As much of the focus was directed towards Ascot's summer highlight, The King George & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, York hosted its own valuable meeting with plenty of speed and stamina involved. It would be a case of "next stop, Ebor Festival" as this race day would be the last before the four day extravaganza on the Knavesmire in August. 

Race One: The Sky Bet Jumps Jockeys' Nunthorpe Handicap - Class 4 - 5 Furlongs - 19 Runners
Winner: SOUL SEEKER (Oasis Dream x Mad About You) (#16) - M. Nolan - D. O'Meara

A yearly tradition at this meeting is the novelty race known as the Jump Jockeys' Nunthorpe Handicap. It is a race in which the flat riders can put their feet up and watch their National Hunt counterparts swap starting tapes and staying chasers for starting stalls and blazing sprinters.
First run in 2018, the contest has been well received in recent years as the likes of Bryony Frost, Sam Twiston-Davies and Harry Cobden have all taken part in the novelty. This year saw the addition of Irish champion jockey Paul Townend onboard Ey Up Its Maggie as he looked to emulate his sister Jody in riding a winner at York this year. Leading British riders Sean Bowen and Brian Hughes returned for another attempt at the race while the well named Speedacus gained the services of leading National Hunt rider Sean Bowen. Sam Twiston-Davies would return for another shot at the race onboard Glory Fighter, one of five in the race for Paul Midgley who often targets the race.
A field of nineteen eager sprinters and nervous riders took to the start and plenty of jokes were shared between the group at the start. Without a starting tape, reactions were going to be key and although the field broke to a level standard, eventual winner Soul Seeker nosed in front. The field gradually merged into one big group as Soul Seeker took them along under Michael Nolan. The likes of Townend, McMemenamin and Bowen were all racing up with the pace as the gallop looked quick enough. In the passenger seat, Ecclesiastical gained a nice tow into contention under Harry Reed and loomed large entering the final furlong. The pair battled hard in the final stages and in an exciting finish, it would be the David O'Meara-trained Soul Seeker who landed the spoils at odds of 25-1. 
It would be a return to the winner's enclosure for the six year-old who won this very race back in 2021 under Tom Scudamore. Running well recently, he was well below the rating he won off and found himself nicely weighted. In behind, Ecclesiastical ran a bold race into second with Danny McMenamin finishing third on Sugar Baby and Treacherous taking fourth under David Bass. Paul Townend could only manage fifth on Ey Up Its Maggie in a one off thrilling spin.

Race Two:  The Sky Bet Dash Handicap - Class 2 - 6 Furlongs - 15 Runners
Winner: ABERAMA GOLD (#11) (Heeraat x Nigella) - M. Winn - D. O'Meara
The flat riders would return to the action for this valuable and highly competitive sprint handicap on the Knavesmire which featured many regulars to York. 
The entries suggested many trainers had one eye looking ahead to the Ebor Festival where there are two expensive handicaps over six furlongs and five and a half furlongs in which this race could be a final preparation run for many horses. A previous winner at the Ebor Festival was present in the line up in the form of popular veteran Summerghand, while the likes of Mondammej, Lethal Levi, Lucky Man, Hyperfocus and International Girl can all name York as their second homes. The intriguing runner would be the three-year-old filly Barefoot Lady, making a return to action for the first time since the Nell Gwynn Stakes at Newmarket, a 1,000 Guineas trial back in April. The Richard Fahey-trained filly landed a Group 3 last year and was held in high regard. Recent York winner The Green Man stepped up into class two competition and Magical Spirit has been a great servant to connections over the years.
The race would go the way of the David O'Meara stable once again as Aberama Gold took the prize back to Nawton. The pace early on was frantic as Lucky Man bolted out of the gates and into an early lead with Manila Scouse and International Girl forcing the pace on either side. With many in with a shout entering the final furlong, it would be Aberama Gold who nosed ahead and retained his lead all the way to the line, beating Manila Scouse who turned in a remarkable performance by finishing second less than twenty four hours after finishing fourth at a lower level.

The winner Aberama Gold was moved to the O'Meara stable following the retirement of Keith Dalgleish. Remaining in the same ownership, the six year old won twice earlier in the season but has always remained at a smart standard. Winning a similar race at the 2021 Dante meeting, he cleared relished the return to the Knavesmire. It would also be another major success for apprentice Mark Winn, who has really impressed over the past eighteen months with some riding beyond his years. He moved closer to wiping out his claim all together. 

