Race One: The Clipper EBF Marygate Fillies Stakes - Listed Race - Five Furlongs - Runners: 15

The first pattern level race of the year for juveniles would come in the form of this listed race for juveniles. Not only is it a valuable race to win with a view to a future at stud, but the race has a history of producing Royal Ascot winners. Ceiling Kitty and Signora Cabello completed the Marygate and Queen Mary double in 2012 and 2018 respectively, with other winners going close at the Royal meeting. Last year, Got To Love A Grey showed a smart turn of foot to beat the equally promising Dorothy Lawrence. 

The class of 2024 saw plenty of speed on display and it would be fast and furious on the track. Bailey's Jubilation showed promise on debut when fourth and her trainer Charlie Johnston will be hoping she breaks her maiden tag sooner rather than later. Eve Johnson Houghton's Betty Clover looked to be an exciting prospect by winning easily on debut at Bath, but tasted defeat at Ascot in a conditions event. The Roger Fell and Sean Murray-trained Call Me Harswell has only raced at Beverley so far, but has displayed plenty of speed. She got off the mark comfortably last time out. The sole newcomer in the contest would be Middleham Park's Glorous Kitty, trained by Mick Easterby. The youngster was evidently showing promise on the gallops to warrant an entry in this race. The Nick Bradley Racing outfit has been going well recently and they were represented by Karl Burke's Invincible Annice, who showed a willing attitude on debut once the penny dropped. Hugo Palmer's exciting prospect It Ain't Two won nicely on debut at Newmarket and was already spoken about as a Royal Ascot contender. Jayvee is related to some useful sorts and picked up nicely to score on debut at Beverley for trainer Brian Ellison. She would make her debut for new owners in this valuable contest.The Karl Burke stable won this race in 2022 and saddled Kaadi, who came second to Enchanting Empress on debut before getting off the mark on her second start. Lady Dorchester has more experience than her rivals with five starts to date, but doesn't appear to be progressing. Magic Mild came third against It Ain't Two and Amestris at Newmarket on debut, but there was little to split the trio. Miss Lamai knew her job well to score impressively at Thirsk last month and stepped up in grade for Karl Burke. Ruby's Profit was another to be sharp enough to win on debut and represented the predominately national hunt based yard of Richard Newland and Jamie Insole. Running Queen used the benefit of her debut fourth to win a valuable contest at Ascot last time out and ran for the Ollie Sangster stable. The Tom Dascombe stable have won this race in the past and saddled Seraphim Angel. She was fourth behind It Ain't Two and company before improving to land the prestigious Lily Agnes Stakes at Chester last week. The large field was completed by Brian Ellison's second runner, Sybaris Jewel. She wasn't beaten far on her debut just over a week ago.

Winner: BETTY CLOVER (#3) (Time Test x Reprieval) - G. Dobie - E. Johnson Houghton 

The sun blazed down on the Knavesmire as the final day of the meeting got underway to a thrilling contest. Fifteen promising fillies entered their gate and the early pace was fiercely contested once the race began.

The debutante winner Ruby's Profit would hold the narrow early lead but was surrounded by rivals such as Miss Lamai, Running Queen, Bailey's Jubilation and the favoured It Ain't Two. The outcome was still hard to predict as the field fanned out across the track and there would be plenty of chances. Miss Lamai showed a good turn of foot to move into the lead inside the final furlong over Running Lion, but the orange cap of Betty Clover was also making rapid headway.  It would be the grey daughter of Time Test who quickened up best of all to win this valuable contest and confirm her ability. Miss Lamai held on for a narrow second while Running Queen kept on well into third. The biggest eyecatcher would be the newcomer Glorious Kitty, who defied inexperience to come home fourth on her very first run. 

The winner Betty Clover was held in good regard by her trainer Eve Johnson Houghton, who also bred and owns the filly. She showed a similar top gear when winning at Bath comfortably on her debut in April which then set up a tilt at a higher level. Running in a conditions race at Salisbury, she was overturned by the reopposing Running Queen. The form was comprehensively reversed this time and Betty Clover looks set to be another high class juvenile for the Johnson Houghton team. A trip to Royal Ascot for the Queen Mary looks to be the next step. 

