Race One: The Lindum York Handicap - Class Two - Five Furlongs - Runners: 17

Just like the previous day's sprint handicap, this opening race would be a challenge to solve and many of the runners here will likely return to York over and over again in the coming months. This handicap would be one for the pure speedballs and in the past, the race has been won by some old York favourites. The likes of El Astronaute, Copper Knight and Duke of Firenze all feature on the former winner's list. In 2023, Regional made a winning reappearance and it began his journey to the top. The Ed Bethell-trained gelding continued his improvement all the way up to Group One level by winning the Sprint Cup at Haydock over six furlongs.

The weights were headed by the returning runner up from last year, Korker. Karl Burke's five year old improved through the year to win a conditions event impressively and finish second in listed company. Clarendon House finished third in the Epsom Dash last summer before enjoying a spell on the all weather where he won twice. He would also finish fourth in a Group Two at Meydan. Adrian Nicholls's Tees Spirit won at Listed level back in 2022 and won for the first time since then at Newmarket last month. The speedy sort was last seen finishing last in the Group Three Palace House Stakes recently. Nigel Tinkler's Squealer won twice as a juvenile before cashing in on a reduced rating last year at Doncaster. He was last seen in action over in the sunnier climes of Bahrain where he finished second twice. Richard Fahey's Marine Wave has just the one win to her name, but ran well on plenty of occasions last year. The John and Sean Quinn-trained JM Jungle progressed nicely through last year, winning at the Glorious Goodwood festival and finishing in the frame at this level on a regular basis. The lightly raced four year old Spartan Arrow had excuses for his only poor run here at last year's meeting, but won nicely when last seen in action back in June. Bergerac won a valuable race at the 2022 Ebor Festival and cashed in on a much lower rating over the winter by winning twice. Since then, he has yet to trouble the protagonists and made a return to turf. Arecibo placed at Group One level in his prime before losing his way with Robert Cowell. He has joined the smaller stable of Declan Carroll and appears reenergised following two good runs recently. David O'Meara's Alligator Alley has become an all-weather specialist in recent years but is still capable on the turf, as shown when second to Equilateral here last summer. The Karl Burke-trained Looking For Lynda landed a class three event over course and distance last September and has continued to run well in defeat ever since. Fellow four-year-old Wen Moon was another to win here last summer which confirmed his liking for the Knavesmire. Good Earth was on a roll last summer with three wins, but has since struggled from a higher rating since his last success in August The quirky Mondammej is a regular at York and hopes were pinned on a return to the Knavesmire to spark an upturn in form. The Adrian Keatley-trained Shalaa Asker often runs well in defeat at this level. The Yorkshire legend Copper Knight knows where the winning post is here and has won six times at York. The ten year old defied his age with a fast closing second at Chester last week. Stablemate Count d'Orsay is another well travelled type with plenty of success over the years but has been disappointing in two starts this year. 

Winner: CLARENDON HOUSE (#3) (Mehmas x Walaaa) - T. Marquand - R. Cowell

With the presence of rapid front runners Copper Knight and Tees Spirit, there would be a strong pace and no hiding places. Copper Knight and Tees Spirit followed the script and were sharp out of their boxes to force some quick early fractions. In comparison Spartan Arrow, Bergerac and Mondammej all proved awkward out of the stalls and found themselves at the rear. As the early leaders began to weaken, Looking For Lynda inherited the lead in the final furlong but the race would change complexion once more. Spartan Arrow and Korker emerged from the pack to move into contention but the strong travelling Clarendon House picked up well under Tom Marquand to burst clear in the final stages and win the opener. Looking For Lynda ran well again York by finishing second while Korker and Spartan Arrow filled out the placings. The likes of Bergerac, JM Jungle and Squealer all charged home at the finish.

One of the class acts in the field gained an overdue victory on turf and Clarendon House confirmed his recent improvent. Robert Cowell's six year old was rejuvenated by winning a pair of handicaps on the all-weather before a trip to Dubai was rewarded with a fourth in the Group Two Blue Point Sprint. When he returned to Britain, the gelding would finish third at listed level at Southwell. This success would be the eighth of Clarendon House's career and a reminder of his high level of talent. By defying a big weight here, a return to Group company looks likely for Middleham Park Racing's likable sprinter. 

