2025 was a slight struggle as he tasted defeat in the Lockinge Stakes, Queen Anne Stakes and July Cup, but he finished the year strongly. Denied narrowly in the Prix Jean Prat a year ago, he then switched to America and won two of their Grade One contests, the Woodbine Mile and the Breeders' Cup Mile in excellent style. He was kept in training as a five year old for 2026, much to the delight of racing fans and he has continued to deliver at the highest level. A seamless victory in the May's Lockinge Stakes at Newbury was followed by a return to Royal Ascot for the Queen Anne Stakes. He ran poorly that day, but it appears that Ascot doesn't suit him very well. A miler with a high cruising speed and potent turn of pace, he has been an excellent sort over the past few years and he should pick up more Group One success either in Europe or America before his impending retirement. 

Race Four: The Sky Bet Ebor Handicap - Class Two Heritage Handicap - One Mile, Six Furlongs - Runners: 22

It would be time for York's flagship event and the contest in which the entire festival is named of, the Ebor Handicap. This famous old handicap remains one of the toughest to win, but the challenge it poses is one taken up by the majority of the racing world. This mile and three quarter test of stamina and patience has been given a boost recently with a prize fund of £300,000 to the winner and £500,000 guaranteed. Winners of all shapes and starting prices have gone into the history books of the Ebor, from the outstanding Sea Pigeon, Further Flight, Sergeant Cecil and Mudawin, there has been a story revolving about each and every winner. Twelve months ago, the master National Hunt trainer Willie Mullins would land this race for a third time as Ethical Diamond was much too good for his rivals, before the six year old went on to bigger things by winning the Grade One Breeders' Cup Turf later in the year.
Improving four year old horses often have a strong record in this contest and that would apply to the William Haggas-trained Opportunity. Wathnan Racing's four year old won at Carlisle in May before following up in a big handicap at Royal Ascot. He then stayed on into second in a Group Three over a mile and a half at Goodwood. Epic Poet has been a mainstay in big handicaps around the country and finished fourth in this race in 2024. Since then, David O'Meara's seven year old has placed in a number of Group races, but has weakened away worryingly in Group race contests recently. Alan King is a very talented dual purpose trainer and looked to win this race for the first time with Paradias. The seven year old has run well at York in the past without winning, but has turned his attention to pattern races of late, finishing third in a listed race over two miles at Sandown in July last time out. Andrew Balding has yet to win this famous race, but hoped to amend that with the grey Furthur. The four year old entered contention for the St Leger last season by winning a Group Three, but he has been slightly frustrating since then. After competing in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot in June, he finished tailed off again in a listed race at Sandown in July. A stayer on the up recently would be Spinning Wheel from the Simon and Ed Crisford stable. The four year old is still very lightly raced as he has had excuses for his two heavy defeats in his career. He won a smaller race at Southwell last time out and now lines up on a higher rating. A second runner for the red hot Andrew Balding stable would be last year's Melrose Stakes winner Tarriance. The four year old battled gamely for the win last season and has been slowly building up for this contest. He ran his best race of the summer last time when staying into fourth behind Hopewell Rock at Goodwood which caught the eye. Leading National Hunt trainer Willie Mullins often targets this race and this year had two runners, the first of them would be Mr Hollywood, a former high class runner in Germany who finished third in the Queen Alexandra Stakes at Royal Ascot. He would score over hurdles in a big field at Galway which should set him up nicely for this test. Alan King would have two leading contenders in this year's Ebor as he saddled recent Royal Ascot winner Daiquiri Bay. The four year old ran well in good staying races last year and has developed further this year. After winning at Newmarket on his first start, he was a gutsy winner at the Royal meeting over this distance.  