Race One: The Sky Bet Race To The Ebor Jorvik Handicap - Class Two - One Mile, Four Furlongs - Runners: 13

The starting stalls would crash open into life for the first time on the Knavesmire and the 2024 season at York would be underway. The opening contest is often a breeding ground for a potential Group class horses as it is an early season target for lightly raced four year olds. The likes of Ilarrab, Barsanti and Arab Spring would all land this race before making an impact at Pattern level. Last year, the Raceshare syndicate-owned Scampi showed plenty of tenacity to win this race prior to competing in many heritage handicaps throughout the rest of the season.

Top weight would be carried in York's season opener by the lightly raced four year old Klondike, who shared a similar profile to former winners of this race for trainer William Haggas. After winning on his racecourse debut at the start of last year, he was highly tried in group company so took the step down in class into handicap company. Track Of Time would make his stable debut in this competitive heat for Ian Williams in the Fitri Hay silks. The four year old was a three time winner in France and made his first start since January where he ran in Dubai. The Yorkshire based stable of Kevin Ryan saddled Marhaba The Champ yet again at York and the five year old already possesses wins at the Dante Festival and Ebor Festival last year. Alan King's Westerton took a while to land his first win, but continued to run in good company last season. He blew away the cobwebs at Newmarket recently. Another course specialist lined up in the form of Kihavah, trained by Adrian Keatley. The gelding has an impressive three wins on the Knavesmire. Crystal Delight was an emphatic winner on stable debut for the Harry Eustace yard at Epsom, but that was over a shorter distance. Ed Bethell's Chillingham is a reliable sort at this level and was expected to go well in this company once again. Flash Bardot enjoyed a good season last year with three wins and Jack Channon's four old continued to progress with another success last time out. The Mick and David Easterby-trained Two Brothers landed a nice prize at Thirsk last month to add to his York success last summer. He has been generally consistent in recent starts. The Ian Williams-trained Oneforthegutter has always held a bit of class about him and won a good contest at Ascot last summer. David O'Meara's runners are a common sight at York and his Percy Shelley arrived with a good reputation, but has yet to live up to it in Britain so far. Saratoga Gold won his fair share of races when trained by Charlie Hills, but made a decent stable debut for trainer Kevin Frost at Epsom last month. The useful Lightening Company carried the Middleham Park silks and has been running well in defeat recently.

Winner: CRYSTAL DELIGHT (#6) (New Approach x Crystal Capella) - J. Crowley - H. Eustace

There would be plenty of competition for the early lead when the gates opened with many natural prominent runners in the field. The pack were spread across the back straight for the first furlong as those drawn on the far side began to ease across to the running rail and slot into the pack. Jim Crowley decided to be positive on Crystal Delight and made a sensible pace to aim at. The likes of Kihavah, Oneforthegutter and Chillingham were never far away as Marhaba The Champ brought up the rear.
There was little change in the order as the group rounded the home bend and eyed up the finish line. Crowley began to ramp up the pressure on his rivals by kicking on and Crystal Delight soon had a clear advantage. Kihavah and Oneforthegutter would chase in vain, but Harry Eustace's five year old kept on finding for pressure. Under a well judged ride, the first race of York's season would go to Crystal Delight by nearly five lengths. Kihavah continued his love for York with a valiant second while Chillingham and Klondike plugged on into third and fourth places respectively. 
The win would be confirmation of Crystal Delight's improvement as he gained a second valuable handicap win. The five year old finished seventh in this race last year when trained by William Jarvis and moved to fellow Newmarket trainer Harry Eustace following Jarvis's retirement. The son of New Approach was strong at the finish in the City And Suburban Handicap at Epsom on his stable debut and this would be a near carbon copy. His previous attempts at the distance saw him struggle in soft ground, but he dispelled the stamina question to firmly secure his spot in the Ebor Handicap in August. 