Race Two: The Oakmere Homes Hambleton Handicap - Class Two - One Mile - Runners: 17

One of the toughest handicaps of the meeting would take place with the Hambleton Stakes over a mile. The hotly contested event would see plenty of regulars at York from over the years return to do battle once again and the race often provides future reference for the likes of the Royal Hunt Cup and Cambridgeshire Handicap later in the year. 2023's running saw a thrilling finish as Croupier narrowly denied Point Lynas and Northern Express in a three way photo, with the subsequent Cambridgeshire winner Astro King back in fourth. Afaak landed this race in 2018 before landing the Royal Hunt Cup and Here Comes When is another former winner before going on to win the Group One Sussex Stakes. 

Topweight was carried by the Ralph Beckett-trained Grey's Monument who improved gradually last season before winning at listed level. He made a good reappearance with a third at Doncaster in March and dropped back in grade. The five year old Al Mubhir won at this level by a wide margin before placing at listed level. The Michael Dods-trained Northern Express is a course specialist at York and finished a very close third in last year's running of this race. Last year's runner up Point Lynas was narrowly in a three way photo finish and continued to run well throughout the season, including a second at the Ebor Festival. The David O'Meara yard would be triply represented in this contest. Blue For You has a good record at York and gained his last success here in July last year. Stablemate Bopedro has been a standing dish in these kind of races and posted excellent efforts when third in the Cambridgeshire and Balmoral Handicaps. Mirsky is a new arrival to the Nawton stable and landed a few conditions races. He made a promising British debut when fifth in the Thirsk Hunt Cup recently. Dutch Decoy has gained a big following thanks to his owners and his exploits on track. The tough gelding finished second at Newmarket twice this year. Roger Fell and Sean Murray's La Trinidad would have a chance on his old form as a two time winner at York, but he has struggled in recent times. The Kevin Ryan-trained Catch The Paddy was a smart juvenile and won at Newmarket last September. He would be tailed off in his most recent start. Symbol Of Light has been very headstrong but despite this is a smart handicapper for Julie Camacho. He finished runner up twice at the start of the year and still had a few miles on the clock. The four year old Nibras Angel looked a bright prospect by winning her first two starts, but surpassed those achievements by finishing third at Group level in Dubai earlier this year. Master Richard has won twice at York in the past, but has developed an all or nothing look to his form in recent times. Look Back Smiling confirmed his progression with a smart win in the Spring Mile at Doncaster at the season opening meeting before going close in the Thirsk Hunt Cup recently. Cruyff Turn is a quirky sort but has won twice at York in the past, but his form has been less inspiring recently. The four year old Chuzzlewit gradually crept into form before winning at Newcastle in March, but has struggled in stronger company back on turf. Grant Tuer's Bajan Bandit rounded out the field and enjoyed a good summer on the Knavesmire last year with three placings. He ran poorly twice this year.

Winner: POINT LYNAS (#4) (Iffraaj x Initially) - C. Rodriguez - E. Bethell

The field would be reduced by three as the well fancied Metal Merchant and Navagio were withdrawn on the morning of the race. That left a field of seventeen, but the race was no less competitive than before and it produced an exciting finish. 

Point Lynas would get away best of all from the gates and immediately made the running. The five year old then dictated the gallop under Callum Rodriguez as Northern Express led the chasing pack. Approaching the final stages, it appeared that not many were able to get into the race following the strong pace and flat track. Point Lynas still moved well up front and he was joined by Northern Express in the final furlong. The pair engaged battle and moved clear of those behind. Point Lynas just held on to land the valuable contest by a neck over Northern Express. Further back, the David O'Meara-trained pair Bopedro and Blue For You ran their usual honest race. 

The Ed Bethell-trained winner gained his first success on the Knavesmire at the fourth attempt. He had previously finished runner up at the 2022 Ebor Festival, in last year's renewal of this race and once again at last season's Ebor Festival. It was a bold front running display and it wouldn't surprise to see Point Lynas return to York on more occasions. 

