Race One: The Andy Thornton Hospitality Furniture Apprentice Handicap - Class Four - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 16

The opening contest provide the future stars of the saddle more chance to hone their skills and display their talent. Since the race conditions were changed to accommodate apprentices in 2019, a host of talented Northern riders have won this race in the past. The likes of Cian MacRedmond, Mikey Ennis, Ben Robinson have ridden the winner of this contest and last year, Connor Planas would begin an eye-catching winning spell. The race itself would be run over a new distance for the first time. Previously a ten furlong contest, this race would take place over the seven furlong trip. 

The top weight honour would go to the late developing four year old Gunlock only made his debut at the start of the year, but Karl Burke's gelding made a good impression by winning at Newcastle and would make his first start in handicap company. The well travelled seven year old Intervention has run at a higher level recently and this lower grade would suit for another potential turf success. David O'Meara's Riot is also part of the furniture in York races of this nature and after winning at the Dante Festival last month, returned home fourth a week later at the same venue. The Turpinator has developed into a smart sort since joining the Grant Tuer yard and was running well when last seen, although that was back in February. Capital Guarantee made an instant impact in Britain when completing a hat trick of wins after joining the David O'Meara yard. However, he has appeared to struggle with his higher rating. The Mark Walford-trained Cori Glory has looked a useful type at this level and won for the second time on his latest in wide margin fashion on soft ground. Richard Fahey's Gincident ran a mighty race at the Dante Festival when collared close home by Riot and was seeking compensation. The James Evans stable celebrated a big win at Epsom a fortnight ago and were represented by Justcallmepete, a six time winner on the all-weather. Roger Fell and Sean Murray's Hectic has shown a return to form recently with a fourth at York which was followed by a close up third at Doncaster last time. Michael Herrington's Feel The Need appreciated the drop to seven furlongs last time by winning a handicap here at the last meeting and was looking to back that effort up. Linda Perratt's Judgment Call has spent almost all of his time at the stable racing in Scotland, but the gelding ran well here on a rare venture down south. The Cookstown Cafu won on his seasonal debut in 2023, but has been a little slower to find his form so far. Grant Tuer's Bicep last won at the end of 2023 and has a hit and miss profile. He would be running for the first time since April. Yaaser has raced over a range of distances for Jim Goldie, but slow starts have hampered his progress this season. Brian Ellison's Tolstoy was a useful type earlier in his career and caught the eye on debut for his current yard and finished well over a furlong shorter here last time. Tim Easterby's Snash has been a talented six furlong sprinter over the years, but has occasionally run well over this distance in the past.

Winner: TOLSTOY (Kingman x War And Peace) (#15) - S. Farmer - B. Ellison

The forecast rain held off for the opening contest and weather conditions would match those expected in mid-June. The large field of amateur riders and talented handicappers got away to a decent break and within the first few strides, the orange silks of Gincident would nose into a narrow lead. Close up would be the likes of Justcallmepete and Hectic while the slow starting Judgment Call would be rousted forward to take over in the lead after a furlong. The group made the sweeping turn into the home straight and the decent pace saw the protagonists come from further back. The white and red silks of Feel The Need made his move at the two furlong  pole and looked set to make it back to back York wins, but the smooth travelling Tolstoy finished off even strongly. Despite drifting towards the stand's side rail, the five year old pulled clear to win stylishly. Feel The Need would settle for second with Yaaser weaving his way in third as early leader Justcallmepete was relegated to fourth.

It would be a return to winning ways for Tolstoy, who was well regarded as a youngster. An impressive winner on debut for the John and Thady Gosden yard, he took in some high class juvenile races in 2021 before losing his way. After a decent spell with Stuart Williams, the son of Kingman moved north to Brian Ellison's yard at the start of the season. After making good late headway over six furlongs both at Wetherby and York, the gelding made a successful attempt at this new distance. He would also provide young jockey Shay Farmer with a great memory as the amateur would be winning his first race on just his second ever ride. 

Race Two: The Rous Selling Stakes - Class Three - Six Furlongs - Runners: 14

A unique contest would take place next as one of the most valuable selling races of the year got underway. The class three contest is restricted to two-year-olds, but every runner would be up for sale as soon as they crossed the line. It means that the battle in the paddock auction ring will be as hotly contested as the one on track. Recent runnings of this race have been won by northern stables and twelve months ago, the Ollie Pears-trained Celestial Flight was well placed throughout to win for the first time.