Race Two: The Churchill Tyres Handicap - Class Two - Six Furlongs - Runners: 21

Sprint handicaps at York are notoriously difficult puzzles to crack and the first of the year would take place over the straight six furlongs. Twenty of the twenty-two runners had run at York at least once in their career which drove home the importance of course form. Northern based trainers have often done well in this race and last season, former Ayr Gold Cup winner Bielsa made an overdue return to the winner's enclosure for Kevin Ryan.

Julie Camacho has been a trainer to be reckoned with in sprint handicaps recently and Badri carried top weight here. The seven year old won a valuable Ascot handicap over the minimum trip last autumn. Ed Walker's Great Ambassador was an exciting prospect back in 2021, but injuries have interrupted his progress. He was in need of the run last time following another long absence. David O'Meara's tough gelding Aberama Gold has contested these kinds of races for a long time and the former course and distance winner landed the Stewards' Cup last year. Kevin Ryan's Magical Spirit has a good record at Doncaster but also finished third in this race last year. He arrived in similar form on the back of another win at Doncaster. The popular veteran Summerghand was back once again as he took one step closer to his 100th start. His most recent win came at the Ebor Festival last year. The intriguing runner in the field would be Hispanic, a lightly raced type who has left Aidan O'Brien's stable for the shrewd Mick Appleby yard. The listed placed colt remains relatively unexposed in handicap company. Makanah was another to represent the Julie Camacho stable and the nine year old has run some of his best races at York. Former Ebor Festival winner Bergerac cashed in on a reduced rating during the winter and made his return to turf racing in this strong contest. Another veteran of this sphere would be Mr Wagyu for the Sean and John Quinn partnership. The nine year old posted an encouraging first start of the year at Ripon recently with a second. Kevin Ryan's second string Aleezdancer is another with a good Doncaster record and has run well at York in the past as well. The Mick Appleby-trained Intervention is a regular on the all-weather where he runs to a good level and this would be a rare start on turf. Karl Burke's Lethal Levi picked up some nice prizes a few years ago and was narrowly denied by Bielsa in last year's running of this race. Chairmanoftheboard hasn't won since the end of 2021, but has threatened in recent starts from a reduced rating. The Michael Dods-trained Woven produces his best in large fields and went down with all guns blazing at Doncaster in March. The ten-year-old Hyperfocus is yet another past York winner in the field and showed he still retains the enthusiasm with a fourth here in October. Lethal Nymph has yet to add to his profitable season in 2022, but following a move to the Paul Midgely stable, success won't be too far away. The locally trained Monsieur Kodi gave his Middleham Park owners reason to cheer in the rain after winning the Stewards' Sprint last year and has since run with credit ever since. The Tim Easterby-trained Manila Scouse very rarely runs a bad race and is largely consistent. He was unsuited by the nature of the track at Chester last week. The legend of Adrian Nicholls' stable Abate has played a big role in daughter Mia's riding career and the pair won four times last year. The eight year old has run well in a pair of Newmarket handicaps this season. It wouldn't be a York handicap sprint without Dakota Gold and the former winner of this race lined up again in hope of a return to the Knavesmire sparking some resurgence from the ten year old. Another locally trained runner would be Nigel Tinkler's Lakota Blue, who retains a good amount of potential at handicap level.

Winner: ALEEZDANCER (#10) (Fast Company x Clifton Dancer) - N. Callan - K. Ryan
The first sprint handicap at York got underway and all pairs of eyes were quickly scanning across the track to see their horse.Shortly after the first furlong however, disaster struck. As the group jostled for position, Hispanic clipped heels and unseated Rossa Ryan. The jockey was able to get to his feet, but sadly Hispanic suffered a fractured leg and lost his life in battle. The attractive four year old will be sadly missed by those closest to him. 

The big noseband of Abate showed his usual early dash and would be the overall leader of the cavalry charge. The old boy Dakota Gold showed more enthusiasm back at York by forcing the pace as a whole host of runners were in with a shout at halfway. Entering the final stages, Dakota Gold nosed ahead as the classy Great Ambassador moved up to challenge. It looked set to be a sixth York victory for Dakota Gold, but from out of the pack, Aleezdancer burst out of the pack. The five year old showed a smart turn of foot under Neil Callan to win by a comfortable length and a half over Dakota Gold, Great Ambassador and the staying on Woven.

