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

The opening contest of this high quality Saturday meeting would be this novelty contest in which National Hunt riders take a day out of their summer break to try speed over stamina in this five furlong sprint. The "Jumps Jockeys' Nunthorpe" has proven a hit with jockeys more acclimatised to riding around Hexham or in a Grand National. 
The race has seen the likes of Graham Lee, Tom Scudamore, Bryony Frost, Sam Twiston-Davies, Nico de Boinville and Paul Townend join in the fun since the races' first running in 2017 and last year, David O'Meara's Soul Seeker would win the race under Michael Nolan. It would be Soul Seeker's second win in the contest having landed the prize in 2021.

The weights would be headed by Iain Jardine's Never Dark, who gradually got closer to the front recent starts before getting his head in front on penultimate start. He would post a quiet run here behind Copper Knight a fortnight ago. He would be ridden by Danny McMenamin. The David and Nicola Barron-trained Zarzyni has an in and out look to his form, but has gone close plenty of times this year, including a narrow second on penultimate start. Sean Bowen would take the one-off ride. The very speedy Night On Earth won at Epsom back in April and looks set to give his rider Charlie Todd a thrill in the saddle. The six year old has finished just out of the placings recently. The Bryan Smart-trained Princess Karine had the assistance of dual champion jumps jockey Brian Hughes onboard. The mare bolted up at Pontefract at the start of the season and has run well since then. Dylan Cunha's representative Faro De San Juan was verging on smart in France and has done well at this sort of level in Britain. His best effort this season would be a third and leading rider Charlie Deutsch would take over the reigns. The Paul Midgley stable often target this race after winning it in 2022 and they saddled Strong Johnson, who was sixth in this race last year. It appears that he has been trained all this season with this race in mind. The Ruth Carr-trained Reigning Profit has been kept on the go all year, but has held his form admirably. He has contested some much classier races recently and had the assistance of Tom Bellamy in the saddle. The veteran Ghathanfar has been very consistent this year with a handful of placings already. His one heavy defeat came on soft ground which didn't suit. Northern based National Hunt rider Ross Chapman took the ride.. Another from the Paul Midgley stable would be Leodis Dream. He was beaten a neck in 2022's running in a one-two for the stable. He would join the group of stablemates in this race and last won back in March on the all-weather. Sean Quinlan returned to the race for another year. Tim Easterby's Whisky McGonagall remains lightly raced after just nine runs and was in winning action at Newcastle earlier in the year. However, this would be his first start since the end of April. Callum Bewley would join in the fun of this race. The Adrian Keatley-trained Another Baar is capable of good form at a slightly higher level, but recently he has looked below his best and had Henry Brooke doing the steering. David O'Meara's Soul Seeker was back again and aiming for an unprecedented hat trick in this race. He has just the one good run all season, but a return to York could revitalise him. Michael Nolan would be reunited with the gelding in hope of repeating last year's win. The mare Woobay has found a bit of form recently and just held on to the win at Ripon last time out. The Danny Brooke-trained mare would hold a solid chance in this open contest. James Bowen would line up against his brother Sean in a unique angle of the race.The winner of 2022's renewal Birkenhead made a return under the same rider Jonathan England. The seven year old dropped into the lowest class recently but arrived at York in top form after two victories. Another from the Tim Easterby stable would be Glendown, who showed promise for the first time at Beverley at the start of the month in new headgear, but weakened over a furlong longer here last time out. Jamie Hamilton would take the ride here. Tom Tate's Bayraat is another experienced sort but is unexposed over five furlongs. He would do his best work at the finish over course and distance a fortnight ago. Niall Hourihan would be looking to continue his breakthrough year by adding this race to his growing CV. Kitaab was in good form at the start of the season on the all-weather before switching to the Phil Kirby stable recently. The five year old flashed home into third recently back on turf and was open to progress. Declan Carroll's runners are a regular sight in York sprint events and this time he would be represented by Fortunate Star. The four year old was last successful at Catterick in April, albeit at a lower level. High level rider Robbie Dunne would return to York once again for this race. The field was completed by Golden Rainbow for the Rebecca Menzies stable. The five year old was in top form recently with three wins from four starts, but failed to get up the hill at Beverley last time out to return unplaced. Stable jockey Nathan Moscrop made the switch from jumping to sprinting.