Mick Appleby's Winchurch made a winning debut at Southwell in April, but bombed out on turf a fortnight later and has been given a break since then. Kevin Ryan's Black Tide appeared to be a handful on debut at Redcar and was quickly dropped into this level. The Tony Coyle and Kaine Wood-trained Bungle Reigns made his debut in a claimer at Beverley and after a slow start, he flashed home into fourth and display ability. David Evans's Clay Shoveler made his debut in the Brocklesby Stakes at the start of the season and his best effort so far would be a second in April. Nigel Tinkler is another trainer sending out winners and he saddled the debutant Cugini, an already gelded son of Land Force. The Jamie Osborne-trained and owned I Love Dad made his debut at Goodwood the previous weekend and showed a bundle of promise when finishing third in a similar race to this one. Ollie Pears won this race last year and would be represented by the once-raced Inconspicuous, a smartly bred gelding who showed promise in fourth on debut. The Richard Fahey-trained Mrbluesky was another to show ability on his debut at Redcar recently. The Charlie Johnston yard would be one of the higher profile stables with a runner in this race and the twice raced Rex Carver finished second on debut before competing in a useful novice a week later. The filly Isola Bella made the trip from George Boughey's Newmarket base for this contest and after showing debut promise, returned to Brighton and won for the first time. The David Evans-trained Chalena was one of those with slightly more experience and had finished fifth on all four of her career starts. The Craig Lidster stable has found form recently and were represented by the filly Elementary Charge, a twice raced sort who has shown ability on both starts. Another Newmarket raider would come in the form of Lucky Lottery, trained by Gay Kelleway. The filly stepped up from her debut to finish second at Beverley. The Ollie Pears-trained Owt For Nowt has shown ability behind a couple of her rivals in two starts, including at a stronger level last time. The field was completed by the third and final Ollie Pears runner, Wondrous Ways a nicely bred twice run filly.

Winner: INCONSPICUOUS (Inns Of Court x Bishop's Lake) (#7) - H. Russell - O. Pears

There would be drama even before the off as the David Evans-trained Clay Shoveler ran loose after exiting the parade ring and a game of cat and mouse delayed the start of the race. He would thankfully be caught and the race would get underway. Inexperience would be a theme throughout the field and there would be a fair amount of scrimmaging in the early stages. Black Tide would bear left from his gate and bump into Cugini which in turn affected Owt For Nowt. At the head of the field, previous winner Winchurch would show plenty of speed and ploughed a furrow down the centre of the track. The well fancied Isla Bella travelled well into contention and took over the lead at the furlong pole as the action fanned out across the track. The last to challenge would be the dark blue silks of Inconspicuous, who showed a nice turn of speed to pull clear of Isla Bella in the final stages and win on his second start. Back in third, Mrbluesky did his best work at the finish to rally into the frame and Rex Carver would lose a few places close home and return in fourth. 

It would be a case of deja vu as last year's winning stable would win once again. Ollie Pears saddled three runners and would be successful with his better fancied runner, despite the 18-1 odd. Inconspicuous is a nicely bred sort for this level as a half brother to Irish Group Three winner Euphrasia and showed promise on his debut at Redcar a month ago. He would show greenness before keeping on into fourth and that late burst came into good use once again here. The traditional auction would take place  after the race and the hammer would be struck at £29,000. It would be a deal that sees Inconspicuous move to the Gay Kelleway yard, who was evidently pleased with what she saw. 

Race Three: The British EBF Supporting Racing With Pride Fillies Handicap - Class Two - Six Furlongs - Runners: 10
This valuable contest would see a talented field of fillies and mares take to the far end of the home straight for this six furlong contest. The recent history of this race has seen some smart fillies land this prize before making a successful step up into listed company. Eartha Kitt, Shepherds Way and course regular Gale Force Maya would all go on to win a listed race later in the same year. Therefore, this year's running would feature quality for the present and future. 