It would be a return to winning form for Aleezdancer, who won for the first time since April 2023. His strike rate is low, but the gelding has often run well in big handicaps in recent seasons. His last success came at Doncaster last year and ran well in the same race this year back in March. Aleezdancer finished down the field on his latest start at Newmarket, but found himself on a winnable rating to steal the race and make it back to back wins in the race for trainer Kevin Ryan. 

Race Three: The 1895 Duke Of York Clipper Stakes - Group Two - Six Furlongs - Runners: 14

The action would remain at the six furlong starting point, but it would be the turn of Britain's best sprinters in training. The Group Two Duke Of York Stakes can provide clues for the next sprinting stars with the likes of Tasleet, Starman, Harry Angel and Highfield Princess winning here as well as at the highest level. 2023's running saw a new name in lights as Azure Blue took home the prize before her season was ended by injury. 

A high class field would take to the start in this exciting event. Tim Easterby's grey Art Power finally gained his first Group One success in Britain by winning the Champions Sprint at Ascot last October. He was last seen in action on World Cup night in Dubai. The highly likable Commanche Falls has progressed further and further up the ladder in recent years and added Group race wins to his two Stewards' Cup successes. He was also a close third in this race last year. Clive Cox's Diligent Harry always promised plenty and has now started to live up to his reputation. Following two wins on the all-weather, he came third in the Group One Al Quoz Sprint in Dubai. Another recently transformed character is Andrew Balding's Fivethousandtoone who has turned the corner on the all weather this year and landed a valuable contest on Good Friday. Khaadem caused a huge shock when winning the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot under Jamie Spencer and would require plenty of patience in a race like this. The second Karl Burke runner Marshman was once a highly exciting prospect, but has shown mixed form since his juvenile days. He would need plenty of rain to improve his chances. Jane Chapple-Hyam's Mill Stream progressed out of handicap company to win a pair of French pattern races last season and proved it was no fluke with a good second in the Abernant Stakes on his reappearance in April. The William Haggas-trained Montassib has found another level when dropped to six furlongs and after winning a strong handicap here last October, he landed the Doncaster Stakes on the curtain raising meeting in March. Shouldvebeenaring has been a dream for his owners with placed efforts in the Sprint Cup and Prix de la Foret last year. Richard Hannon's colt has also won at York in the past and better was expected. Spycatcher has shown to be a very smart type in the past twelve months and finished an agonisingly close second in a French Group One last August. He finished on the heels of the winner when third in the recent Abernant Stakes. Tiber Flow is an all-weather specialist with four of his five successes coming on that surface. He would need to transfer his talent to turf to be succesful here. Kevin Ryan's Washington Heights progressed nicely last year and after winning a Swedish listed race easily, he surprised many by winning the Abernant Stakes at Newmarket last month. It would solidify his place at this level. Last year's returning champion Azure Blue was back in action for Michael Dods after injury ended her season prematurely. Prior to her July Cup sixth, the mare looked very progressive. The fourth and final runner for Karl Burke would be Swingalong, who was aiming to improve her good York record. The Lowther and Summer Stakes winner also finished third in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot last year to show her quality.

Winner: MILL STREAM (#8) (Gleneagles x Swirral Edge) - W. Buick - J. Chapple-Hyam

There would be a small delay to the start as Mill Stream lost a shoe on his way to the stalls. A quick trip to the farrier ensured he was ready to race and the patience shown by all the sprinters was admirable. As so often is the case at York, it proved beneficial to race close to the early pace. The grey Art Power showed his customary bright speed and was the outright leader heading for home. Mill Stream, Diligent Harry and Washington Heights all ensured the leader didn't get his own way up front as the slow starting Marshman, Commanche Falls and Fivethousandtoone all brought up the rear.