Winner: NIGHT ON EARTH (#3) (Kodiac x Eternal View) - C. Todd - I. Williams

Any pre race nerves and apprehension felt by the jockeys before the race would be eased slightly as the eighteen riders shared light hearted banter between them as they loaded into the stalls. The race would get away to a level break, but the rapid Night On Earth is often brilliant at anticipating the start and did so once again to bag the overall lead after a furlong. The pack opted to remain in the centre as one big group consisting of prominent racers Soul Seeker, Fortunate Star and Princess Karine. Towards the rear, the slow starting Woobay brought up the rear along with Bayraat and Whisky McGonagall as the early pace would be swift.
The field had already reached the furlong pole within a minute and the jumps jockeys would now face a test of timing their challenge to perfection. Night On Earth had fended off the attentions of his rivals and entered the final furlong with a length's advantage. Last year's winner Soul Seeker would look the main danger as the closers came thick and fast. Soul Seeker put it up to the leader in the final strides, but it would be Night On Earth who just lasted in front to take this year's running of the unique event. Soul Seeker would be denied the hat trick of wins in this race but still ran a great race in second, while Bayraat finished quickest of all to take third on the line following a slow start and numerous traffic issues. Woobay would hold on to fourth by just a nose to Zarziyni as the Bowen brothers were inseparable at the line, albeit for minor honours.

This would be the eleventh career win for the six year old Night On Earth, who has become renowned for his blazing early speed over five furlongs. The initial acceleration comes in handy at venues such as Lingfield, Chester and Epsom; venues at which he has won at in the past. This season, the son of Kodiac won the trial for the Epsom Dash back in April before finishing a solid fifth in "the world's fastest race". It would also provide trainer Ian Williams and jockey Charlie Todd with their first win in this contest, but the pair often team up over jumps to high profile success; such as Party Business at Aintree back in 2022. He would have the bragging rights for the next national hunt meeting. 

Race Two: The Sky Bet Dash Handicap - Class Two - Six Furlongs - Runners: 14

The quality races would come quickly and next up would be this class two handicap over six furlongs which has proven to be a stepping stone to further glory. 

In keeping with the Yorkshire Summer Festival theme, this race has been dominated by trainers from the region since 2016 with  the O'Meara, Barron, Dods, Easterby and Nicholls yards all saddling the winner in that period. Plenty of familiar faces would line up once again on the Knavesmire with the hope of following Aberama Gold's success last year. David O'Meara's gelding won this race before doubling up in the torrential rain at Goodwood in the Steward's Cup a week later. 