Race Two: The Knights Solicitors Handicap - Class Two - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 16

A valuable and typically competitive handicap was next up for the older horses and the nature of this race often provides clues for the John Smith's Cup later in the season. Last year, Kevin Ryan's Marhaba The Champ landed the prize in an exciting finish before going on to further success at the Ebor Festival. Third placed Spirit Dancer went on to become a star of the winter with high calibre wins in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

The four year old Epic Poet topped the weights here and was Group class in his native France, but was bitterly disappointing in Britain in three starts. He joined the David O'Meara stable in search of a return to form. The exciting Botanical was well fancied for the Lincoln earlier in the season but the progressive four year old made his return in this contest for the Roger Varian stable. Lord Protector landed a handicap at Sandown last year for his former trainer, but moved North to the Ruth Carr stable last autumn. He has disappointed in two starts for his new handler. Theoryofeverything looked a bright prospect when winning on debut in April 2023 and took third in the Greenham, but failed to progress. Now with David O'Meara, the four year old has run well in tough handicaps at Newmarket. King's Code joined the David Evans stable last August and has won six times in the space of nine months. He continued his improvement with a solid run at Newmarket last time out. Jack Channon's Majestic landed the 2022 Cambridgeshire Handicap and has been a regular fixture in these events. He finished fourth in last year's running of this race and filled the same place last time out. Andaleep is another to be revitalised by a stable move and he landed a decent contest at York last summer for Dan and Claire Kubler and was back at the Knavesmire. Eilean Dubh is a dual winner at York in 2022, but Karl Burke's runner would be facing the ten furlong trip for the first time. The late developing mare Reach was last seen in winning action at York's Ebor Festival which sparked great celebrations for the Easterby family and she made her return in this hot contest. David O'Meara's Stressfree landed his first British win at the end of last season on heavy ground and has since run well in two starts this year. Charlie Johnston's Qitaal has had an interrupted career but won on his seasonal debut at Doncaster in March. His stablemate Loyal Touch has found some form recently and after winning on the all-weather, he has gone close on his last two starts. Julie Camacho's Qaasid began to struggle for form at the start of the year, but a switch to turf prompted a surprise win at Newbury and he was back up in class. Nigel Tinkler's Theme Park showed flashes of potential during the flat season last year but has yet to add to his juvenile win. A pair of Tim Easterby-trained runners rounded out the competitive handicap. Kitsune Power hasn't been at the stable for long and during 2022, he was a smart sort for his previous trainer. The five year old was looking to return to form. His stablemate Barley has begun to improve recently when moved up to this distance, most recently when third at Redcar at the start of the month. 

Winner: BOTANICAL (#2) (Lope de Vega x Bloomfield) - J. Doyle - R. Varian

This very tight handicap would follow the trend of the week and benefit those that raced close to the early pace and not many of those held up were able to get a look in. 
The scramble to grab the lead before the first bend comes up went to the lowly-drawn Qitaal under Connor Beasley. He would lead the field past the trees with King's Code on his heels as well as Loyal Touch, Botanical and Reach who raced a little wider. The field made their way down the long home straight and the protagonists would take centre stage. Qitaal surrended his early lead as Loyal Touch overtook his stablemate. He would make only a cameo in front as King's Code and Reach began to challenge. The yellow silks of Botanical began to loom large on the scene as James Doyle's mount travelled easily into the lead. The race would be sealed as the unexposed four year old Botanical skipped clear to win by an eased down three lengths. King's Code continued his good form with a second while Reach made a decent comeback into third, just ahead of Qitaal.

It would be the perfect scenario for those involved with Botanical and the son of Lope de Vega showed why his reappearance was eagerly anticipated. The four year old raced five times in his first season last year and ended the year with an emphatic success at Hamilton in September. He missed an intended return in the Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster in March, but the quicker ground on offer at York proved to be the key. Botanical looked to be a Group class horse in a handicap and the remainder of the year will be exciting.