Drama would take place once again as the main group bunched up. Tiber Flow had begun to make his effort, but clipped heels with those in front and was sent crashing to the ground. A gasp rose from the crowd who feared the worst after the earlier incident with Hispanic, but thankfully, Tiber Flow got back up again and appeared okay. While this was going on, an exciting finish was played out. The grey Shouldvebeenaring nosed into a narrow lead and was joined by Diligent Harry. The yellow sleeves of Mill Stream was last to force his hand and under a strong William Buick drive, Mill Stream got his nose in front on the line. It would be another super run by Shouldvebeenaring in second and Diligent Harry confirmed his recent improvement by taking third. 
The winner Mill Stream has been brought up slowly by Jane Chapple-Hyam. The four year old finished runner up in a valuable handicap here last year before winning two consecutive Group races in France. He was outclassed at the end of the season, but produced a good showing on his recent comeback. That set him up nicely for this Group Two contest and it remains entirely possible that a trip to Royal Ascot for the Diamond Jubilee later in the year is on the cards. 

Race Four: The Tattersalls Musidora Stakes - Group Three - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 7

The first of two major trial races at York took place with Epsom on the not-too-distant horizon for many of the runners. The Musidora Stakes has sourced Epsom Oaks winners and Group One stars in its recent past and last year, Soul Sister completed the double for John and Thady Gosden, as well as the departing Frankie Dettori. Back in 2021, Snowfall routed the Epsom Oaks field following her win at York and 2022 saw Emily Upjohn narrowly denied in the Classic.

The final piece of the Oaks trial puzzle was put together by a field of twelve promising fillies. Ralph Beckett's Classical Song is bred to improve with age and distance and was impressive when winning her maiden. She then finished fourth in the Group One Fillies' Mile in October on her last start. The Charlie Johnston stable won this race in 2020 with Rose of Kildare and saddled Francophone in the race four years on. She returned to winning ways on the all-weather last month but was bred to make a stayer. Last year's winning trainers John and Thady Gosden returned with another exciting prospect in the race, the unbeaten Friendly Soul. The daughter of Kingman made it two from two by winning the Pretty Polly Stakes over this trip. Ralph Beckett is a trainer to be respected with fillies and La Pasionaria made a winning debut last year in determined fashion. She was below form on her next start but held plenty of potential. The beautifully bred Mayfair hails from the family of Churchill but Aidan O'Brien's representative has yet to win so far. However, she wouldn't be running in the race just for a day out. Andrew Balding's Secret Satire landed her first win at the second attempt before finishing a decent third in novice company. The David Simcock yard continued the tradition of having a runner in the Musidora every season with the recent novice winner Sinology, who won at long odds but did so in nice style.

Winner: SECRET SATIRE (#6) (Advertise x Secret Pursuit) - O. Murphy - A. Balding

The field left the stalls to a level break, with just Friendly Soul racing wide from her outside berth. Once the runners negotiated the bend into the woodside straight, the race settled into more of a flow. La Pasionaria dictated the race with a modest early gallop as Secret Satire sat on the leader's heels, racing a shade keenly. The ambling pace in the early stages meant the race would develop into a sprint and approaching the final two furlongs, the field began to fan out. Mayfair and Friendly Soul moved forward to make their moves, but on the opposite flank, Secret Satire showed a handy change of gear. The warning signs began to show for punters as hot favourite Friendly Soul drifted to the stand's side rail and looked beaten already. Up front, Francophone gave her all against Secret Satire, but it would be the Andrew Balding-trained filly who drew further clear to cause a surprise result. Classical Song would do her best work at the finish, staying on into third while early leader La Pasionaria weakened into fourth.