Race Three: The Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Middleton Stakes - Group Two - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 5

The first group action of the afternoon would come in the form of the mares with this valuable race in terms of future breeding. Run over a distance of ten furlongs, races like this one are an incentive for owners to keep their mares in training for an extra year with the aim of picking up that all important "black type" on their breeding profile. 
Recent renewals have seen some high class mares land this race, including the John Gosden-trained Lah Ti Dar and Coronet, as well as Epsom Oaks runner up Secret Gesture. 2023's running was a red hot contest with the Gosden stable winning again with subsequent Yorkshire Oaks runner up Free Wind. In the process, the mare defeated Rogue Millenium and Poptronic and those horses went on to win at Group One level late in the year.

The 2024 running would see a small but select field for the Middleton Stakes, but all seven runners would possess high levels of quality. Ralph Beckett's Bluestocking remained winless last year, but finished a brave second in the Irish Oaks and then the Champion Fillies' And Mares Stakes. She would be within touching distance of a big race success. The likable filly Caernarfon finished in the frame in the 1000 Guineas and Epsom Oaks last year for Jack Channon but finished a well held third at Newmarket recently. Last year's defending champion Free Wind returned to York for John and Thady Gosden. The six year old was narrowly denied in the Yorkshire Oaks last summer. Sir Michael Stoute is often a master at handling older fillies and his Infinite Cosmos held plenty of promise. She finished third in the Musidora Stakes last year and was seen just one more time that season. The strong field was completed by Godolphin's Sapphire Seas, who landed four in a row last year. She improved to come home second at Group Two level in Dubai back in February. 

Winner: BLUESTOCKING (#1) (Camelot x Emulous) - R. Ryan - R. Beckett

The morning withdrawal of Novus reduced the field to five, but the remaining quintet were all very talented and it provided an interesting contest. 

The nature of the small field would lead to a tactical event and from the start, Godolphin's Sapphire Seas moved into the early leader as Caernarfon chased her in second. The Juddmonte silks of Bluestocking came next, just ahead of Infinite Cosmos and the hot favourite Free Wind. The group bided their time down the long home straight as Sapphire Seas brought the pack to the centre of the course. Caernarfon was quickly left behind when the pace increased and Free Wind was briefly outpace for a few strides. In the famous pink and green silks, Bluestocking was travelling very powerfully under Rossa Ryan and it soon became apparent that she would be winning this. Ryan then pressed the accelerator and his filly took off in the final furlong, galloping clear by a widening six lengths. Free Wind produced her best work at the finish to take a distant second while Infinite Cosmos returned third for the third consecutive start. Early leader Sapphire Seas would be relegated to fourth.

It would be a very impressive victory for a filly who deserves to land a big race this season. After winning her only race as a juvenile, Bluestocking was agonisingly denied by Savethelastdance in the Irish Oaks. She backed up that performance in the Champion Fillies and Mares' Stakes at Ascot back in October, again finishing a narrow second. This would be just her second career win, but a return to Group One level looks imminent. Races such as the Coronation Stakes, Juddmonte Stakes, Coral-Eclipse and even the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe could be on Ralph Beckett's radar. 

Race Four: The Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes - Group Two - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 7

The headline race of the week would be under the watchful eyes of many as a potential Derby winner could emerge from the Knavesmire. A total of eleven horses have completed the famous double. Since the year 2000, North Light, Motivator, Authorized, Golden Horn and most recently Desert Crown have all impressed in this major trial before landing the biggest race in Flat racing. The contest has also produced high class horses such as The Grey Gatsby, Roaring Lion and Hurricane Lane. Defeat in the Dante doesn't mean the end of the world, the likes of last year's St Leger winner Continuous, 2010's Derby hero Workforce, star miler Too Darn Hot and King George winner Crystal Ocean all progressed brilliantly in their own right following their York outing. Twelve months ago, The Foxes scored in a messy running, but would be a smart type for the rest of the year.