A second runner for the Wathnan Racing outfit would be George Boughey's Hopewell Rock. The three time winner had been slowly coming to boiling point this season before landing a valuable handicap at Goodwood in promising style, which set him up for this famous prize. Joseph O'Brien has won the Melbourne Cup in the past and would love to add this big staying prize to his CV as well as he also saddled Emit. The four year old finished the season strongly last year with placings in Group company in France, but he has since shown solid form at a similar level in handicaps so is tough enough to feature here. Iain Jardine famously won this race nine years ago and the Scottish stable would be back this year with Paddy The Squire. The six year old remains at the top of his game with a third and second in his last two starts in this company at Royal Ascot and Newmarket. Irish trainer Ger Lyons won this contest in 2019 so his runners are always respected and this year he would send over Poetic Sound. The four year old qualified for this race by winning the trial at the Curragh in June, but failed to stay two miles on his latest start. Charlie Johnston's Align The Stars enjoyed a prolific winning spell during 2024, but last season was more frustrating. He has returned to his best this year though by winning the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle, but may be better over two miles. The James Owen-trained Burdett Road has won at Royal Ascot and placed in a Champion Hurdle during his career, but this year he seems to have lost his way on the flat. Despite finishing third in a Group Two at the start of the year, he has been way too keen in his races this summer. The six year old Beylerbeyi has won over six furlongs and two miles during a highly versatile career and won the Cesarewitch Handicap at Newmarket last autumn. He has caught the eye with his late progress in handicaps at Ascot and Newmarket lately. David O'Meara would be doubly represented for the biggest race at his favourite course with Stressfree. Like his stablemate, he had shown plenty of strong form in staying handicaps throughout his career, but had been on the downgrade slightly this year. He needed to return to the form shown when fourth in last year's renewal. A threatening runner with a light weight would be the William Haggas-trained Klassleader. The four year old won stylishly on softer ground here in May and has seemingly been laid out for this race for a long time. Leading Irish national hunt trainer Henry de Bromhead won this great race in 2024 and would return once again with last year's runner up Ascending. The seven year old also won at Royal Ascot last year, but hasn't been at his best this season. He would warm up for this race with a tough task in a Group Three recently. Big spending operation Amo Racing would love to make a statement with a win in this contest and they would be represented by the grey Square Necker. Kevin Philippart de Foy's four year old has shown high class form in handicaps, looking better each time over similar trips and lined up here with a light weight. Another horse with past experience in this race would be Ian Williams's Real Dream, who posted a career best finish when fifth in last year's running. The seven year old hasn't been at his best this season though, but his handicap rating has dropped a lot since last year. A runner for the Richard Hughes stable would be Circus Of Rome. The four year old had promised to win a big race this summer based on his form in 2025, but has been campaigned over a range of distances. This would be the first time he started over this distance, so this could have been the plan. Last year's winning jockey, owner and trainer were back again with the threatening Love Me Tender. Willie Mullins's four year old sneaked in at the foot of the weights and was given a favourable mention in the build up. This race will have been the plan for a long time and Will Buick would revive the partnership with Mullins. 