Race Three: The Oaks Farm Stables Fillies Stakes - Listed Race - One Mile - Runners: 9

The action would move up to a mile, this time for three year old fillies with this listed race. The race has a good history of producing top level winners, none more so than in 2022 when Fonteyn broke her maiden tag before winning the Sun Chariot Stakes later in the year. Last year, the Irish trained Sounds Of Heaven caused a small upset before placing in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot. 

There would be plenty of unexposed fillies on display and a potential trip to the Royal meeting was up for grabs. Grant Tuer's Bellarchi seems to love racing and after a fourteen race juvenilie season, she has continued to progess, winning twice more this year. Kevin Ryan's Bolsena hails from a star studded family and won nicely for the first time at Newmarket in April. Karl Burke's Bright Thunder only made her debut three weeks ago but romped home at Haydock by five lengths, she would take a sudden rise in class. Charlie Johnston's Carolina Reaper landed a German Group Three during a busy season last year, but faded over a longer distance on her reappearance. Devoted Queen ran in the all blue of Godolphin and is well bred. She put her unbeaten record on the line in this contest after just holding on at Kempton to make it two from two. Glimpsed comes from a family of strong stayers so her time will come in time, but she was sharp enough to win on debut last year before competing at listed level.  John and Thady Gosden's Spiritual made a winning debut in nice style at Leicester before looking awkward on Newmarket's undulating track. She was considered good enough to contest the Nell Gwynn Stakes, so held every chance on paper. Roger Varian's debut winner True Cyan bolted up at Newmarket last autumn and ran respectably in the Nell Gwynn to retain the initial promise. Zenjabeela landed two novice events for Roger Varian before taking part in the Rockfel Stakes on her final start last year. She would be another filly to make her comeback to action. 

Winner: DEVOTED QUEEN (#5) (Kingman x Fintry) - W. Buick - C. Appleby

The informative three year old contest got underway and from the start, Spiritual set out to be positive under Kieren Shoemark and quickly set the pace. She was followed by Bolsena under Ryan Moore along with Devoted Queen, the keen-going Carolina Reaper and Bright Thunder. The gallop was an even one which ensured it would be a fair outcome. Entering the final two furlongs, it appeared that Spiritual had slipped the field as she opened up an advantage. Bolsena began to backpedal, but the all-blue silks of Devoted Queen moved forward. Godolphin's filly quickened up nicely to overhaul Spiritual and ran all the way to the line, winning by two lengths. Spiritual held on for second in a three way photo which involved the staying on again Bolsena and Bright Thunder.

The winner Devoted Queen has answered every question asked of her so far and continues to progress up the ladder. Charlie Appleby's filly is well bred as a half sister to the Group One runner-up One Ruler and scored in good style at Newmarket at the end of last season The Kingman filly then had to fight hard at Kempton in a conditions race, but came out on top. She remains unbeaten and a nice prospect for the 2000 Guineas-winning stable. A trip to Royal Ascot for the Coronation Stakes could be up next. 

Race Four: The Boodles Yorkshire Cup - Group Two - One Mile, Six Furlongs - Runners: 6

A highlight of the meeting would be the return of some high class horses in the staying division. The Yorkshire Cup has seen plenty of old favourites retan urn victorious including Stradivarius four times. Last year, Marco Botti's Giavelotto announced himself with an impressive victory, defeating the previous year's St Leger winner Eldar Eldarov.

The class of 2024 saw a brilliant lineup which was stacked with talent. Aidan O'Brien's Tower Of London has been transformed as a stayer this year and landed two valuable contests in Saudi Arabia and Dubai earlier in the year. Al Qareem landed a handicap at this meeting two years ago and has gone from strength to strength since then. The five year old has become a solid yardstick at this level. Last year's winner Giavalotto ran just twice last year following his success but would put his title on the line with a strong fight. John and Thady Gosden's Gregory announced himself at Royal Ascot last year with a win in the Queen's Vase and finished off the season with a fifth place in the St Leger. The lightly raced Naqeeb has graduated to this level this season. The four year old, who is a half brother to champions Baaeed and Hukum, won twice last year and shaped like a stayer. Former Triumph Hurdle winner Vauban transferred his ability to the flat with impressive wins at Royal Ascot and at Group Two level, but he was last seen bombing out in the Melbourne Cup. 