The class of 2024 featured some of the biggest and brightest three year old prospects in training with strong representation for the Ballydoyle and Godolphin armies.  The smart juvenile Al Musmak bumped into Rosallion last season before winning the Ascendant Stakes at Haydock. Roger Varian's colt then finished a great second in the Royal Lodge on his final start of the year. Godolphin saddled one of their leading Derby hopes in the form of Ancient Wisdom, winner of the Group One Futurity Trophy at Doncaster. He relished the soft ground but looks a strong galloper in the making so his return was eagerly awaited. Aidan O'Brien's Cambridge made the trip to North Yorkshire and finished runner up in the Eyrefield Stakes last year. The son of Dubawi ran well in the Craven Stakes on reappearance over a trip that was evidently too sharp. Karl Burke's Caviar Heights announced himself in contention for the Derby at the Guineas Festival at Newmarket recently. He has been well thought of in the past and was strong at the finish over this distance. The William Haggas-trained Economics would be the relative unknown in the field. The colt showed plenty of promise on his debut last season and made no mistake at Newbury last month with a comfortable success. John Gosden last won the Derby with Golden Horn in 2015 and saddled God's Window. He finished third at the highest level on his second start at Doncaster before adding a second win to his CV this year. He struggled with the nature of Chester's track in a strong contest last week. The Owen Burrows-trained War Rooms completed the line up, but had yet to go on from his explosive debut win at Doncaster last July. Despite a third place in a listed race later that season, the son of Churchill finished sixth in Sandown's Classic Trial recently. 

Winner: ECONOMICS (#5) (Night of Thunder x La Pomme d'Amour) - T. Marquand - W. Haggas

A talented field and valuable prize on offer meant that this year's running was a fascinating one. By then end of it though, there would a new star born.

From the outset, it was clear that the Dante would be much more of a truer test than the Musidora Stakes as God's Window was sent into the early lead and set a good pace. Caviar Heights, Al Musmak and Cambridge were next to follow as favourite Ancient Wisdom wasn't far away. War Rooms and Economics would bring up the rear as the pack quickly moved into the home straight. As God's Window began to weaken, the dark blue silks of Cambridge moved up to take over the lead. The action would unfold on either flank as the pale silks of War Rooms travelled sweetly into contention. Economics was another to arrive on the scene still on the bridle and Ancient Wisdom was slightly boxed in for a few strides. Tom Marquand chose his moment and Economics quickly swept into the lead. The relatively unknown colt with a big white face stretched further clear from some high class rivals and crossed the lines six lengths to the good. Ancient Wisdom plugged on into second on ground quicker than ideal and War Rooms posted a good effort in third. 

The premier Epsom Derby trial was settled as a head scratcher as the winner Economics was one of two runners in the race without an entry in the Derby. His Yorkshire born trainer William Haggas hadn't previously given the blue riband event any thought until now, but a performance like this will surely tempt him to add Economics to the lineup. The son of Night Of Thunder won comfortably as expected at Newbury in April but this would be a further leap in class. He would step up to the occasion in some style and whether or not he goes to Epsom, he remains an exciting prospect. The new kid on the block. 

Race Five: The British EBF Westow Stakes - Listed Race - Five Furlongs - Runners: 7

Often a fascinating race to make future references for the remainder of the season, this listed sprint race for three year olds has unearthed some high class names. The early season contest is also a guide to the wellbeing of last season's precocious juveniles as they faced the burning question of whether they have trained on as three year olds. Back in 2015, Profitable took home first prize before winning the following year's King's Stand Stakes and more recently, Winter Power used this race as a stepping stone to her memorable Nunthorpe Stakes win in 2021. Twelve months ago, the locally trained Great State continued his progress before moving overseas to Hong Kong.
This year's renewal would be a "blink and you miss it" contest with plenty of early pace on display. The headline name in the field would be Mick Appleby's rapid Big Evs. After winning at Royal Ascot, Glorious Goodwood and Doncaster, last year's star juvenile landed a dream victory at the Breeder's Cup in America to complete his fairytale journey. He was back for more accolades this season and his return was eagerly awaited. Last year's winning trainer Richard Fahey saddled new recruit Dark Vintage, who relished quick ground in America before moving to Britain. Kyllian developed into a listed race winner last year and has now joined the Archie Watson stable. He had plenty of form to reverse against Big Evs. Mon Na Slieve made an impressive winning debut in the five furlong novice at this meeting last year and ran well for the remainder of the season. He made a return to York for his seasonal reappearance. Marco Botti's Sommelier looked an exciting sprint prospect by winning twice by big margins on the all-weather but his progress has stalled in recent starts. The Karl Burke runner Sports Coach was another to learn his craft on the all-weather and won twice before the end of last year. He was below par on his turf debut last month, but is bred to appreciate fast ground. The final runner in the field would be the filly Unbreak My Heart.  She won on her second start last summer before posting a best effort of third in the Cornwallis Stakes. She was never involved on her reappearance at Bath, but she was slow from the stalls. 