Race Three: The Sky Bet York Stakes - Group 2 - 1 Mile, 2 Furlongs - 5 Runners

Winner: ALFLAILA (#1) (Dark Angel x Adhwaa) - A. Atzeni - O. Burrows

The highlight of the afternoon came with the prestigious York Stakes, often used by trainers as a final step towards the biggest race of the season at York, the Juddmonte International. Run over the same distance as Juddmonte, this Group 2 has seen many famous faces strut their stuff of the Knavesmire in previous years. High class names such as Addeybb, Lord Glitters and Mondialiste have all been turned over in past renewals, but former winners have gone on to feature in the main event at the Ebor Festival. The likes of Sir Busker, Elarqam and Thundering Blue all won this race before finishing third in the Juddmonte while Twice Over remains the only horse to complete the double after his brilliant season in 2011. 
The class of 2023 featured some high class names from home and overseas in a fascinating renewal. The William Haggas-trained My Prospero has been a regular at Group 1 level and finished third in last year's Champion Stakes before finding himself outpaced over a mile so far this season. Back up in trip, he was expected to go close here. In opposition, the progressive Alflaila won impressively at last year's Ebor Festival and made his seasonal reappearance with next month in mind. Royal Ascot winner Royal Champion looked back to his best recently and threw his hat into the ring while rapidly improving handicapper Mashhoor dipped his toe into this level after a dominant display last time out. The five strong field would be completed by last year's winning stable of William Knight with Checkandchallenge, a very smart miler on his day.
The race would go the way of the highly progressive colt Alflaila, who was last to challenge and first to cross the line. From the outset, Ben Coen was eager to make the running on the Irish-trained Mashhoor and he took the field along at a decent gallop. Entering the home straight, the order hadn't changed with the five horses waiting to make their move. Tom Marquand sent My Prospero for home and the pair challenged new leader Royal Champion into the final stages. From the rear, Andrea Atzeni bided his time and timed it perfectly, swooping past his rivals and going away at the finish. 
The four year old son of Dark Angel hasn't looked back since winning the Pomfret Stakes at Pontefract this time last year. A performance this good on his seasonal reappearance bodes well for the future as he can improve further. A return for the Juddmonte International looks likely. It was a final big race win for Andrea Atzeni before he flies to Hong Kong for more opportunities. It was a brilliant half an hour for trainer Owen Burrows who would land the big race with Hukum in the King George & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot. 

Race Four:  The 50k ITV Weekly Jackpot Nursery Handicap - Class 3 - 6 Furlongs - 5 Runners
Winner: BLUE PRINCE (Blue Point x Zip Along) (#5) - C. Hardie - R. Fahey

A very tight class three handicap for two-year-olds was next up and it would be another frustratingly small field for punters with just five runners heading to post. Despite the low numbers, the race had a competitive feel to it with four previous winners in the lineup.
The Phil Makin-trained Ganesha headed the weights and stepped back up to six furlongs after some smart form over five furlongs including a fast closing eighth in the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot. Another runner to have visited the Royal meeting, Packard took a steep drop in class from the Group 2 Coventry Stakes and had won at the second time of asking previously. The last of the winning trio in the race, The Good Biscuit arrived at York looking for a hat trick of wins. He had bolted up by five lengths at Lingfield last time on much faster ground.
The field was completed by a small bunch of promising maidens. Blue Prince caught the eye physically at Doncaster last time and was narrowly beaten in a novice event. It was hoped that entering handicaps would unlock his potential. There's No Limit from the Charlie Johnston yard had gained enough experience to be added to the equation.

As the previous winners faltered, it would be the chance for Blue Prince to break his maiden tag with a very smooth victory. The speedy Ganesha raced alone down the centre of the track but the pace was strong early. The main group were led by Packard and The Good Biscuit as the leaders all took each other on. The fast pace and drying ground was music to the ears of Blue Prince who travelled nicely and once the time came, Cam Hardie pressed the button and his mount burst clear in the final furlong. Winning by nearly five lengths in the style of a good horse over Ganesha and fellow maiden There's No Limit. Trainer Richard Fahey has been patient with his horse having raced him at the start of the season, possibly with Royal Ascot in mind. He was given a two month break before reappearing at Doncaster recently where he went down narrowly to Sky Warrior. A good looking athlete, the son of Blue Point looks to be the finished article now and could be aimed at a higher grade now. 

Race Five: The Sky Bet Prize Drop Handicap - Class 4 - 2 Miles - 10 Runners

Winner: BAEZ (#11) (Sixties Icon x Sinndarina) - C. Hardie - J. Goldie

A similar two mile event to the one at the previous meeting, this two mile handicap looked tricky to solve but it was well contested. 
The popular grey Red Force One bolted up in this race twelve months ago by seven lengths, bounding off the firm ground and he returned to the Knavesmire for his first start on the Flat this year. The nine-year-old was last seen over hurdles so it wouldn't be a surprise if trainer Phil Kirby was warming him up for another go at this race. 
In opposition, Golden Shot looked a threat as a typical Sir Mark Prescott inmate. Very lightly raced and improver over a long distance, the four year old won on his return earlier in the week and escaped a penalty for this race. Elsewhere, the Jim Goldie-trained Baez was rewarded for his consistency with a wide margin win at Catterick last time and was another on the upgrade. In a field full of chances, the Grand National winning stable of Lucinda Russell was also represented by Caldwell, making his first start for new connections.