Winner: GIAVELLOTTO (#3) (Mastercraftsman x Gerika) - O. Murphy - M. Botti

The absence of Hamish due to the quickening ground left a field of six, but the sextet were all very classy.
From the start, Naqeeb took up the running as the field galloped down the back straight. William Buick then injected some pace into the contest as he moved Vauban into the lead with Gregory and Giavellotto in close proximity. Tower Of London and Al Qareem would be held up in the hope of challenging late on. 
The group of six made their way onto the home straight and the race began to unwind. Vauban was still travelling nicely on the inside rail, as was Tower Of London who began to make headway. Last year's winner Giavellotto was also another yet to be asked the question, but jockey Oisin Murphy looked confident with his mount. Giavellotto was shaken up a furlong and a half out and left Vauban and co behind. The gap began to increase further and further as the five year old landed his second Yorkshire Cup success. The Irish raider Vauban ran a creditable race in second while Gregory plugged on at the same pace into third. Tower of London would prove disappointing on this drop in trip to finish fifth. 

Marco Botti's stayer caused a surprise in last year's renewal and repeated the feat this year with an even bigger win. Oisin Murphy was always confident in the saddle and his mount showed plenty of stamina to grind out the win. Giavellotto finished third in last season's Lonsdale Cup here in the summer and was last seen finishing fifth over two miles in Dubai Gold Cup. Clearly a better horse at this trip and at this course, so he clearly has a niche. 

Race Five: The Darley EBF Novice Stakes - Class Two - One Mile - Runners: 6

A relatively new race to the card, this novice contest for three year olds is an opportunity for horses to gain a valuable first win or to continue their progress on track. Last year saw the inaugural running which went to John and Thady Gosden's Mostahdaf, who followed up in listed company. 

The 2000 Guineas winning operation of Godolphin were represented by First Conquest, who made a winning debut in the Wood Ditton Maiden at Newmarket in April and is related to some classy types. Dark Tornado found only the highly talented Ghostwriter too strong on his last start in 2023 and has since joined the James Horton stable. John and Thady Gosden's Lead Artist carried the silks of Juddmonte and ran an highly encouraging race on debut when just failing to catch First Conquest at Newmarket following a slow start. Craig Lidster's Longhaired General faced a tough task on paper, but ran well on his debut at huge odds at Redcar recently. Andrew Balding's Under Siege made a promising debut at Newbury last month, the form of which was boosted in a huge way by the Dante winner Economics. The nicely bred Mystical Maria displayed talent on her debut at Newcastle, but Richard Fahey's filly was making her first start since January. 

Winner: LEAD ARTIST (#4) (Dubawi x Obligate) - K. Shoemark - J & T. Gosden

Despite the six runners, the race looked to one to follow for future reference and this year looks to have unveiled a bright prospect. 

The rank outsider Longhaired General would briefly lead in the opening strides before the previous winner First Conquest took over in front. The pace would be no more than average and all six horses raced comfortably within themselves. Under Siege, Mystical Maria and Lead Artist all raced close to the pace while Dark Tornado wasn't too far away. Longhaired General made his move, but it would be shortlived as his more illustrious rivals kicked on. The Juddmonte silks of Lead Artist picked up the lead and the colt began to extend his lead in front. Lead Artist wasn't for catching and he crossed the line just shy of five lengths to the good. The fight for second was much closer as Under Siege held on for the runner-up spot, just ahead of Dark Tornado. First Conquest found the winner's penalty a disadvantage and had to settle for fourth.

Lead Artist is the first foal of a French-trained mare Obligate, who won the Group Two Prix Sandringham before coming third in the Group One Prix Rothschild. The colt was slow from the stalls on his debut at Newmarket in April, but caught the eye with his final flourish before losing out by a nose. He would receive six pounds from his conqueror First Conquest in this race which moved the ball to his court. John Gosden's three year old stretched clear in the end and looks set to justify his Royal Ascot entry. The form will come under scrutiny in coming weeks, but the style of success was impressive. 

Race Six: The Yorkshire Equine Practice Handicap - Class Four - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 20

The first of two fiendishly difficult handicaps to solve was next up with a seven furlong contest for three year olds and older. The field contained plenty of experienced sorts and former course winners. Last year, Eligible received a brilliantly timed ride by Jo Mason to get up in the closing stages.