Winner: DAIQUIRI BAY (#8) (New Bay x Strawberry Martini) - R. Ryan - A. King

The customary 1pm deadline on the day before struck, which meant that the two reserves Enemy and Dancing In Paris were unable to get a run, but it left a field of twenty-two top class handicappers to battle for the Ebor Handicap. 
The fanfare and paegentry of a jockey introduction before the race brought racegoers closer to the riding stars of the show, but once that had concluded, it was back to game mode and the focus was fully on the race ahead. This year's edition of the Ebor Handicap would get away to a roar from the grandstands and the twenty-two runners were away to a good break. The early pace would come from the recognised front runner Burdett Road, who was soon joined by Real Dream and Align The Stars. A whole wave of runners would sit just behind the leader, which included the keen going Love Me Tender, Hopewell Rock, Daiquiri Bay and Emit. The grey Square Necker and Spinning Wheel raced apart from the main pack down the back straight, but squeezed into the pack as the field approached the first turn in the shadow of the woods. Burdett Road had increased his lead and was a length clear of the chasing pack. Beylerbeyi, Circus Of Rome and Poetic Sounds brought up the rear of the field, with a good fifteen lengths covering first to last. The pace began to rise and the heat started to increase as Burdett Road's time in the lead came to an end. Opportunity took advantage of this by taking over in front, but he was followed all the way by the Wathnan Racing second string Hopewell Rock. Daiquiri Bay held his position on the inside rail as those who had waited patiently in the early stages began to close in. There would be plenty of bumping and barging in the main group of horses, but up front the race was quickly reduced to three runners. Daiquiri Bay dug deep inside the final furlong, but had the two Wathnan Racing-owned hopes for company. Down the centre of the track, Opportunity and Hopewell Rock went eye to eye in the final stages and Daiquiri Bay wasn't lying down. The line approached suddenly and the three geldings crossed the line as one. It was a thrilling outcome for the famous contest and after a nervy wait, the result was given to Daiquiri Bay by a nose, Hopewell Rock narrowly missed out in second with Opportunity a head away in third. Further behind, Ascending emerged from the pack to repeat last year's frame result by taking fourth.
In a wide open Ebor Handicap, it would provide a memorable contest and a popular victory for Daiquiri Bay. The four year old had cut his teeth in similar contests last year and this year, so was streetwise for these conditions. After a wide margin victory to break his maiden tag at Chepstow at the start of last season, the son of New Bay went on to finish in the frame positions in staying handicaps at Goodwood, Newmarket and the Melrose Stakes on this card last year. A gelding operation over the winter has also unlocked further progress as he started this season at Newmarket during their Guineas festival. Always well positioned that day, he had plenty in reserve to win comfortably. His most recent outing came at Royal Ascot for the Copper Horse Handicap over the same distance of today. In a very competitive contest, Daiquiri Bay showed a lot of tenacity and bravery to deny Gamrai by a head, breaking the course record time in the process. He had a hard race that day and was freshened up with this day in mind. A likeable sort with a willing attitude, Daiquiri Bay's relaxed racing style should see him progress into Group contests. His trainer Alan King sadly lost his staying star Trueshan last year, but Daiquiri Bay could be the next in line to the throne in Cup races for a stable who can now add an Ebor Handicap win to their Cheltenham and Aintree Festival trophy cabinet.

Race Five: The Sky Bet Constandine Handicap - Class Two Heritage Handicap - Six Furlongs - Runners: 20

The last of the big handicaps of the Ebor Festival would take place here as the action reverted back to six furlongs. The Constandine Handicap is one of the meeting's newest races having been inaugurated in 2022 as a rival to races such as the Stewards' Cup and Wokingham Stakes at Glorious Goodwood and Royal Ascot respectively. This race has already seen its share of drama in its short history, with a dead heat for the win in 2023 between Summerghand and Albasheer and then last year saw five horses finish within a length of each other as Michael Dods's Northern Tricker landed the contest.