The weights would be headed by the lightly raced Midream, who won for the second time in her career in impressive style at Doncaster and Ed Walker's four year old would return home third in a listed race last time. The four year old Katey Kontent was another talented juvenile in 2022 and won for the first time since then at Windsor at this level. The Jane Chapple-Hyam trained Born To Rock was an impressive debut winner last summer and has raced in group company since, over five and seven furlongs. She dropped into handicap company and over six furlongs for the first time. David O'Meara's Star of Lady M is a likable sort,  but the majority of her eight wins have come at a lower level. Ralph Beckett's Queen of Mougins won nicely on debut last year before finishing close up in a Group Three. After two runs at listed level, she dropped to this level for the first time. Flaccianello was smart filly last season with three successes and found the softer ground unsuitable last time out. Kevin Ryan's Conservationist looked a nice prospect as a youngster, but her form tailed off badly. She showed a little more over this trip last time out. The Micky Hammond-trained Thursday's Child caused a surprise when winning on debut, but showed it wasn't a fluke by winning again at Pontefract. She ran very well in a competitive handicap at the Dante Festival over seven furlongs. The Andrew Balding-trained Apeeling is well named as a daughter of the mare Satsuma and won for the first time recently at Windsor. Karl Burke's Lady Pink Rose was a quick filly last year and was a non-stayer over a furlong longer last time so this trip would be more suitable. The three year old Alfa Kellenic looks to be a very smart prospect for the Craig Lidster stable and defied an absence to win with authority at Thirsk last time out. 

Winner: ALFA KELLENIC (Havana Grey x Silhuette) (#13) - W. Pyle - C. Lidster 

The absence of speedy filly Jumbeau and last year's runner up Al Simmo reduced the field to ten, but the race still looked competitive as before and unearthed an exciting prospect. Lady Pink Rose would burst out of the stalls and show her customary bright speed in the first furlong, but was tracked by the likes of Born To Rock, Conservationist and Apeeling. The majority of the group moved to the stands side rail as the better ground appeared to be on that side and within seconds, the finish line was in sight for the runners. Queen Of Mougins would move forward at the furlong pole and take up the overall lead as Lady Pink Rose quickly weakened. The black silks of Alfa Kellenic were spotted motionless as the filly picked her way through horses and Will Pyle appeared to be confident with what he had underneath. When the accelerator was pressed, Alfa Kellenic burst clear of her rivals and kept on well to win by just over two lengths. Flaccianello would win the race for second while Queen Of Mougins and Katey Kontent completed the top four.

It would be a big day for the locally based Craig Lidster as this would be his first winner at York as a trainer. The regard in which this three year old filly is held in is no secret and Alfa Kellenic could have even bigger targets to come. The daughter of Havana Grey impressed at Newcastle back in January when winning for the first time, but defied a five month absence to win at Thirsk a week ago in similarly impressive fashion. She stepped into this tougher class two race with a low rating, but proved she was well up to this standard. The future is bright for this filly and Group company could be on the cards. 

Race Four: The Juddmonte EBF FIllies' Novice Stakes - Class Two - Five Furlongs - Runners: 7

Next up would be a view to the future with this lucrative juvenile contest for fillies. The Juddmonte-sponsored initiative offers healthy prize money and an encouraging boost to British based breeders. Introduced in 2022, the past two renewals have been won by northern based trainers as Grant Tuer's Mersea used her experience to score readily two seasons ago and Karl Burke's Harvanna won last year in the style of a smart filly.

The field was headed by Charlie Johnston's Bailey's Jubilation, who finished fourth on debut before running a very good race to finish fifth in the listed Marygate Fillies' Stakes. This would be an easier task in search of a first win. The Eve Johnson Houghton stable landed the aforementioned Marygate Stakes here in May and returned to the scene, this time with the newcomer Raison d'Etre. The filly's pedigree stretches back some very successful horses of the past. Last year's winning stable was represented the twice raced River Seine. Karl Burke's filly bumped into an exciting type on debut, but was slightly disappointing last time out.  George Boughey's Sunshine Soul chased home the expensively bought Leovanni at Nottingham on debut, but wasn't expected to face anything of that calibre. Havana Gila represented the Harry Eustace stable and showed promise on debut at Kempton. After racing keenly early, she kept on into fifth. The locally trained Innocent Smile made her debut for the Nigel Tinkler stable and comes from a useful family.  Kevin Ryan's I Got Soul was sent off unfancied in the betting on debut and only plugged on into sixth at Wetherby. 

Winner: HAVANA GLIA (Havana Gold x With Caution) (#5) - H. Turner - H. Eustace 

A sudden rain burst would fall just before this novice race, but the seven fillies appeared unfazed by the shower. The very quick River Seine would prove edgy before the start and acted like a coiled spring, ready to fire out of the gates. Karl Burke's filly would make the quickest start as newcomer Innocent Smile veered to the left from her stall. The early pace would be quick as River Seine and Baileys Jubilation went toe to toe in the opening exchanges while Havana Gila and Raison d'Etre kept tabs on the pair of them. Entering the final furlong, Baileys Jubilation would be the first to crack and weakened gradually as River Seine had yet to be asked a question. Havana Gila would arrive on the scene though and quickened away from the early leader and despite drifting across her rival, kept on well to score on her second start. River Seine would be placed again in second and the newcomer Raison d'Etre would show ability in third. Baileys Jubilation was unable to take advantage of the drop in class and could manage only fourth.