There is rarely a York meeting that goes ahead without the presence of Korker nowadays and Karl Burke's five year old returned to handicap company with top weight having recently finished fourth in a listed race over five furlongs. His stablemate Silkie Wilkie is a speedy sort at his best but has recently been seen over six furlongs. He would go down by half a length in the Scottish Steward's Cup last time. The Eve Johnson Houghton-trained Rage Of Bamby was a shade unlucky at the Ebor Festival last year when overhauled close home in a handicap over five furlongs, but that would be her best run in recent times. Despite this, she has been a regular in Group company. Jack Channon has enjoyed numerous success at York this season and saddled Ferrous, an improving four year old who won twice at the start of the season before getting a rough experience in the Wokingham Handicap at Royal Ascot last time. Badri joined the shrewd Julie Camacho team last season and picked up a good race at Ascot last autumn. It gave him the potential to rise through the ranks this year, but he has yet to show his best form so far. John and Sean Quinn's Brazen Bolt appears to be acclimatising back to Britain, having enjoyed a successful trip to Bahrain at the start of the season. This would be a first start for a while over his preferred six furlongs. Bergerac would represent the Thirsk-based Kevin Ryan yard and is a former York winner from a few years ago. The six year old has shown a liking to the all-weather recently and landed a good handicap at Newcastle last time out. The David Evans-trained Radio Goo Goo landed a class two handicap over course and distance in June 2023 and remains a useful type. This season, she has taken home a pair of class three events. The Richard Fahey-trained Dare To Hope looked to be a progressive sprinter when winning at Beverley back in April and has performed well in defeat since then. He would be aiming for a strong early pace. Richard Hannon's Dapper Valley was an exciting prospect after winning on debut last year before injury ended his season. He remains lightly raced and has now been gelded in the hope of unlocking further progress. Trefor has been one of the most improved horses in training this year as Charlie Hills's three year old has shot up 13lbs in the ratings since April. He was last seen at Newmarket in June where he made a valuable handicap look very easy by bolting up. This time last year, Manila Scouse ran on the Friday evening and Saturday afternoon of this meeting and finished in the top four on both occasions. This year, he would race just the once and has been running well at this level recently. A pair of Richard Fahey-trained runners rounded out the field. International GIrl has won at this level in the past, but has much more success at a lower level. The six year old won at Ripon on penultimate start, before getting stuck in the rain here in June. Her stablemate Rock Opera gradually finished closer to the front before gaining an overdue win at Doncaster in June. He would then run with credit in a competitive sprint here a fortnight ago. 

Winner: RAGE OF BAMBY (#3) (Saxon Warrior x Rabiosa Force) - C. Bishop - E. Johnson Houghton

As the field got away to an even getaway, the habitual front runner Radio Goo Goo would take her spot as early leader. Dropping in just behind the leader would be the more speedier runners in the race such as Silkie Wilkie, Bergerac and Rage Of Bamby. The action remained once again in a large group down the middle, which would lead to trouble for those held up. Rock Opera had found himself in a pocket after a slow getaway, but travelled strongly into contention. It led to his rider Andrew Mullen having to force a way out of the predicament which in turn had a knock on effect to other horses. Badri, Ferrous and International Girl would all be bumped slightly which lost their momentum at a crucial point. 
At the head of the field, Rage Of Bamby stayed away from the issues and it would be left to Charlie Bishop to determine when to go. When he pressed the accelerator, his mount burst clear from the pack and into a comfortable advantage. Korker would emerge as the main challenger as Rock Opera and stablemate Dare To Hope both flew home from the rear, but the valuable prize would go to the filly Rage Of Bamby.

This success would pay tribute to the faith retained in the four year old filly by trainer and owners as she made a return to the winner's enclosure for the first time since her juvenile days in 2022. After winning both of her novices, she would be written up as a promising type and justified the acclaim when third in that year's Group Three Rockfel Stakes over seven furlongs. After a few attempts at listed and lower Group races, Rage Of Bamby posted her best effort when nailed close home in a five furlong handicap at the Ebor Festival last year. More recently, she would struggle on her only start this year, way back in April for the listed Lansdown Stakes at Bath. She would have a long break afterwards which seemed to have a good effect as it produced a win here. A classy filly, she could become a "twilight" horse, rated a shade too highly to win big handicaps but slightly lacking in Group company. Wherever she goes though, connections have a very talented sprinter when on song. 

Race Three: The Sky Bet York Stakes - Group Two - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 4

The big race of the day is often seen as a warm up race for the world class contest the Juddmonte International, which kicks off the Ebor Festival in a few weeks. Raced over the same ten furlong trip, this Group Two is seen as the last opportunity to catch the train to the Juddmonte International and this race has played minor relevance to the big one in recent years. Roger Charlton's Time Test would arguably be the best winner of this race back in 2016, but former winners have gone on to place in the Juddmonte. Thundering Blue, Elarqam and Sir Busker fit that profile so this year's result would be worth making note of. Last season, Alflaila continued his progress through the ranks to win this contest comfortably and has since proven himself to be a solid Group One performer.