Heading the weights in this dash for the cash would be a pair of Hugo Palmer runners. The first of them, Stratusnine, had always been held in high regard and is finally delivering on the promise. After winning a similar race at July over course and distance, he was agonisingly denied in the Stewards' Cup at Goodwood a week later. He was also in action here on the opening day, finishing sixth. Mick Easterby has been the winner of many a big sprint handicap throughout his long career and would saddle the stable star Sondad here. The five year old was progressive last season and won the same race at Epsom for the second year running and added a valuable handicap at the Curragh to his CV in July. He was then undone by the draw in the Stewards' Cup. Golden Mind undoubtedly has talent, but he had struggled to find it of late. The five year old has struggled against his rating since his last win in November and was down the field in a big handicap over seven furlongs last time out. Hamad al Jehani would win a notable prize with Evening Saigon last time out as the gelding won the ultra-competitive Stewards' Cup at Goodwood. That win wasn't unexpected as he seems to be progressing into a good sprinter this year. James Owen has done very well with his placing of Far Above Dream and the four year old held the potential to win a race like this. After winning his first two starts of the season, he went on to finish close up in the Wokingham Handicap and Stewards Cup recently so is up to this level. A second runner for the Wathnan Racing and Hamad al Jehani combination would be Fine Interview. The six year old had shown a liking for slower ground and for Doncaster where his last two wins came. He would run below his best at Epsom when last seen in June however. The Andrew Balding-trained filly Dance In The Storm has raced exclusively over seven furlongs during her career and placed at this meeting last year. The four year old has shown a liking to Chester this year with two wins there, but this would be a different challenge over this shorter trip. The former Group Two winner Annaf has been a credit to his connections at the Mick Appleby yard but isn't quite at the level he once was. The seven year old ran his best race of the year when third at Newcastle in June but has generally struggled in strong handicaps this season. Geoff Oldroyd's Pocklington has always promised to win a race of this nature but has found one or two rivals too strong in the past. The five year old finished a close up third in this race last year, but arrives here on the back of a quieter run over course and distance in July. Middleham Park Racing's Fahrenheit Seven looked set for a good year by winning twice on the all weather, but the handicapper had caught up with him of late. Robert Cowell's gelding has finished towards the rear in his last three starts in handicap company. The quirky King Of Light has plenty of ability but hasn't been able to show it on a regular basis. Stuart Williams's four year old won by a wide margin at Windsor earlier in the summer, but was slowly away last time out at the same venue. Toca Madera has recaptured some of his earlier smart form since joining the David O'Meara stable and ran very well on two occasions during the Glorious Goodwood festival. After a fourth over five furlongs and a hampered fifth in the Stewards' Cup, he travelled strongly once again on Wednesday before keeping on into third over half a furlong less. Clive Cox would also be represented here with the relatively lightly raced Flash Harry. The four year old has verged on being listed race level in the past and was slightly unlucky in the Stewards Cup last time where he was drawn in an unfavourable position. An interesting runner would be Pure Legend, who now resides at the Kevin Ryan stable. The four year old ran to a good standard in France over longer distances and ran well on his British debut when sixth over a mile at Thirsk. A second runner for the Thirsk stable would be Hammer The Hammer. Kevin Ryan's charge is best known as a speedy front runner over five furlongs, but his form this year had been below standard. William Haggas's four year old Realign was expected to make into a smart sprinter this year, but this haven't gone that way so far. The Wathnan Racing-owned gelding was an impressive winner at Carlisle in May and made late ground into the midfield placings in two big handicaps earlier in the summer. A second runner for the local connections of Geoff Oldroyd and owners Bond Thoroughbred Limited would be Air Force One, who looked to make a famous double of wins. The five year old goes well at York and was a stylish winner of the opening contest here on Wednesday. Julie Camacho worked her magic on Desert Falcon last year as the six year old hit top form by winning a similar race at Doncaster in September and then second in the Ayr Gold Cup. His two runs this year had been quieter ones, so he was seemingly warming up for a late summer peak. A three year old won this race last year and there would be a strong contender to make it two in a row with Red Spells Danger. Tim Easterby's gelding has rocketed through the ratings, winning three times this year and running very well in big handicaps over this course and distance. A second runner for the Mick Appleby stable would be Coul Angel, who completed the field. The four year old hasn't won this year so far, but had produced very good runs in defeat in this sort of company.