The winner Havana Gila made her debut over six furlongs at Kempton where she wasn't beaten far over six furlongs. The strong early pace would play to her strengths back at the minimum trip and Hayley Turner's mount looked professional in victory. The filly is a distant relative to the very useful handicapper Paws For Thought, a 99-rated six time winner who is sharp enough to win plenty of times at Chester. The form of this race will be tested in the coming weeks, but with some horses who had achieved a good amount already, there is a chance that race could be above average. 

Race Five: The Seat Unique Handicap - Class Two - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 17

The first of two contests over ten furlongs would take place  with a high amount of quality on display. A new race for this year, it would offer good prize money which was rewarded by a talented lineup. 

The top weight Oviedo was highly trained as a juvenile but won the Zetland Gold Cup last season for Ed Bethell. He continued to run well in big handicaps last summer and also holds an entry in the John Smith's Cup. Killybegs Warrior is a typically battle hardened type for the Charlie Johnston stable and won a valuable prize at Newmarket last year. The inconsistent look to his form means he is hard to predict. The Horse Watchers silks were on display with the smart Penzance, who won four in a row during the winter for Mick Appleby before chasing home the exciting Elegant Man on Good Friday. The six year old Storm Catcher has become a very talented sort on the all-weather with seven wins, but he has yet to match that level on the turf. Andrew Balding's Scampi landed the first race of the season at York last year and continued to make his owners proud through the summer in big handicaps. The formerly French-trained Machete contested in Group Ones as recently as two years ago before joining the David O'Meara stable. He caught the eye with his fourth placed finish in the Zetland Gold Cup on British debut last month. The resurgent Arthur's Dream has won twice already this season for trainer Ed Dunlop, including the feature race at Redcar, the Zetland Gold Cup. William Haggas's Godwinson progressed well last year before making a strong reappearance in the Spring Cup Handicap at Newbury. However, he was way below form on his return there last time out.  Andrew Balding's second runner Old Harrovian won on his first start after a year long absence and quickly made into a smart all-weather horse. However, his last turf run came in a Group Three contest. In a field of high profile stables, the smaller yard of Ray Craggs was represented by his stable star Ron O, who won at Redcar last time and moved up to this distance. Richard Fahey's Have Secret went through last year winless, but finished in the placings at both the Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood festivals. The Harry Eustace-trained Mustazeed has a better record at Newbury and shows a preference for softer ground, but the gelding is smart on his day. Mick Easterby's Reach won in impressive style at last year's Ebor Festival and returned this year with a staying on third in a similar race last month. The Ian Williams-trained Parlando won on his travels in Bahrain earlier this year but has run on a range of conditions since his return to Britain. A new recruit to the Tim Easterby stable would be Masekela, who finished fourth in the 2022 Epsom Derby. The gelding has lost his way, but a change of scenery could find improvement. The National Hunt stable of Harry Fry has taken some valuable Flat races in recent years and was represented by High Fibre, a gelding with just one run in each of the last three seasons. The lineup was completed by Mark Johnston's Qitaal, who won after an absence at Doncaster before finishing placed at the Dante Festival in a similar race. 

Winner: RON O (Toronado x Xaloc) (#10) - J. Hart - R. Craggs 

With a host of entries for the John Smith's Cup running in this race, it had the feel of a key trial for next month's showpiece. The competitive nature of this race meant there was a surge for a good early position ahead of the first bend. The red and gold silks of Old Harrovian tracked across from his wide gate to make the early running under Clifford Lee, just in front of Penzance, Have Secret and the Johnston pair of Qitaal and Killybegs Warrior. Further behind, the likes of Scampi, Masekela and Mustazeed were all slow to get away and were already playing catch up.

Entering the final stages, the complexion of the race changed dramatically. Have Secret nosed into a narrow lead as Penzance ran into a brick wall of stamina. Reach would also be right there, but the big white face of Ron O emerged on the scene travelling nicely. The six year old kicked on at the furlong pole under Jason Hart and would go on to cause a surprise for punters. Have Secret would make a good seasonal reappearance in second, Reach would take third once again and Godwinson ran well on his first run at this trip.