The outcome would paint a cloudy outlook on the Oaks picture. The previously unheralded Secret Satire booked her Epsom ticket with a career best. The daughter of Advertise won on her second start, but in an average Lingfield maiden on the all-weather. On breeding, Secret Satire made appeal for the longer trip as her half sister Secret Shadow won four times over a mile and three-quarters on soft ground. Inheriting that stamina influence, Secret Satire became the latest surprise winner of an Epsom trial this season. She will need to run well at Epsom to prove this win wasn't a fluke, but this year's Musidora asked more questions rather than answering them. 

Race Four: The Conundrum HR Consulting Handicap - Class Three - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 15

A hotly contested handicap for three year olds over the intermediate distance of seven furlongs was next up. The race would feature some reappearing horses and some who have progressed well on the all weather and are now plying their trade on turf. The race was won in clearcut fashion last year by Dark Thirty.

The top weight Mortlake looked to be special when winning at Leicester by five lengths on his second start, but was found out at Group level by finishing a well held fifth. The Juddmonte silks were carried by Andrew Balding's progressive Fire Demon, who was last seen winning at Newcastle on Good Friday, but would be one to follow. Blue Prince won a nursery handicap by a wide margin here last summer for Richard Fahey, but the gelded was then moved on to the shrewd David Evans yard. Since then, he had a productive spell on the all-weather, but has been below form back on turf. The exciting prospect Elmonjed put his unbeaten record on the line for trainer William Haggas. The well bred gelding went two from two last year and is well bred. Karl Burke's Respectful ended the year on a high with two wins in succession. The colt showed a good attitude to fend off rivals on both wins. Another unbeaten horse in the lineup would be True Company for the Kevin Ryan stable. He made it two wins out of two at Newcastle, but hasn't been seen since February. The Micky Hammond-trained Thursday's Child has surpassed expectations by remaining unbeaten in her two career starts. She won cosily at Pontefract over a shorter trip on her first experience of turf. The Richard Fahey-trained Ziggy's Condor made a nice winning debut at Pontefract before running a belter to finish second in the Harry Beeby Stakes at the Ebor Festival. He was another to make his first start of the year. Expensive Queen was well named for her sales price and comes from a good family. Kevin Ryan's filly made a winning debut before performing with credit on her next two starts. Lady Pink Rose ran a big race on just her second start at Royal Ascot last season before landing a first win. She has since been involved in listed company recently. On Point showed plenty of speed to win on debut for Godolphin this time last year, but was sold to the Julie Camacho stable. The filly remains unexposed with plenty of improvement to unlock. Richard Fahey's Quiet Resolve looked a promising sort in novice company, but his progress stuttered with a defeat last time. The newly gelded runner was still open to improvement. Diligent Resdev made a surprising winning debut at Newcastle at the end of last year and shaped like a stayer when third last time out at Redcar. Phil Kirby's Misemerald showed talent at the start of her juvenile season by winning twice. She finished down the field when faced up to stronger competition at York and Doncaster. Tim Easterby's Ribble Radiant arrived late to make a winning debut at Beverley last summer, but was then absent for a few months. He ran only respectably on his two subsequent starts in October.

Winner: DILIGENT RESDEV (#13) (Due Diligence x Doobahdeedoo) - J. Mason - M & D Easterby

From the start, the sprint winner Lady Pink Rose displayed her bright early speed to go into a clear lead at the end of the seven furlong chute. The chasing pack was much more tightly packed and once again it paid dividend to race prominently. The Richard Fahey-trained pair of Ziggy's Condor and Quiet Resolve were among those at the head of the peloton, while the strongly fancied Elmonjed got away to a slightly sluggish start. The runaway leader Lady Pink Rose soon came back to the field at the two furlong pole and Ziggy's Condor took over. From the rear, Blue Prince and Thursday's Child began to make progress and were next to challenge. The final stages saw plenty of change in the order as Ziggy's Condor was challenged by Diligent Resdev, who saw out his race strongly. Diligent Resdev inched ahead in the dying strides and became the second winner for Yorkshire on the day. Ziggy's Condor did nothing wrong in second, while Blue Prince ran another good race in defeat along with Thursday's Child who stayed on nicely.
The winner would be a popular one for the lovable trainer Mick Easterby. He has unearthed some potentially exciting horses in the past two seasons and Diligent Resdev could be the next. The son of Due Diligence won on his debut at the meeting rescheduled from Doncaster to Newcastle back in November and suggested he would be suited by a longer trip. On his seasonal return just a fortnight earlier at Redcar, Diligent Resdev ran a solid race to finish third. That set him up for this competitive handicap and his low weight proved to be key. Jockey Jo Mason ensured it was a good day at the office as she returned victorious on her only ride of the day. 