This year's line up promised to be a highly exciting one with punters spoilt by the amount of high class runners. The race would see a fascinating clash between three year olds and the older generation as they make their final audition for the Ebor showpiece. Leading the charge of the elders would be defending champion Alflaila, who made it two wins from two starts at York with a late finishing burst to win this race last year. Since then, he has taken minor placings in the Irish Champions Stakes and Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot. The star name on the card would be Sir Michael Stoute's Passenger, who looks to be the type that improves with age from the stable. After winning on seasonal comeback, the colt was back in action following a bug that caused him to miss summer highlights. Royal Rhythm is another high class runner on the bill as Karl Burke's five year has progressed up the ladder. This would also be his prep for the Juddmonte International. The Harry Charlton-trained Kings Gambit flew the flag for the three-year-olds in this contest and landed the London Gold Cup Handicap in May, a race which usually produces a top notcher. Having been strongly fancied at Royal Ascot, he got going all too late and settled for second behind Jayarebe, but this would give more of an idea whether it was an ill-judged ride that day or not. 

Winner: 

The absence of Ancient Rome on the eve of the race reduced the race further to a field of four, but it would contain four high quality horses. 

Tactics would always be a key point in the race as Passenger and Alflaila were guaranteed to be held up by their respective jockeys. It would be left to Callum Shepherd on King's Gambit to dictate the early gallop and it would be no more than a sedate one. Passenger was held back in second as Royal Rhyme was also jostling over the same piece of turf. Last year's winner Alflaila would watch on from the rear, just like twelve months ago.  
Rounding the home bend, the order continued to be disputed. Passenger would be shuffled to the back of the quartet under Richard Kingscote as Clifford Lee had no other option but to move the keen going Royal Rhyme forward into second. Sensing the uncertainty, Callum Shepherd raised the gallop and the race would turn into a sprint. The two outsiders of the field King's Gambit and Royal Rhyme would jostle for the lead and it briefly looked as if an upset was on the cards. Alflaila and Passenger were on the leader's heels though and as King's Gambit regained the lead, he faced a new challenger. The Shadwell silks of Alflaila began to surge forward as the entire showed his customary turn of foot to grab King's Gambit in the final fifty yards and win the Group Two a shade snugly. King's Gambit lived up to the grade with a good attempt while Passenger's interrupted season would have an effect on his chance here. He would settle for third but was found to be lame post race. Royal Rhyme took home fourth in a finish where all four horses were separated by two lengths. 

The five year old Alflaila has been slightly underappreciated for his exploits. After emerging on the scene at the 2022 Ebor Festival with a win in the Strensall Stakes, he returned to the Knavesmire a year ago to win this race for the first time. He would then miss the Juddmonte last season but opted for the Irish Champion Stakes, in which he was given too much to do and could manage only fifth. This season, on his only start to date, Alflaila caught the eye at Royal Ascot in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes in which he finished strongly, but was hampered a furlong out which cost him ground on the winner. That level of form would be stand out in this contest and that added to his liking for York made him a logical choice. All eyes in the Owen Burrows stable will be aimed at a return in three weeks for the Juddmonte where he could join a stellar lineup. With his course record and the past history of this race and the Juddmonte, it would take a brave person to oppose Alflaila in this form. 

Race Four: The 50K ITV7 Weekly Jackpot EBF Fillies' Novice Stakes - Class Three - Six Furlongs - Runners: 7

Next up would be a contest for the youngsters, but this time under slightly different conditions to last year.

Twelve months ago, this race would be a nursery handicap but after two successive years of small fields, the original concept was scrapped and replaced with this novice for fillies. This season, there have been a handful of very good novice winners to emerge from York such as Arabie, Andesite and The Strikin Viking, so there would be hope that another star of the future would be on display.