Eldrickjones has recaptured his form in recent starts and landed a decent handicap at Newcastle the previous weekend. Another Investment finished third in this race last year before scooting away in a similar event later in the season. Middleham Park's How Impressive has been in good form since the turn of the year and gained his third win of 2024 back in March on the all-weather. John and Sean Quinn's Tropez Power is a strong traveller and his best form has been on the all-weather. He made an overdue return to the winner's enclosure at Southwell last month. The Rhys and John Flint-trained Lyndon B has plenty of experience but would make his first start at York here. The eight year old is a former Glorious Goodwood winner. Desert Falcon landed two handicaps last summer for his former trainer but showed signs of quirkiness. He made his debut for the Julie Camacho stable. The four year old Hectic hasn't won since his debut in 2022, but remains lightly raced. He hasn't stayed long at the Roger Fell and Sean Murray stable. Richard Fahey's Gincident developed into a useful miler last year and dropped down a furlong for this contest with the hope of a strong pace to aim at. Kevin Ryan sent out a winner at this meeting on the opening day and The Cookstown Cafu has a good record at York. His previous form has shown he goes well fresh and made his seasonal reappearance. Red Mirage has been a talented sort for his connections over the years and made a winning start to the year at Catterick last time out. Animate's two wins have come on the all-weather and was often highly tried for his former trainer. Now with the Geoff Harker yard, he was slow to start last time out. Kevin Frost's Bass Player looked to be heading back into form towards the end of 2023, but he has regressed recently. Al Marmar was once a useful type in his earlier career before losing his way. He won easily back in January and made his debut for Gemma Tutty's stable in this open contest. Last year's Eligible defended his crown in the contest and is a smart type on the all-weather. David O'Meara's Riot is a regular in these sort of contests and he will have been eagerly waiting for racing to return to York. Lahab remains a very lightly raced five year old and has joined the Nick Bradley Racing team. He would return to the turf for the first time since his last win in August. Mick Easterby's Carolus Magnus has won over longer trips in the past, so the strong travelling gelding will be another looking to strike late. The Easterby clan was also represented by the Tim Easterby-trained Danzan, who often finishes on the scene at York. The gelding has finished third on both starts this year. Another course regular would be Michael Dods's Challet, whose last win came on the Knavesmire in September 2021. He finished a good second when last in action during the summer of last year. The bottom weight Craven has just the solitary win to his name, but finished in the top four on all three runs at York last year. 

Winner: RIOT (#15) (Kingman x Alexander Queen) - D. Tudhope - D. O'Meara

As expected, the hurly burly nature of this seven furlong handicap was tricky to predict, but in the end there would be a clearcut winner.

The big field got away to a relatively even break and How Impressive would go straight into the lead, albeit a narrow one. He was kept company by the likes of Red Mirage, Desert Falcon, Craven and Hectic while at the rear, Carolus Magnus, Riot and Eligible were just a few of those patiently ridden runners. The group fanned out across the track approaching the two furlong pole and the first big move would come on the far side as Another Investment squeezed through to take over the lead. Gincident was another to respond well to pressure, but on the opposite flank, the multi coloured silks of Riot was spotted breezing into contention. He gained the lead and swept away his rivals in impressive style, crossing the line two and a half lengths clear of the Richard Fahey-traind pair Gincident and Craven with Hectic rounding out the top four. In running traffic issues would hamper the likes of Carolus Magnus, Eligible and Al Marmar as the chasing pack finished in a heap.

It would be a sixth career win for the David O'Meara trained seven year old, who showed that he is a smart type when things fall right. The gelding was a regular in handicaps over seven furlongs on turf last summer and always finished in the top five. He had been kept busy on the all-weather through the winter and gained his latest victory in Decemeber. It was clear that he prefers the grass however, as shown with this easy success on his first start on turf on the year.