Winner: SONDAD (#8) (Washington DC x Penny Garcia) - J. Mason - M & D. Easterby

After the drama of a breathless finish in the Ebor half an hour earlier, the fast past action would continue with this high class sprint handicap. 
As expected with a big field race like this, there would be a difference of opinion on the best side of the course. As the race settled into its flow, a smaller group would split and remain on the far side. Wednesday's winner Air Force One would be the source of pace on the far side and was closely pursued by the front runners Desert Falcon, Sondad and Evening Saigon. The stands side group was lead by another horse who had raced here this week, Stratusnine, who bowled along in front with the keen going Dance In The Storm and Hammer The Hammer. There was little to split the two groups and they seemed to be level heading at the two furlong pole. Things would change at the final furlong pole however as the far side group took control. Evening Saigon was sent for home in search of a second big sprint handicap win, but he was soon challenged by Sondad. The maroon and yellow silks would take up the overall lead, but on the near side group, Far Above Dream had quickened up and gave chase. Sondad would drift gradually towards the centre as Far Above Dream gained with each passing stride, but the line came just in time for Sondad, who was announced the winner after a tense photo finish outcome. Far Above Dream was unlucky once again in a big handicap contest and the pair finished clear of Coul Angel in third, who finished with a flourish and relegated early front runner Dance In The Storm to fourth.
Any winner for the Mick and David Easterby stable at York is a well received one and they have a new star in the form of Sondad. The five year old gelding has delivered on the regard he has been held in since his early days, but he began to make an impression during 2025. His first major win came at a wet and miserable Epsom at the Derby meeting where he ploughed through the soft ground to win easily and set a tilt at better company. A career best at the time came in the Ayr Silver Cup where he finished an excellent second, racing in the far side group. This year however, Sondad has gone from strength to strength. After a quiet return to action at the Dante Festival here in May, he successfully defended his crown in the Derby Day handicap at Epsom in identical conditions to last year. A return to London came next for the Wokingham Stakes at Royal Ascot, but he was drawn on the disadvantageous far side. He finished first on his side in an effort that was boosted, given his position on track. He went on his travels once again, this time to the Curragh for the lucrative Scurry Handicap. On that occasion, he showed toughness and bravery to hold off a charging British rival Dark Thirty to land his second win of the year. Last time out, Sondad was aimed at the Stewards' Cup at Goodwood and was again done no favours by the draw. Racing on the near side this time, he finished seventh overall which was another excellent effort. Two wins this year could easily have turned into four with a bit more luck of the draw, which means Sondad is an in form sprinter for a trainer who excels with. More high end handicaps will be on the agenda for the rest of this season, but it wouldn't be a total surprise to see him rise to Group race company in the future.

Race Six: The Julia Graves Roses Stakes - Listed Race - 2-y-o Only - Five Furlongs - Runners: 11

The final pattern race of the meeting would belong to the juveniles for this listed contest over the minimum trip of five furlongs. Punters will know all about these runners at this point in the season as the majority of them have been highly tried at Royal Ascot and other major events. This race has quite a long and winding history and the most recent winners have gone on to enjoy classy careers on track. The likes of Hot Streak, Captain Gerrard, Acklam Express and further back in time Mujadil have all gone on to finish in the frame at a highter level. Twelve months ago, the filly Revival Power was a rapid winner for the Tim Easterby stable before adding the Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster to her record. 

This year's field would see a strong field of speedsters, the first of them being Adonius. Rebecca Menzies's star juvenile has flown the flag for the North East yard and this would be a big race for them to win. After winning a couple of valuable contests at the start of the season, he stepped up again when second in the Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood last month. Ralph Beckett's Dance A Jig comes from a family full of speedy sorts and showed promise of his own when second in early season contests. He appreciated the drop in grade to win a nursery at Haydock and now tries pattern company once again here. Kevin Ryan has won this race in the past with some good types, but saddled the maiden Dorigo this year. The colt pushed a good type close at Newcastle on debut before an excellent run in the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot. He was then caught close home at Goodwood so deserves to win sometime. Another horse to run very well at Royal Ascot would be Nigel Tinkler's El Floridita. After winning nicely at Redcar, he found a chunk of improvement to take second in the Norfolk Stakes and a repeat of that effort would see him go close, despite a disappointing fifth at Goodwood last time. Irish runners are a common feature of this contest and the first of them would be Hanney Boy. Evanna McCutcheon's colt showed useful form earlier in the season, including a third in this grade before a gutsy success on his most recent start. The Middleham-based yard of Phil Makin had unearthed a new stable star in the form of Hickory Lad, who reverted back to the minimum trip here. He was an emphatic winner of the Woodcote Stakes at Epsom and had since made into a solid Group performer. He faded in the final furlong of the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood last time out. The Clive Cox-trained Jaan Ki Tukri competed at Royal Ascot as a three placed maiden, but ran well above expectations that day. After winning for the first time in easy fashion, he struggled in the RIchmond Stakes last time. Hugo Palmer's Sale Shark looked a good prospect straight away as he bolted up on debut at Hamilton. Since then, he had shown very smart form in Group company including a fifth in the Windsor Castle Stakes and fourth last time in the Molecomb Stakes. David Evans is a trainer who is well known for his expertise for training juveniles and he would pitch Undercover Affair into the deep end here. The grey gelding has run well here in the past, notably when placed in a selling race in June. She has been a likeable and honest sort, but this would be a very big jump in class to what she has experienced before. Two fillies would complete the line up, in receipt of three pounds from their male counterparts. Adrian Keatley often knows when he has a good type and would saddle Roots In Touche here. The daughter of Dandy Man was considered good enough to line up in a conditions race on debut at Beverley where she finshed second and got off the mark with an easy win at Nottingham in a match race last time out. The field would be completed by another Kevin Ryan-trained maiden, Silesia. She has shown useful form so far, including behind some talented fillies of tricky courses, but she was another who needed to raise her game in a big way here. 