The field would be headed by exciting prospect Beauty Queen, trained by Kevin Ryan. The speedily bred filly holds a Lowther Stakes entry at the Ebor Festival and powered up the hill at Beverley to beat a useful type on debut. Roger Varian's Spherical comes from a highly talented Cheveley Park Stud family and won on her debut over five furlongs back in May. She was considered good enough to run at Royal Ascot, but finished down the field. This would be a much easier assignment over a new trip. A winner at York for the Mick and David Easterby stable is always a popular one and they would run Glorious Kitty, who was making her first start since May. She ran a brilliant race to finish fourth in listed company on debut, which showed the ability she possesses. Greydreambeliever would give Kevin Ryan a good second string in this race as the grey made her debut. She comes from a talented family and from a stable that often produce debut winners here. Mick Appleby's Loopey is another with a Lowther Stakes entry next month as she made her racecourse debut. The filly is related to some decent winners, but is seemingly held in good regard for her high profile race entry. Another local yard with an entrant here would be David O'Meara with Mae Amor. The daughter of Mehmas showed up quite well on debut as she kept on at the one pace over a slightly shorter trip at Wetherby. The final runner would be Richard Fahey's Stormy Impact, who would be looking to keep it in the family and follow her half brothers to success. Her trainer has already sent out a debutant winner at York this year. 

Winner: GREYDREAMBELIEVER (#4) (Dark Angel x Dione) - C. Lee - K. Burke

On the back of a thrilling Group Two beforehand, this juvenile novice contest would be just as intriguing with plenty of varying profiles lining up for the start.

From the start, the newcomer Loopey would veer to her right but was soon back on the straight and narrow as the early leader would be the hot favourite Beauty Queen. Kevin Ryan's previous winner would race keenly in the early stages, but had the likes of Greydreambeliever, Mae Amor and Glorious Kitty in close proximity. The pace would be average as the fillies made their way closer to the finishing post. Glorious Kitty's lack of a recent run would show and she would be the first one to struggle as the pace increased. Loopey would be next to falter as she faced greenness on debut while Spherical could make only minor progress from the rear. 

The attractive Greydreambeliever travelled well entering the final furlong and overtook the original leader Beauty Queen. The latest challenger would be Stormy Impact and in an outcome which few predicted, the two newcomers began to move clear of the pack. Greydreambeliever showed a good attitude to knuckle down and fend off Stormy Impact, who finished the race well. The outcome would go to Karl Burke's grey and it would be yet another juvenile winner for the Yorkshire stable. Stormy Impact showed ability in second and there would be a long gap back to the slightly disappointing Beauty Queen, who arguably failed her Lowther Stakes trial. 

The winner is a daughter of Dark Angel, who also produced the previous race winner, Alflaila. The eyecatching grey is a daughter of an unraced mare, but is a distant relative to the useful Diamonds Pour Moi, who won on debut before placing in the Cheshire Oaks and winning a French listed race. With so much talent in the Middleham yard, it is hard to pin Greydreambeliever on the juvenile pecking order. A likable debut, she has the option of another novice contest or races further afield for the rest of the year. 

Race Five: The Sky Bet Prize Drop Handicap - Class Four - One Mile - Runners: 16

Next up would be this class four contest which has also changed variables after the meeting's redesign as it would be run over half of the distance of last year's running. Last year, the contest was run over two miles and saw a great finish between Baez and Golden Shot, but this year it would be held over a mile.