Race Six: The British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes - Class Two - Five Furlongs - Runners: 11

A very interesting and valuable prize was on offer as York played host to this class two novice for juveniles. Given the stature of the course and prize money, it came as no surprise to see some of flat racing's biggest trainers enter horses in this contest. Last year, the Kevin Ryan-trained Mon Na Slieve made a sparkling winning debut to follow in the path of previous winners such as Project Dante and Santry, who subsequently placed at Royal Ascot. 

Despite the relatively early stage of the season, there would be winning form on display in the field. Adrian Keatley's Francisco's Piece showed plenty of speed to make all at the tricky Pontefract at the start of the month. Zabeel Road was another to make a perfect start to his career and he was evidently held in good regard by Charlie Johnston. Kevin Ryan landed this race with a newcomer twelve months ago and introduced two more in this year's running. Against The Wind is a son of the exciting first season sire Earthlight and has plenty of speed in his family. His stablemate American Style would also make his debut and his dam won at York during her racing career. The Richard Hannon stable are highly respected with juveniles and they introduced newcomer Bentley Air, a distant relative to the talented Hadaatha. Declan Carroll won this race in 2017 with the ill fated Santry and saddled gelded newcomer Fuji Mountain this year. Karl Burke introduced the subsequent listed winner Kyllian in this race last year and saddled King Of Light this year. The colt finished third on debut and looks set for a good season. The powerful local yard of Richard Fahey saddled three horses in the race. Firstly, the debutant Shadow Army was owned by the leading operation Clipper Logistics and is the first foal of the useful Marie of Lyon. His stablemates Solar Biricz and Tuscan Point both returned home in fifth on their respective debuts and appeared to be longer term prospects. The Bryan Smart yard have a good record with speedy juveniles and Station X made a bright debut when beaten under a length at Musselburgh.
Winner: SHADOW ARMY (#8) (Showcasing x Marie Of Lyon) - D. Tudhope - R. Fahey

With a small amount of form to study in this race, it would prove to be a challenge to have a strong opinion on a winner. The market would speak in favour of newcomer Shadow Army and the signals proved to be correct.

From the start, there was plenty of competition for the lead as debutant Against The Wind, King Of Light and Francisco's Piece were all showing good early speed. Station X and Shadow Army were two of those who were slightly hesitant to leave their gate and were on the back foot already. Approaching halfway, King Of Light moved forward to take up the outright lead, but previous winner Francisco's Piece tracked his move. The pair went into battle, but they were soon joined by the staying on Shadow Army, who showed a good change of gear. Shadow Army and Francisco's Piece who went eye-to-eye in the final strides and it would be the newcomer Shadow Army who made the perfect start. Francisco's Piece lost nothing in defeat by carrying five pounds extra and lost out by the smallest margin. The second previous winner Zabeel Road took home fourth.
Trainer Richard Fahey gave a sparkling pre-race report about Shadow Army and he clearly feels that he could be a smart prospect. The son of Gimcrack winner Showcasing is a foal of the listed-placed Marie Of Lyon, who was best over sprint trips. The colt showed a good attitude in battle and will only improve further. A trip to Royal Ascot could also on the cards.  

Race Seven: The Suey Watson & Friends Getting Out Handicap - Class Four - One Mile, Four Furlongs - Runners: 20

The final race on the opening day of York's season was a typically tough handicap with plenty of familiar faces and unexposed types. The previous two renewals of the race were won by Adrian Keatley's Kihavah, who has since gone on to shoot at bigger fish. A maximum field lined up for a near circuit of the track.  

