Meteor Light out to complete hat-trick in York handicap

The lightly-raced three-year-old has only had three career starts, triumphing in his last two. Trainer Ed Vaughan’s charge opened his account at Nottingham in early May before winning a handicap a month later at Leicester.

Vaughan steps Meteor Light up in class for this extended mile and a quarter race on what is a brand new raceday on the Knavesmire. But he is looking forward to seeing how the improving Clodovil gelding competes against stronger opposition.

Newmarket-based Vaughan said: “He is a progressive horse, who won nicely last time from a tricky draw.

"I know it’s soft ground at York but a bit of juice won’t hinder him, that’s for sure. And I think the track will suit him, also. It’s a nice flat, galloping track – it’s a no excuses track for any horse, really.

"He still doesn’t know a whole lot about racing – he’ll improve again for another run.

"I think he is probably in better shape than he ever has been. Since his last run, he has eaten well, is looking great and he’s in great form with himself. We don’t try him at home. They just improve with their racing.

"He hasn’t put a foot wrong yet this year, has slipped into a decent handicap off a nice low weight so it’s worth taking the chance.”

Vaughan’s string is firing at around a 22 per cent success rate and he enjoyed a nice winner at Newmarket last Friday, thanks to Roman Holiday. “They’re all running to form,” he added. 

The first Saturday of July is a brand new raceday for York and is already proving very popular. 

Not only are there some unique races on the Sun Bets supported card – including the "Jump Jockeys Nunthorpe", only open to riders who hold a National Hunt Licence – with extra entertainment coming from a post-racing concert by pop superstar, Olly Murs.