The weights would be headed by George Boughey's Brasil Power. The five year old has raced over a range of distances in the past, but went close over a mile in the past which provided encouragement. He would make a return to turf for the first time this year. Another who has been seen on the all-weather more often is Master Of Combat for the Kevin Frost yard. The gelding was last successful in December last year but has shaped well with a trio of third placings recently. The Tim Easterby-trained Barley gained his first win for the yard in a decent contest at Carlisle two starts ago before returning to the same venue and settling for second. The David Evans-trained Eagle Day has been kept busy like most of his stablemates, but found a burst of improvement to win his last two starts on the turf and all-weather. Nigel Tinkler's Theme Park continues to frustrate as he is well bred and often travels strongly, but his finishing kick leaves something to be desired. He returns to a mile this time with plenty of course experience. The Michael Dods-trained Boy Douglas went down fighting in a similar contest here back in June and it continued his spell of good form having won earlier in the season. Kevin Frost has done well to get three wins out of Siam Fox since the gelding moved to his yard and the six year old was in winning form at Windsor recently. His latest below par run would come on the all-weather. David O'Meara's Zozimus continues to run well in defeat and has a string of placings to his name this year, including in a similar race here in June. Power Of Gold took a while to win for his previous connections before switching to the John and Sean Quinn stable. He has raced twice for the Northern-based yard but yet to threaten the judge. Al Marmar was once a decent prospect and his form has turned around since joining the Gemma Tutty stable. In three starts this season, he has stayed on well into minor placings to suggest his turn will come soon. The nine year old Hortzadar is another with plenty of experience and posted some good efforts when second over slightly longer distances recently. The grey Berkshire Shadow was enjoying a good spell on the all-weather for trainer Fionn McSharry and transferred that form to the turf when winning at Chester on penultimate start. The four year old Speriamo was a decent juvenile for the Charlie McBride stable and hasn't covered too many miles in general. The grey filly was unsuited by the tactics of a small field last time at Newmarket. English Spirit has been a decent time at this level, but his only run at York came at this meeting last year and he was well beaten. The field was completed by Richard Fahey's My Harrison George, who ran well in handicaps beforehand and finally gained his first career win last time out. He has previously run well at York in the past.

Winner: THEME PARK (#5) (Lope de Vega x Queen's Prize) - R. Scott - N. Tinkler

The mile contest would get underway with the brimmed full grandstands providing a daunting backdrop.  A few of the runners would be slow to go from the stalls, but none moreso than Eagle Day, who reared up as the gates opened and lost many lengths at the start. The likes of Berkshire Phantom, Power Of Gold, Hortzadar and Al Marmar would also be reluctant to leave the stalls, although there would be an element of tactics from the jockeys of the hold up runners. Up front however, Boy Douglas got a perfect start and soon took up the lead under Connor Beasley. The keen going English Spirit tracked him from his wider berth to race in second as Siam Fox would come next. Barley would also be on the scene as the pace looked decent for the grade and the group would be strung out. There would be little change in the order until the race began to heat up at the two furlong pole. My Harrison George had also raced keenly during the initial stage of the race and made a brief challenge into second as Siam Fox began to feel the strain. Barley was another well placed to strike and would be the next to threaten Boy Douglas's lead. Despite the many threats, Connor Beasley asked for Boy Douglas to lengthen and his mount responded immediately. The four year went into a clear lead entering the final furlong and looked set to land the race. From out of the pack, the familiar grey silks of Theme Park began to loom large. Nigel Tinkler's four year old responded well to his rider Rowan Scott's urgings and started to bridge the gap to Boy Douglas. There would be an exciting duel as the pair of four year olds went head to head, pulling away of the remainder with each stride. Theme Park would bravely stick his neck out on the line to score just his second career victory. Boy Douglas did everything right except win and English Spirit would post a sound effort after an absence. The first four would be completed by Barley, another who was close to the pace.

The manner of the win from Theme Park has to be ranked higher due to his starting position in the race. On quick ground at York, it is often hard to catch those ridden prominently, so to come out of the pack in the way he did was impressive. The son of Lope de Vega began his career under the ownership of Queen Elizabeth II and trained by Sir Michael Stoute. He looked a smart prospect when winning on second start as a two year old, but was moved up North to Malton with the Nigel Tinkler yard. Last season, he ran a few good races at York, namely a pair of close seconds during the summer. This year has been more frustrating for connections as they experimented different ideas. His last three starts came on the Knavesmire over slightly longer trips and on two of those runs, he travelled strongly but could only manage fifth. Dropping back to a mile proved to be the missing ingredient and the gelding would finally get his head back in front, much to the relief of those who stuck by him.