Race Seven: The Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Handicap - Class Three - Five Furlongs - Runners: 17

The final race of this year's Dante Festival has been a hot bed of future stars despite its class three nature. Group One winner G Force landed this race in 2014 on his way up the ladder, while the Group class Moviesta landed the race twelve months earlier. In recent times, Korker and Bedford Flyer landed this strong handicap and became useful performers in their own right. Last year, Kuwait City caused a surprise with a win at long odds. 

Top weight Hedge Fund found a jolt of improvement to win twice last year and has seemingly trained on as a three year old with two good runs recently. James Ferguson's Jubilee Walk got off the mark at the third attempt and followed up with a smooth victory at Kempton last month. He would drop to five furlongs for the first time. Richard Fahey's Midnight Affair started the season brightly by winning a valuable contest at Beverley, but struggled at a higher level subsequently. Robert Cowell's Ziggy's Missile has taken off on the all-weather this winter with three wins from four, but would need to transfer the improvement back onto turf in this contest. Karl Burke's Harvanna won twice last year, including at York, and looked a smart prospect. However, she was struggled in heavy ground last time out in France. Curious Rover was highly consistent and quick last season for Katie Scott, but was in need of the run on his reappearance at Thirsk. Indicate won for the first time at Southwell in April, but was below form when kept in novice company at Newcastle last time. Kevin Ryan's Irish Nectar landed a nursery handicap here back in October and finished down the field over six furlongs on his comeback. Stablemate Vantheman finished fifth in a valuable sales race at the Ebor Festival and won for the second time over five furlongs a fortnight ago. John and Sean Quinn's Sankari held his form well as a juvenile and won twice. He would return a different horse after wind surgery and a gelding operation. Pilgrim gained his first win on his fifth start on heavy ground here last October and ran a solid race in a competitive heat at Newmarket. Master Of My Fate made an impressive start to his career with a clearcut debut win but failed to stay six furlongs when last seen. Tim Easterby's Vince L'Amour has found improvement recently with two wins since the start of the season and stepped up in grade. Ziggy's Queen looked to be a winner in waiting after three placings in succession, but Richard Fahey's filly has run below par on both starts at York. Make It Easy broke his maiden midway through last year before trying his luck in stronger company. He joined the Nigel Tinkler yard over the winter and finished a good second on his seasonal debut. Ann Duffield's Front Gunner ran in some decent looking novice events during the winter, finishing third on his second start. The gelding would be making his first start on turf. Musidora-winning trainer Andrew Balding saddled the filly Enchanting with a low weight in this tricky contest. She looked smart when winning on her second start before weakening into third on her recent comeback. The final runner Stash The Cash represented the Tim Easterby stable and made a winning seasonal reappearance at Carlisle. He then struggled in a good handicap at Chester last week.

Winner: JUBILEE WALK (#2) (Study of Man x Starlit Sands) - O. Murphy - J. Ferguson

The troublesome Indicate proved to be tricky at the stalls and was eventually withdrawn which left  a field of seventeen, but the puzzle was still tricky to solve.

The in form Vince l'Amour got away to a quick start and would lead for the first furlong as others got into their stride. The pack then split into two groups as they charged down the straight. The group down the centre of the track was led by Vantheman and the far side group would be towed along by Pilgrim. There was little between the two pockets of runners as towards the rear, Irish Nectar, Make It Easy and Ziggy's Queen were struggling to keep up with the early pace. Entering the final stages, there would be plenty of chances. Vantheman and Pilgrim were still right there as Harvanna began to rally back. The red and yellow silks of Jubilee Walk emerged on the scene and the colt showed a good turn of foot to quicken away in the final half furlong. He would cross the line with daylight between himself and Vantheman as Pilgrim held on for third. Make It Easy would fly home at the death to capture fourth from his earlier uncompromsing position.

It would be a third success in a row for James Ferguson's promising sprinter. After finishing fourth to the top juvenile Vandeek last year, the son of Study Of Man got off the mark narrowly over six furlongs in August. Not seen again until April, Jubilee Walk was impressive again at Kempton where he pulled away over six furlongs and this would be his first try at the minimum trip. The strong early pace suited this smooth traveller and he would win in the style of a nice horse. Potential races for him in the future include a similar handicap at Royal Ascot or a return to six furlongs for the valuable sprint handicap back at York in June.