The weights were headed by Cardano. The eight year old has been a useful sort over the years for his connections and returned to winning ways at Epsom last summer in the jumps jockey's Derby. The grey mare Arrange finished last season well with a brace of wins and a second at York and showed she is a smart type when on song. Dylan Cunha's transformed Asgard's Captain won four times on the all-weather since January and confirmed his wellbeing with a second at Windsor last time. Dark Moon Rising ran in the Dante two years ago and worked hard to get back into the winner's circle. Kevin Ryan's charge has been revitalised over this distance. Wahraan won twice in 2021 for his previous trainer and began to return to his best after a long absence. He would come home third for Jamie Osborne in his best run to date since the change of yards. Thundering finished a good second in a big handicap at the Ebor Festival in 2022 over this trip, but has yet to convince he thoroughly stays the distance. He has performed well over a shortly distance however. Roger Fell and Sean Murray's Toshizou has been around the block at big racecourses for the past two years without winning. He ran very well on the all-weather a few starts ago but has yet to back it up. The Iain Jardine-trained Bringsbackmemories has been in great form on the all-weather this year and wouldn't be inconvenienced by the switch to turf. Ed Bethell's Skye Breeze looked to be another with a good future after winning twice on the artificial surfaces at the start of the year and returned to the turf still in good form. The Gemma Tutty-trained Strawman has been a good servant to his connections over the years and last won in November. He shaped with promise at Thirsk last month. Bustaam won for the first time at Doncaster in March and did so in very easy style, but his chances were hindered by drying ground. Ian Williams' Dancing In Paris has just the solitary win to his name but made a quick return to action. The gelding was a close second at Lingfield the previous weekend. The five year old Tarjamah began her career at John and Thady Gosden's yard but began to disappoint before switching to the Tracy Waggott yard. She has yet to improve further. The dual purpose trained Piecederesistance has been a solid type for Micky Hammond over past few seasons and his last win came in June 2022. The lightly raced Whatacracker improved during the summer last year and gained a first win. He was last seen in action in a similar race here last September. Tim Easterby's Gibside has a decent record from four starts at York and won over course and distance last July. Powerful Response has improved since joining Geoff Harker's yard this year, but he has a preference for softer ground; as shown when winning at Nottingham in March. Phil Kirby's Gastronomy ran decently here last year, but is largely better on the all-weather. His improvement this year was confirmed with a win at Newcastle in April. Royal Observatory has been well held and disappointing in his career so far, but remained lightly raced for Kevin Frost. The field was completed by Burglar's Dream, who overcame an absence to go very close at Beverley a few weeks ago. 

Winner: DANCING IN PARIS (#12) (Olympic Glory x Ponte Sanangelo) - D. Probert - I. Williams

The meeting would finish where it began with a race over a mile and four furlongs with a strongly contested field. Recent winning machine Asgard's Captain took up the early lead from his wide draw and the rest jostled for position. The pace was a sensible one and Dancing In Paris, Toshizou and Piecederesistance were the early prominent runners. At the tail of the field, Wahraan almost refused to race and was very slow out of his gate. The gelding was already a long way off the group. There would be little change in the order and a prominent position would again prove valuable. 
Asgard's Captain soon looked vulnerable in front as the pack loomed large on his heels. Toshizou nosed slightly ahead and was joined by Piecederesistance, but the eye was drawn to the strong travelling silks of Dancing In Paris. Once he was in the clear, the David Probert-ridden four year old burst clear in the final furlong and made this competitive race into a one-sided affair. Dancing In Paris crossed the line three lengths clear of Piecederesistance, Toshizou  and the grey Arrange.

The success would be only the gelding's second win in his career, but he had proven his wellbeing with a strong finishing and narrow second at Lingfield just four days earlier. The Ian Williams-trained horse clearly enjoyed the conditions and sat on a winnable rating. He will have to back this success up, but for now it was his moment in the sun.