Winner: BIG EVS (#1) (Blue Point x Hana Lina) - T. Marquand - M. Appleby

The highly charged sprinters got away from the stalls to a good break and Kyllian would be the overall leader in the opening stages. Sommelier, Sports Coach and Mon Na Slieve all showed plenty of pace at the head of the field while Big Evs was content to sit a little further behind. 
The field had already reached the furlong pole within seconds and the outcome began to take shape. All eyes were drawn to the blue and red silks of hot favourite Big Evs as he glided through to lead under Tom Marquand. He quickened up well once asked to extend and opened up a gap to Sommelier and Kyllian. The race would be settled as the returning star of last year got off to a winning start and gave cause for excitement for the rest of his season. Sommelier ran well on the drop to five furlongs while Dark Vintage picked up the pieces in third. Kyllian produced a solid effort to come fourth.

There is always a worry that a high class and very quick juvenile fails to "train on" and doesn't match their previous achievements, but on this evidence, Big Evs has confirmed he has trained on. Looking well in the preliminaries, it would be a perfect return from start to finish. There would also be a change of tactics as the once tearaway front runner was ridden more patiently here. Mick Appleby's speedball won the Windsor Castle Stakes, Flying Childers Stakes, Molecomb Stakes and finally the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Sprint in a brilliant season and more high level success can be expected. It would also be a sweetener for the Mick Appleby yard following the loss of Hispanic the day before. 

Race Six: The Frank Whittle Partnerships EBF Novice Stakes - Class Two - Six Furlongs - Runners: 11

Just like the five furlong novice on the previous day, this juvenile event produced a fascinating lineup of well bred newcomers, leading stables and those who showed promise on their debuts. The race has a habit of unveiling a potential star and in 2021, the subsequent Gimcrack Stakes winner Lusail made a winning debut in this race. 

Andesite headed the racecard for Karl Burke and held a very speedy pedigree as a half brother to Dramatised. Adrian Keatley's newcomer Asktheboss is a half brother a Grade One winner so made appeal on paper. The Mick Easterby stable always enjoy a winner at York and they saddled the newcomer Black Sky. I Need Your Love would be the second newcomer from the Mick Easterby stable but was already gelded so he would potentially be aiming for a lower level in the future. The Kevin Ryan stable is very capable of saddling a newcomer winner so the gelded Jorge Alvares made appeal on his debut. Richard Fahey last won this race in 2019 and introduced the newcomer Loom for this year's running. Tim Easterby's stable was represented by the King Power Racing-owned Proud To Be Fox, who made his debut. The colt is speedily bred so would be an interesting prospect for the future. The Richard Hughes-trained Rare Change made his racecourse bow in this valuable prize and comes from a useful family. Aidan O'Brien's sole representative would be newcomer Seattle hails from the brilliant family of Shamardal so made appeal on his racecourse debut. A second newcomer for the Kevin Ryan yard would be Tarlac, a son of brilliant juvenile and first season sire Pinatubo. The lineup was completed by Yah Mo Be There for trainer Richard Spencer. The stable has sent out a few impressive debutant winners so far this season, so the Mohaather colt would make interest. 