The win of Ron O would be a special moment for the owner/trainer Ray Craggs, a permit holder with just ten racehorses in training on his farm near Sedgefield. His colours are often seen at a lower level at places such as Southwell and Newcastle, but this would be his biggest winner by far. Ron O would be the stable star for the haulage businessman and won his previous start at Redcar last month over a mile.  The son of Toronado had raced once over this distance in recent years, but the nature of this race brought out his best and led to lovely scenes in the winner's enclosure. 

Race Six: The Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Handicap - Class Four - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 16

The final race of the day saw a lower grade contest at class four level and it has swapped distances with the apprentice race as it is run over this trip for the first time. Last year, course regular Another Investment scorched home by five lengths, but now run over a different distance, recent history will be brushed away. Just like the seven furlong contest, this race would see plenty of returning faces to York and many local yards represented.

The weights would be headed by the Godolphin-owned Arctic Mountain, a rare runner in these colours at this level. The four year old controlled the race to win nicely last time out. Jane Chapple-Hyam's Prenup had a good season last year which included a placing in a race at the Ebor Festival. The five year old has run well in defeat recently. The veteran seven year old Jean Baptiste has been a stalwart for the Roger Fell and Sean Murray stable and returned home second twice earlier this year. Manu Et Corde was very highly tried during his time with Jim Bolger, but has failed to fire in Britain recently. The four year old Leadenhall is beautifully bred, but proved disappointing for his high profile connections. The gelding has since joined the Tim Easterby yard and made a step in the right direction last time. The Ed Dunlop-trained Richard P Smith won for the fourth time in his career on his latest start at Wetherby and is a decent sort at this level. Dean Ivory's mare Moonlit Cloud won on her penultimate start at Bath before running a very good race at Newbury in a higher level race. Mick and David Easterby's Shimmering Sands ran well in a slightly stronger race to this one last July at York, but returned home last on her latest start in September last year. Bint Al Daar enjoyed a good season last year, winning twice and going close at a higher level, but looked rusty on his seasonal reappearance last month. The in form Pol Roger arrived to the Knavesmire on the back of two wins in a row and Michael Dods's gelding was rising through the ranks. Kevin Ryan's mare Invisible Friend is another with two wins from six starts and was a good winner at Doncaster. She ran moderately when fifth here at the end of September last year. The gelding Paris Lights clearly hasn't inherited the talents of his more illustrious brothers, but the six year old ran well for the first time for Paul Midgely. The mare Shifter has been transformed by the move to Wilf Storey's stable and won for the fourth time since last July at Redcar and the partnership with Paula Muir was retained. A Cheltenham Festival winning yard was represented in this race as Patrick Neville's Cosmic Soul took the start. An attempt at a hurdling career backfired and the gelding was back down in trip. The second Richard Fahey runner My Harrison George has still yet to score a first win, but has gone close on numerous occasions in the past. The field would be completed by Richard Fahey's Life On The Rock, who has cashed in on a much lower rating recently by completing a hat trick of wins. The six year old made a quick return to action having won three days earlier.

Winner: INVISIBLE FRIEND (Sea The Stars x Stealth Missile) (#11) - R. Scott - K. Ryan

The action remained opposite the grandstands with this lower level handicap to the previous race, but it provided yet another Yorkshire winner. Godolphin's Arctic Mountain got away to a flyer from the stalls and would lead early under apprentice Christian Howarth, but disaster would strike as the saddle would come loose and move forward. Howarth would do well to keep his balance, but favourite backers knew their fate from an early point. The in form pair of Life On The Rocks and Pol Roger were both prominent throughout and they would move into contention in the final furlongs. Pol Roger had travelled powerfully throughout, but when he was set to make his move, Invisible Friend ghosted pasted and went clear inside the final furlong.  The mare returned to winning ways, but the in form horses would come to the fore as last time out winners Pol Roger, Shifter and Life On The Rocks would complete the first four. Arctic Mountain's saddle would fall completely off and he would return home last while Shimmering Sands broke a blood vessel and was taken away for checks.

The five year old Invisible Friend has a light career so far and this would be just her seventh lifetime start. Kevin Ryan's mare was last seen in a similar contest here back in September but raced too keenly on that day. Making her seasonal reappearance in this race, the stronger pace played to her strengths and the mare travelled strongly into contention before kicking clear for a third victory.