Winner: SALE SHARK (#9) (Bayside Boy x Bayja) - O. Murphy - H. Palmer

There would be just one absentee for this speedy encounter, the David Evans-trained Undercover Affair, which left a field of eleven to go to post.
As the speedy juveniles arrived at the post, temperatures would rise for one or two of the runners; namely El Floridita, who reared up twice during the loading process, but calmed down sufficiently to walk into the stalls. As the gates opened, there would be more drama as the strongly supported Dubai Champion blew the start and emerged from the stalls five lengths behind the pack and had an uphill battle from the outset.
The speedy Adonius went straight into the lead with Kaiya Fraser, but raced keenly in the opening stages. He was soon challenged up front by the likes of El Floridita, Roots In Touche and Sale Shark, who all contributed towards a strong pace. The pack would charge down the home straight and had soon passed the halfway stage. Approaching the final furlong, Adonius still remained in a narrow lead as some of those who raced with him early on began to fade. Sale Shark would be the next to draw alongside Adonius and the pair went head to head in the final furlong. Sale Shark responded to the pressure given by Oisin Murphy and started to gain the upper hand inside the final furlong and his quality started to show by pulling clear to a length and a half success. Adonius had to settle for second once again, but ran well despite racing keenly early on and Hickory Lad finished with late burst, taking third close home. There would be another good run in defeat for the maiden Dorigo who took fourth on the line away from his stablemate Silesia.
It was a return to the winner's enclosure for the talented juvenile Sale Shark. The son of Bayside Boy would provide his sire with a second pattern race success from his first crop this week following Arapaho Gold the day before. Hugo Palmer's colt made an instant impact on his debut at Hamilton back in May where he showed plenty of speedy on the downhill course and won with plenty in hand. He was sent straight to Royal Ascot for the redesigned Windsor Castle Stakes over six furlongs. Despite being drawn on the far side, he showed a good turn of pace to draw clear of his group, but fifth overall. His next assignment came at Newbury for the listed Rose Bowl Stakes in July. He would be blocked in his run at a crucial stage, losing ground on the leaders and managing only fifth once again. On his latest start at Goodwood in the Molecomb Stakes, he once again showed a lot of early speed, but had no answer in the final stages as the speedy Pershaada went on to win. In that contest, Sale Shark finished behind Adonius and Hell Of A Spin, so that form was rock solid at this level and he showed a lot of professionalism to score in this contest. The next step for him could be the Group Two Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster with late season targets including the Redcar 2-Y-O Trophy or the Cornwallis Stakes at Newmarket. Wherever he goes, he will surely give it his all once again. 