The race saw a slight delay as Kalamity Kitty proved to be well named by bolting out of the parade ring and running rings around those who tried to catch her. Once the race was underway, Yorkindness led the field in usual Charlie Johnston fashion as Golden Shot was well positioned throughout. Eventual winner Baez was held up off the good pace and as the field turned for home, the order changed around. The well treated Golden Shot travelled powerfully under Luke Morris and took over the lead with a win looking probable. Baez had also made his move under Cam Hardie and the filly slowly picked off her rivals. The two met in the final two furlongs and had a prolonged battle all the way to the line. A thrilling finish to the longest race of the day saw the Jim Goldie-trained four year old bravely hold off the hot favourite and give her jockey a quick double. Golden Shot ran valiantly and pulled four lengths clear of the third, proving his ability.
The winner Baez had been very consistent with plenty of recent third and second places. Her winning turn came last time out at Catterick where she was a wide margin winner and repeated that form here. Baez looks to be another smart stayer for the Glasgow stable. 

Race Six: The Betting Better With Sky Bet Handicap - Class 4 - 1 Mile, 4 Furlongs - 9 Runners
Winner: DARK MOON RISING (#6) (Night Of Thunder x Al Nassa) - T. Eaves - K. Ryan.

A wide open contest was on the cards with some regular battle hardened sorts for this grade taking on lightly raced three year olds who were open to any amount of improvement. 

Much of the interest in the race came from the Classic generation with a handful of promising three year olds catching the eye. However, with the withdrawal of Bulldog Spirit and Dubai Crystal, it left the Mark Walford-trained gelding Whatacracker to represent his age group. From the older brigade, Cormier has been a grand servant to connections over hurdles and on the flat while Dark Moon Rising showed signs of a resurgence last time out when third here at the previous meeting.
From the start, Two Brothers took up the early running from Cormier and Whatacracker. Billy Garritty dictating a modest pace which began to quicken entering the final stages. Gibside tracked the early pace and moved into the lead entering the final furlong, looking to give punters another winning favourite. From the rear, the pair of Lizzie Jean and Dark Moon Rising made their moves and challenged the favourite. It would be the Kevin Ryan-trained Dark Moon Rising who ground out the victory under Tom Eaves, outstaying the top weight Lizzie Jean who put in a good effort. 
It would be a major return to form for Dark Moon Rising, a four-year-old gelding, who had been in the doldrums until recently. Last winning on Good Friday last year, the son of Night Of Thunder was highly tried thereafter. Finishing fourth behind Desert Crown in the Dante Stakes was a sign of his natural ability, but he struggled against his inflated handicap rating.
Benefitting from a wind operation, Dark Moon Rising showed a return to form at the previous meeting here when staying on well into third over a mile and a quarter. Stepped back up to a mile and a half, he finished strongly to return to the winner's enclosure and receive the plaudits of the Kevin Ryan stable. 

Race Seven: The Sky Bet Extra Places Everyday Handicap - Class 4 - 7 Furlongs - 16 Runners

Winner: BAJAN BANDIT (#1) (Oasis Dream x Dirayah) - S. Gray - G. Tuer

A tough contest for punters to find the winner in the lucky last as this three-year-olds only handicap featured many with reasonable chances.

Last year's winning trainer and jockey combination, Faye McManoman and Nigel Tinkler, were back again with recent arrival Pocket The Packet while the Jim Goldie raider B Associates had been a winning machine in the past few weeks before putting in a below par run last time out. Just Janet had been admirably consistent this season for David O'Meara before winning on her most recent start. There were plenty of lightly raced and unexposed types lurking in the field such as Chelsea Square for Royal Ascot winning syndicate Chelsea Thoroughbreds, Dartman for trainer Brian Meehan and Indian Falcon for Richard Fahey. 
The crowd would go home happy with another well fancied winner landing the finale in the shape of Bajan Bandit for the Grant Tuer yard. As expected in a race like this, the pace was strong early on with plenty trying to make the running for themselves. Dartman and Luke Morris held a narrow lead over Bajan Bandit as they navigated the dog leg turn into the straight and the field fanned out across the track. Entering the final furlong, Dartman began to weaken along with the very keen Maharajas Express and Mr Squires. That left Bajan Bandit in the lead under Shane Gray and the pair galloped on strongly to defy top weight in ready fashion. Craven kept on into second and fellow prominent runner Reginald Charles ran above his recent form into form. 
The winner has improved greatly since leaving the Richard Hannon stable and moving north to the Grant Tuer stable in Northallerton. Impressing with the style of this win, he could end up at a higher level for a stable who are very shrewd with race targeting.