Race Six: The Betting Better With Sky Bet Handicap - Class Three - One Mile, Four Furlongs - Runners: 6

The longest race of the day would be this useful-looking class three handicap over twelve furlongs and it would be open to ages over three years old. This contest often sees some strong stayers and unexposed types moving up in distance and last year, Dark Moon Rising was a fairly impressive winner for the Kevin Ryan stable having also taken part in a Dante Stakes earlier in his career.

The weights were headed by Ziggy, trained by Harry Eustace. The six year old has been in excellent form without winning, filling the podium places in some valuable contests. His consistency would also go against him as he creeps up the ratings. The plucky stable of Ray Craggs sent his star Ron O to York for the third start in a row having won a competitive class two over ten furlongs and third back over a mile. He would go the other direction in terms of distance and attempted twelve furlongs for the first time. The Mick and David Easterby-trained Two Brothers bolted up at Thirsk back in May and attempted a much tougher race over course and distance back at the Dante Festival. He was unplaced and not seen since, but is a former winner of a similar race here in the past. David O'Meara's Charging Thunder has plenty of racing under his belt and has run well over even further distances than this one. In recent times, he has run well into the placings on the all weather. A lightly raced type in the race would be Ralph Beckett's City Burglar, who struggled with the competitiveness of a Royal Ascot handicap last time out. The field would be completed by Tim Easterby's Masekela, who would win this very easily at his peak form, but he has proven frustrating on more than one occasion. He showed a glimmer of promise when third at Doncaster, but was back to finishing at the rear at the previous meeting here. 

Winner: ZIGGY (#1) (Sixties Icon x Brushing) - R. Kingscote - H. Eustace.
The race lost a chunk of intrigue on raceday morning as the well regarded Theory Of Tides would be withdrawn, but it left punters with a race tightly packed on ratings. Despite the six runners, the pace would a decent one as Ralph Beckett's City Burglar had to rousted along after a slow start to take up the lead after a furlong. The well fancied Ziggy, Ron O and Two Brothers would sit just behind the leader as Charging Thunder and Masekela looked on. As the runners made their way around the Knavesmire, the order would remain mostly the same.

Approaching the final furlong, City Burglar's petrol gauge began to flash on low as Ziggy and Ron O moved menacingly closer. The latter named Ron O would be in unchartered territory regarding stamina and it would be the top weight Ziggy who went on. Despite carrying a hefty ten stone four pounds, Ziggy would see out the distance strongly as Ron O bravely held onto second and the first three to cross the line had mostly stayed there all race. City Burglar would hold on for third while Charging Thunder hung to his left, but had the measure of Masekela and Two Brothers who were never involved.

This success would be a deserved one for the six year old Ziggy, who has really come into his own this season. Harry Eustace's gelding last won on the all-weather back in November 2022, but since then he has remained very consistent. His two starts in 2023 would result in a second and third, the latter coming behind the subsequent John Smiths Cup winner Pride Of America. After missing fourteen months of action, Ziggy has produced some very smart form this season. Finishing second twice at Epsom, once behind his stablemate Crystal Delight and then in a handicap at the Derby Festival before finishing third in the Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap at Royal Ascot.  On his latest start, he would return to Ascot where he chased home a Godolphin horse to take second, beaten only a length. This would be a much easier race for the horse who has competed at class two level for his last six appearances and his strong staying potential would put him in the notebook as a potential runner in the Ebor Handicap, potentially giving his trainer an exciting double hand in the race.

Race Seven: The Sky Bet Extra Places Every Day Handicap - Class Four - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 14

The finale of the two day meeting would see a three year olds' only handicap over the intermediate trip of seven furlongs. The contest has seen plenty of likable Northern based horses win before continuing to rise through the ranks. Northern Express has been a very tough handicapper over the past two seasons while Brunch would go on to win at listed level for Michael Dods.