Race Seven: The Sky Bet Finale Handicap - Class Two Heritage Handicap - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 20

The twenty-eighth and final contest of the 2026 Ebor Festival had come around as quickly as the first race had begun. The Finale Handicap would be a fitting send off to another memorable week of racing on the Knavesmire and would hold up to the competitiveness of similar handicaps. Back in 2022, the Daniel & Claire Kubler-trained Astro King won this race en route to winning the Cambridgeshire Handicap a month later, while last year, Grand National winning trainer Lucinda Russell added an Ebor Festival winner to her resume as Dain Ma Nut In made all the running to score. 

The impressive John Smith's Cup winner Raammee would return to the scene of his biggest victory and had the task of carrying top weight. Roger Varian's four year old had the potential to make into a Group race performer and this would be another valuable prize to aim for. Simon and Ed Crisford's five year old Involvement had always been held in good regard and landed a handicap in Dubai earlier this year. Since then, he had competed in lower Group races and ran with credit. A pair of listed race third placings showed he was capable at this level. Another former winner at York would be Karl Burke's Thunder Run. He had winning form at the Ebor Festival a few years ago but had been locked in a battle with the handicapper ever since. This would be his first outing since a midfield finish in the John Smith's Cup. Erzindjan is a classy handicapper who deserves to win a top handicap when it all falls his way. Terry Kent's eight year old was a good winner at Newmarket in May before another good run in a strong handicap when sixth in the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot. Diego El Queso would be an eye-catching entry for the Ger Lyons stable as he went into a number of notebooks after his run at Goodwood last time. The Irish based gelding was slow from the stalls before making strong late headway into sixth, so had the chance for compensation here. Last year's winner Dain Ma Nut In would return for the Lucinda Russell and Peter Scudamore stable. He would break new ground by winning in Bahrain earlier this year and ran well once again with a second over a mile at Thirsk recently. George Scott's Al Aali looked to be a smart recruit to the yard as he arrived at York in search of a hat trick. After a good win at Newmarket, he followed up with a battling success at Goodwood over this distance, finishing ahead of a number of these rivals. The four year old Quai De Bethune won a valuable handicap at Royal Ascot last year before he was purchased by the Wathnan Racing team. Now with the Hamad al Jehani stable, he hasn't been able to show his best in some top handicaps such as the John Smith's Cup this summer. The first of the three year olds to take on their elders would be Bourbon Blues from the Brian Meehan stable. The gelding only has one win to his name, but finished runner up in a Group race last autumn. His form had a hit and miss look to it, but he ran a better race in a warm contest at Goodwood. The Richard and Peter Fahey-trained Have Secret has plenty of form at York and knows the place like the back of his hand. The six year old was successful at Pontefract in the spring, but his latest two starts didn't come to much. Parole d'Oro is another with a solitary win to his name coming in this contest, but ran well on his last visit to York over this distance. He appeared to be coming into form with a pair of solid placings, but fluffed his lines at Goodwood last time with a slow start. A fascinating runner for the star owners of the week Juddmonte would be the three year old Accredit. The John and Thady Gosden-trained colt is a relation to Enable and would make a long awaited returned to action. He was dominant in his two wins last season and held a huge amount of potential for this contest. Mr Swivell failed to feature on his previous attempt at ten furlongs, but is a reliable sort over a mile. Kevin Philippart de Foy's runner finished second to The Lost King in a class two contest in July, the form of which was boosted on Thursday by that one's win. Another runner for the Richard and Peter Fahey stable would be Castle Stuart, who also has a good record at this venue. The four year old had been at the yard for a few weeks before finishing third in this race last year and returned second and third over this course and distance in the summer; including the John Smith's Cup in July. His handicap rating had now fallen to a winnable one and his course form was also a positive. The beautifully bred Dhahabi was a pattern level horse for the Godolphin operation a few years ago, but his form has dropped off in recent times. He now lined up for the Ian Williams stable, but had finished a long way down the order in his previous three starts. Another local runner from Malton would be Declan Carroll's Sujet. The ex-Irish trained gelding produced good form in valuable contests last year, but had struggled in similar company. His recent second at Chester came over seven furlongs, so this would be a much tougher test. A second runner for the Ian Williams stable would be Shafdar, who was another runner in the field with not much experience over ten furlongs. His two defeats came in races of this nature over a mile, but he stayed on well in fourth at Goodwood so was worth a try over this distance. Kevin Ryan's Dark Moon Rising is a regular visitor at York and also brought solid course form to the table. The seven year old rolled back the years over this course and distance in July, appreciating the drop in grade to win as easily as he liked. Jim Goldie is always a regular at these big meetings and the Scottish stable would saddle Salam Dubawi. After winning nicely at Hamilton earlier in the season, he ran a huge race in the John Smith's Cup, taking third past the post but he was wayward and ultimately demoted to fifth. A repeat of that effort would see him go close here. The four year old Nepal has been around a few stables in his relatively short life and has struggled at this sort of level. After starting out in Ireland, he joined the George Scott stable, spending some in Bahrain without success last winter. He made his debut for the locally based Ivan Furtado stable but was left behind in a small field at Redcar recently. Two more Malton based runners would complete the line up. A third runner for the Richard and Peter Fahey stable came in the form of Rainbow Nebula. The four year old continued his progression with a win at Redcar over a mile, but he has been held back by the handicapper ever since and this didn't look any easier. Double Parked seemed to enjoy his visits to the seaside venue of Redcar as he had won four times in the past, but broke new ground with a win here at a lower level in June. He had only run once more since then, but could only manage fifth from the same rating as this one at Hamilton. 