Winner: ANDESITE (#1) (Pinatubo x Katie's Diamond) - D. Tudhope - K. Burke

This competitive looking novice race looks guaranteed to produce some nice sorts and the early battle for the lead was tightly fought. 
Newcomer Asktheboss was first to show up under Oisin Murphy and had Loom for company who had recovered from a slow start. The grey silks of Andesite were also on the scene as plenty others raced with a touch of greenness. The field hurtled towards the final furlongs and the race began to unravel. The smooth travelling Andesite nosed into a narrow lead but was soon joined by Yah Mo Be There under Hollie Doyle. The pair began to have a private battle and pulled clear of the pack. In a thrilling finish, the two contenders went head to head and on the line, Andesite's nose was just ahead to score on debut. Yah Mo Be There was a shade unlucky but showed plenty of promise while further back, Jorge Alvares plugged on into third; just ahead of Asktheboss. 
Debut success isn't a surprise for Karl Burke-trained juveniles and the quality of this race and his breeding suggests Andesite could be a name to remember. The colt is a son of first season sire Pinatubo, who was a sensational two-year-old in 2019. Andesite is also a half sister to the stable's quick filly Dramatised, who won the Group Two Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot on just her second start. A trip to the Royal meeting in Berkshire will already be pencilled in and given the previous success of the yard there, he would have every chance.

Race Seven: The Collective Green Energy Handicap - Class Three - One Mile, Four Furlongs - Runners: 8

An interesting handicap would close out the day's action as it has the potential to unearth a Classic contender. The contest is limited to three-year-olds only and the past two winners of this race have gone onto bigger things. In 2022, Al Qareem progressed to land the Prix Chaudenay at Longchamp while last year's winner Chesspiece landed the Glasgow Stakes before running well in the St Leger. 

This year's renewal saw the weights headed by  Aidan O'Brien's London City. The grey colt is a son of champion filly Winter and got off the mark at the third attempt, shaping like a stayer in the making. Richard Hughes's Palace Green showed signs of quirkiness early in his career, but looked much more polished with a wide margin success on his comeback last month. Ralph Beckett's Whiskey Pete raced over a mile all season last year and bumped into some talented rivals along the way. He got off the mark at York last October in a race that worked out very well. Marco Botti's Al Mootamarid is bred to be a star as a half brother to Golden Horn, but has appeared to inherit only a portion of his ability. The William Haggas-trained Cool Legend was brought along slowly last year and scored on his final start of the season. He has the profile of an improver now as a three year old. Hampden has yet to win so far, but has shown promise for the Tom Ward stable recently; as shown by staying this distance well last time out. Karl Burke's Tokyo Bay is related to a whole host of classy winners and is evidently well regarded. The colt was impressive in winning for the first time last time out. The Charlie Johnston stable is often associated with these kind of races and Align The Stars would be their only runner. Despite not winning so far, the colt stuck on well to the task over a slightly shorter distance when chasing Kalpana's shadow at Newmarket. 

Winner: LONDON CITY (#1) (Justify x Winter) - R. Moore - A. O'Brien

A field of eight went to post following the withdrawal of Per Contra, but the field still contained plenty of promising stayers of the future.

The early pace was only an average one as Cool Legend took his turn in the lead and others raced overenthusiastically. Hampden and Al Mootamarid came next and the highly recognisable Michael Tabor silks of London City was on the heels of the leaders. Given the lack of pace, the order began to change at the halfway stage. Ryan Moore went forward on London City and became the overall leader passing the woods. As the group saw the grandstands and finish line in their sight, the race began to hot up. London CIty was there to be shot at and Palace Green moved up to challenge the Irish raider. It would be Moore versus Murphy as London City and Palace Green went to battle, but the grey colt began to rally bravely and retake the lead in the final stages. He began to extend the advantage once again to cross the line a length to the good over the staying on Align The Stars and the once-threatening Palace Green.

The winner London City is extremely well bred and threw his hat into the ring for future Classics. The colt is a son of American Triple Crown winner and sire of the moment Justify as well as the four time Group One winning filly Winter, who won the 1000 Guineas in 2017. After winning in determined style at Dundalk last time, London City marked himself down as a stayer and relished the extra distance of this race. He holds a Derby entry and after the Dante proved inconclusive earlier in the day, a new contender for Epsom may have emerged for the juggernault stable.