Top weight would belong Modern Times as he made his debut for the Iain Jardine stable. The colt comes from a talented family and has only recently stepped out of novice company. His best performance would be a second last season but he remained unexposed after four starts. Daniel and Claire Kubler's gelding Crimson Spirit ran in a few device novices before winning one at Epsom in August. He would make a return from a long break at Ascot two weeks ago where he finished in the top half of a big field. The Ed Bethell-trained Marmaduke Lemon remains a maiden, but has gone the right way this year, including pushing the winner close at Doncaster recently. Bill's Baar developed nicely as a two year old, rounding out his first season in a few decent races. He has continued his improving ways with a pair of placings this season for trainer Adrian Keatley. Another to break their duck on the all-weather this winter would be Kevin Ryan's Only In Jakarta. The gelding defied stormy conditions at Newcastle that day but has since raced just twice. He would be looking to get his progress back underway. Amy Murphy's Istanblue may live in Newmarket, but has already raced in France on two of his three starts. After showing promise across the Channel, the gelding ran credibly in a Doncaster novice and entered handicaps off a nice rating. Phil Kirby's Misemerald completed a double of wins last season as a juvenile before finding stronger company too much at the end of last year. Since then, she has run well in a couple of useful handicaps over this trip. Another Newmarket challenger would be Zipster from the Simon and Ed Crisford stable. The gelding won over a mile on seasonal return and has now reverted back to seven furlongs in search of a strong pace to aim at. Richard Fahey's sole representative would be She's A Gambler, who looked a nice prospect when winning both starts as a two-year-old. This year, she has finished midfield in a pair of all-weather handicaps and returned to the turf with a newly fitted hood. Craig Lidster's Alreet Cha has filled the second place position three times this year, but ran well in a similar race here back in May. The David and Nicola Barron-trained Mereside Madness has developed a likable profile and landed a pair of all-weather handicaps by narrow margins at the start of the year. He would run a big race after a long absence to finish second last time out. Tim Easterby's Alfie Boy looked limited at the start of his career, but has improved recently at a lower level. After winning for the first time three starts ago, he finished a place behind Marmaduke Lemon at Doncaster recently. The second runner for Craig Lidster would be another maiden in the form of Finn Ironside. The gelding has raced over further recently and was caught close home by the winner over a mile at Doncaster last week. The final race field would be complete by Charlie McBride's Scarlet Lady, who suggested she could win recently with a pair of seconds at this trip earlier in the season, but was back over six furlongs last time out when fifth. 

Winner: FINN IRONSIDE (#13) (Due Diligence x Zelaniya) - D. Fentiman - C. Lidster

The finale would prove a very difficult contest to judge with plenty of unexposed and improving three year olds in the line up. The big white face of Finn Ironside would show up prominently to take advantage of his low draw and bagged the early lead. He would be joined by the likes of Misscarlet, Bill's Baar and Crimson Spirit as the pace looked an honest one. Towards the rear, the slow starting Zipster, Alfie Boy and Mereside Madness would have to work hard to feature.

Approaching the final furlong, there was still little to choose from the leaders and with plenty of chances acoss the course, it would provide a grandstand finish for the excited crowd. Finn Ironside was still there to be aimed at as his stablemate Alreet Cha travelled into contention on the far side. Bill's Baar would join in on the act as well as the improving Scarlet Lady and soon there would be a three way battle for the win. With the crowd urging their every stride, the trio of thoroughbreds crossed the line together in a thrilling finish and the judge would need time to deliberate the outcome. After a short wait that felt like ages to some, it was announced that Finn Ironside had just held on from Bill's Baar and Scarlet Lady, with two noses seperating the three. In a further boost to the Craig Lidster yard, Alreet Cha would return fourth.

The three year old is a popular member of the stable and has improved plentiful this season. After finishing third on his first start of the season in June, he was below form next time out. Just a week earlier, Finn Ironside was in action at Doncaster, where he was overhauled near the finish by the winner over a mile. This would be his first start over seven furlongs and it would be evident that the stamina gained from races over further came in handy to hold off all comers. It would also be a big day for the local Craig Lidster stable, who would land their second win at York following Alfa Kellenic in June.