Winner: RAAMMEE (#1) (Persian King x Qabala) - R. Dawson - R. Varian
There would be just one non-runner in the closing contest, Ivan Furtado's Nepal, but it would still leave a very competitive line up with a number of course regulars.
The final race would get underway no sooner than the meeting had started four days ago, as the twenty runners broke away for the last time this week. From the gates, Salam Dubawi would make a lightning start and was in a rush to beat the traffic home as he set out at a strong pace. Sujet allowed the leader to run his own race as he sat in second, just ahead of Dhahabi and Double Parked. The chasing group would remain well stacked as the likes of Accredit, Raammee and Erzindjan were happy to race among horses in the early stages. Approaching the home bend for the final time, Salam Dubawi was sent into a clear lead under Lauren Young and had built up a big advantage. His rivals still chose to ignore him however, estimating that he will weaken at some point. That moment came at the two furlong pole as Salam Dubawi caved in and was swallowed up by his rivals. Those who had ridden close to the pace, Sujet, Double Parked and Dhahabi, would also see their stride shorten and the race changed complexion quickly. Bourbon Blues had made headway through the field with Shafdar and they were looming large behind the new leader Thunder Run. With a furlong to go, there looked to be a lot of chances for the finale, but Raammee was still travelling strongly under Ray Dawson. As Thunder Run went for home, Raammee waited for the right moment to deliver his challenge and grab Thunder Run inside the final furlong and pull ahead towards the line. He would score comfortably by three quarters of a length from Thunder Run, with Bourbon Blues taking third ahead of Shafdar who outran his odds in fourth.
It would be a good day for owner Sheikh Ahmed al Maktoum as two of his new stars provided him with a double of wins. The highly progressive Raammee had always been well thought of by his trainer Roger Varian and won his only two starts last year on the all-weather. The second of those came by a huge margin which produced intrigue over how good he could be. A respectable fourth at Sandown in May on his first try on turf was a good effort, but it was improved on with a second at the same venue a month later, going down by a narrow margin. He was aimed at the prestigious John Smith's Cup, York's big summer prize, Facing a big field for the first time, the four year old settled nicely into the race and quickened away at the final furlong pole. Despite a late challenge close home, he was well on top for a notable success. He was given the chance to harden his profile in handicap company here instead of moving in Group company too soon. He looked too class for this contest and his time in handicaps will surely be coming to an end. A tilt at the Cambridgeshire Handicap, a race his trainer agonisingly missed out on last season, could be on the cards before moving into the big leagues.