Hollie returns to set the scene for Friday's elite racing at York's Ebor Festival, where the highlight will be the Group One Nunthorpe Stakes. The weather has turned wet, and the heavy rain that has soaked the Knavesmire could have a major impact on the field, especially on the lightning‑quick American contender Bacio, who is slated to contest the Coolmore City Of Troy Nunthorpe Stakes (3:35) at York on Friday. Bacio, trained by Wesley Ward, stunned the racing world with a blistering performance in the three‑year‑old handicap at Royal Ascot.
His raw speed makes the five‑furlong sprint at York appear tailor‑made for him, yet his reputation has been built on firmer, faster ground. The sudden shift to a softer, rain‑laden surface could blunt his acceleration and make him vulnerable to rivals who thrive in more testing conditions. On the other side of the card, the Aga Khan Stud’s French filly Rayevka offers a compelling contrast. She captured a Group race at Longchamp in May on yielding ground and then stepped up to contest the Group One King Charles III Stakes at the Royal meeting, where she was only beaten by a narrow margin.
Rayevka’s versatility – she can produce speed on soft ground and still hold her own on firmer turf – makes her a strong candidate to upset Aidan O'Brien’s colt, who struggled to find his rhythm on the Knavesmire in the July Cup and generally prefers a quicker surface. Turning to the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes (3:00) at York, don’t dismiss Adaay Of Scarlett despite a string of second‑place finishes.
Hugo Palmer’s three‑year‑old has consistently contested top‑level Group Two races this season – the Coventry Stakes, the July Stakes, and the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood – always putting in a respectable effort. Although he has yet to break his run of runner‑up finishes, the upcoming race offers a slightly weaker field, giving him a genuine chance to turn the tide and claim his first victory at this level.
Regular jockey Oisin Murphy will be riding Adaay Of Scarlett with a fresh set of cheekpieces, a piece of equipment that often adds a crucial extra gear. The softer ground will be a new test for the colt, but his dam performed admirably on similar going, suggesting a genetic affinity for yielding surfaces. Aidan O'Brien’s Marco Polo is another intriguing name on the card. The son of Night Of Thunder, who once raced in the United Kingdom before being transferred to Ballydoyle, is highly regarded by the training operation.
As a half‑brother to the useful Saber Strike, Marco Polo brings a blend of stamina and turn of foot that could prove decisive against more seasoned rivals. Local trainer Kevin Ryan boasts an impressive record in this particular race, having secured four victories in the past. His unbeaten colt Matteo appears to be priced at a premium as he aims for a third successive win. While the conditions at York are tougher than the softer, more forgiving Beverley track where Matteo previously triumphed, the trainer’s confidence suggests the colt could still deliver a standout performance.
The dual‑level champion Caballo De Mar, who has previously excelled at the very highest level, will be making a return after a sub‑par run in the Gold Cup. He is targeting the Group Two Weatherbys Lonsdale Cup Stakes (2:25), a two‑mile contest that should suit his stamina. After a brief health scare involving heat stress at the Royal meeting, the horse is now fully recovered and is expected to relish the rain‑softened ground, which should play to his strengths. Ralph Beckett’s Amiloc is another horse whose distance suitability remains untested after a mishap at the start of the Goodwood Cup, where he unseated his jockey Hector Crouch.
The longer trip in the Lonsdale Cup could be the key to unlocking his true ability. Amiloc was a standout performer last season, winning the Group Two King Edward VII Stakes, and the trainer believes this race could mark a return to form.
In the opening race at York – the Sky Bet Mile Handicap (1:50) – I will be backing my boss Archie Watson’s progressive three‑year‑old Exclusive Code. The colt displayed the ability to win comfortably at Goodwood, handling a good‑to‑soft surface with aplomb. Although he will face a weight increase, his form suggests he can still compete strongly over a mile on the current going.
Exclusive Code, a son of the sprinter Blue Point, dominated his Goodwood outing by taking the lead early and fending off a strong challenge from Zennor Storm, who finished a striking second. Whether he can replicate that dominance on softer York turf remains to be seen, but I am optimistic that Wathnan Racing’s gelding will rise to the occasion. Zennor Storm’s trainer, William Haggas, also entered Eklleem, a promising youngster who broke well at Ripon.
Although Eklleem showed a nice turn of foot, the step up in class and the less favourable draw could prove challenging. Nonetheless, the colt’s potential should not be dismissed outright.
Ralph Beckett’s improving four‑year‑old Master Vintner checks all the boxes for the mile‑and‑half Assured Data Protection Handicap (4:10). Having won on heavy ground at Goodwood last autumn, the son of Mastercraftsman sharpened his performance in a first‑time blinkers race at Thirsk earlier this month. He now appears ready to take on a five‑pound weight increase and could surprise the field.
Another contender, Master Builder, arrives at York on the back of a May win over a similar distance. While the step up in class is significant, his recent form suggests he could handle the higher mark with ease. Meanwhile, Jane Chapple‑Hyam’s chestnut Primo Lara, who impressed with a smooth debut at Ascot, cannot be ruled out as a potential upset. Overall, Friday’s Nunthorpe and supporting races promise a blend of seasoned Group performers and emerging talent, all navigating the challenges posed by soft, rain‑soaked ground.
The shifting conditions will test each horse’s adaptability, making tactical riding and equipment choices crucial. Whether the American speedster Bacio can overcome the testing going, or whether the versatile French filly Rayevka will seize the moment, will be the storylines to watch as the Ebor Festival reaches its climax.