Hollie returns to set the scene for Friday’s premier contests at York’s Ebor Festival, headlined by the Group One Nunthorpe Stakes. The forecast of heavy rain on the Knavesmire has me worrying that the change in going could diminish the chances of the lightning‑quick US‑bred Bacio in the Coolmore City Of Troy Nunthorpe Stakes (3:35) at York on Friday.
Wesley Ward’s three‑year‑old dazzled with blistering speed in the massive three‑year‑old handicap at Royal Ascot, and there is no doubt that the swift five‑furlong sprint at York suits his turn of foot. However, his reputation has been built on even faster, firmer ground, and the softer surface could blunt his cutting edge. In stark contrast, the Aga Khan Studs’ filly Rayevka proved her versatility by winning a Group race at Longchamp in May on soft ground before meeting a superior opponent in the Group One King Charles III Stakes at the Royal meeting, where she was outclassed.
Rayevka combines speed with adaptability, and the conditions at York may give her the perfect platform to reverse the fortunes against Aidan O’Brien’s colt, who struggled on the track in the July Cup and is generally more effective on quicker ground. Don’t let a string of runner‑up finishes deter you from Adaay Of Scarlett in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes (3:00) at York.
Hugo Palmer’s colt has consistently been a contender in top‑level Group Two races this season – the Coventry Stakes, the July Stakes and the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood – always finishing close but never quite sealing victory. While he has done nothing wrong in defeat, the relatively weaker field this time around could provide the opening he needs to finally break his duck.
The addition of cheekpieces for the first time should give regular jockey Oisin Murphy that extra edge of focus, though he will have to adjust to softer ground than he’s accustomed to. The filly’s dam performed well on cut‑grass, a promising sign that the softer going may actually suit the colt. Aidan O’Brien’s Marco Polo is another intriguing entry. The son of Night Of Thunder, who has only raced once, must be highly regarded at Ballydoyle to be entered in this Group Two, and his half‑brother Saber Strike has already shown considerable ability.
Expect Marco Polo to pose a serious threat to the more seasoned rivals. Local trainer Kevin Ryan boasts an impressive record in this race, with four wins to his name, and his unbeaten colt Matteo could be priced too high as he seeks a third consecutive victory.
Though the race will be tougher than the Beverley conditions race he won so gallantly, I can envisage a strong performance from him. Caballo De Mar – a dual‑winner at the highest level – may rebound from a sub‑par run in the Gold Cup when he contests the Group Two Weatherbys Lonsdale Cup Stakes (2:25). George Scott’s star was found to be suffering from heat stress after a rapid stop at the Royal meeting, but the extended two‑mile distance and rain‑softened ground should play to his strengths. Ralph Beckett’s Amiloc remains unproven over this distance after an unfortunate unseating of Hector Crouch at the start of the Goodwood Cup.
Nonetheless, the longer trip could unlock his potential. He was a top‑class performer last year, winning the Group Two King Edward VII Stakes, and this could be his moment to shine again. I’ll be backing my boss Archie Watson’s progressive three‑year‑old Exclusive Code in the opening race at York, the Sky Bet Mile Handicap (1:50).
The colt has the scope to overcome a substantial weight increase after a recent victory at Goodwood and has shown a liking for good‑to‑soft ground. The son of Blue Point dominated the race from the front at Goodwood, repelling the strong‑closing Zennor Storm, who was a striking second. I’m not convinced Exclusive Code will handle the softer conditions as well, so I anticipate Wathnan Racing’s gelding will reclaim the spotlight.
Zennor Storm’s trainer William Haggas also fields Eklleem, who broke well at Ripon. He is a handsome prospect whose performance in North Yorkshire suggests he can be upgraded, though the step up in class and an unfavourable draw could pose challenges. Ralph Beckett’s improving four‑year‑old Master Vintner ticks all the boxes for the mile‑and‑a‑half Assured Data Protection Handicap (4:10). A winner on heavy ground at Goodwood last autumn, this son of Mastercraftsman sharpened his form dramatically in first‑time blinkers at Thirsk earlier this month and appears more than capable of handling a five‑pound penalty.
Master Builder also heads to the Knavesmire after a win earlier in May, having proven his ability over the same course and distance. He could easily deliver more when faced with a higher class field, while Jane Chapple‑Hyam’s chestnut Primo Lara cannot be discounted after a smooth debut at Ascot.
Overall, the Friday card at York promises a blend of seasoned campaigners and rising stars, all navigating the unpredictable soft ground caused by recent rain. The Nunthorpe Stakes, in particular, will be a true test of speed versus stamina, with Bacio’s raw acceleration, Rayevka’s adaptability, and a host of other talented sprinters vying for the Group One glory. The outcomes will hinge on which horses can best handle the softer going while still unleashing their full turn of foot.