Live horse racing blog: News, reviews and replays from York's Ebor Festival

• Winter powers home in Nunthorpe
• Superb Stradivarius wins Lonsdale
• Lusail collects Gimcrack
• Murphy lands Convivial gamble
• Sam Cooke hits the right note
• Rain forecast for Saturday card

All times BST, please refresh for updates

The result of the choose your Sky Bet Ebor Price Boost via Sporting Life's My Stable tracker is in and the horse who 'won' was Ilarrab.

Sporting Life readers can get an exclusive My Stable Price Boost on Ilarrab (max £50 win or each-way, and you still get eight places) by clicking here.

1717: That brings the action at York today to a close.

It could all look very different tomorrow if the forecast rain arrives but that's a worry for another moment.

It's been a superb day from start to finish with some stellar performances but with all due respect to Winter Power and Lusail, there was no doubt about the star of the show.

I'll be back tomorrow but in the meantime, thanks for your company.

1709: Rifleman is 13/2 from 9/1.

They are about to start loading for the Sky Bet Mile Handicap as the clock ticks down to post time.

Howard thinks Isla Kai is overpriced, four still out the back.

King Triton and Isla Kai contest the lead with Wishaah in fourth. Royal Fleet is just behind him, one off the rail and appears to have settled nicely. He's tracked by Dejame Paso and Rifleman as they pass halfway. Across the track.

Rifleman picks up and hits the front. Isla Kai second, King Triton third.

A winner for Ryan Moore and the Gosdens. He took a while to pick up but then possibly hit the front sooner than ideal as the second came back at him and had a second go. He was returned at 8/1.

He owed Moore that after unseating him at Sandown and may now have been forgiven.

1656: Royal Fleet is around 3/1 in the absence of Roger Varian's runner and appeals as a lay given how green he was when winning at Newmarket, he's also drawn wide.

It would be no great surprise to see Wishaah usurp him at the top of the market but the first half dozen here have all got their supporters and I'd expect the winner to come from the top of the market.

Royal Fleet is clearly useful but pulled very hard last time (he wears a hood today) and then edged across the track until reaching the rail prompting Buick to say: "I didn't intend going to the far rail but Royal Fleet took me there. He's a big unit with a powerful stride and did that nicely."

He could get lit up if Buick asks him to go forwards from a wide draw and I'd probably want to see how the first furlong goes.

Marsabit is out at 25s but has been progressing quite nicely, they may not have got to the bottom of him yet but I suspect one or two of the more fancied runners have more scope.

Rifleman has been gelded after proving wayward earlier in the year and appeared to have 'benefited' from the opposition when running Accidental Agent close at Sandown.

1652: Raadobarg is a non-runner since I last looked at the finale, presumably the ground has been deemed too fast for him. He was a market mover this morning.

Roger Fell is now speaking to Racing TV: "The owner wanted to hold him up so I had to lie and my plan worked!

"Front runners are winning but they shouldn't really win. She's game. The owner wants to win a Listed race but that should do really.

"I've had one winner here before. I'm really happy. I'm off to get drunk now."

And by this stage on a Friday of the Ebor meeting, I suspect he won't be alone.

I imagine he gets on pretty well with the owner and there will be some ribbing after that interview.

1646: There's one more to come today and I was keen on Dejame Paso who will, of course, now run like a drain after that one but still, I'll take that now.

Walsh is analysing the race and saying that she slowed it down in front and that Curtis got the fractions absolutely spot on.

The winning jockey has spoken with Hislop: "She is tough.

"I thought when they came to be she kept pulling out a little bit more. Roger loves winners here. Great to get one. She did the same (when winning at York last season for me), just pulling out a little bit more and you couldn't ask for a filly to be any gamer. She's been running in a higher grade, trying to get a bit of black type, just missing out but running creditably.

"She was knocking on the door (in pattern races) and hopefully that will give her a bit of confidence and probably that will be on the agenda soon.

"Eldrickjones was lacking a gear to keep my position at halfway but he was the only one that really finished out the race strongly, he looks like a horse that's going to be a lovely three-year-old and I think that's where his future is going to lie."

1642: They're inside the two as I look up and The Flying Ginger is in the lead but surely about to be swamped. I thought she'd be held up.

She's only gone and won.

Well, I don't imagine anyone paid any attention to me and rightly so but she's made every yard to beat Sea La Rosa and Achelois.

Walsh gives plenty of credit to Ben Curtis who was on board Roger Fell's 33/1 shot.

I'll have to watch the replay now!

1634: Hislop thinks the ground is a negative for Achelois but wonders whether she will let herself down which is what I think Murphy told her in the post-race interview after the maiden a little while ago!

Unfortunately I just caught the end of that clip and haven't seen a replay.

I did hear him say that Berkshire Shadow ran flat and he's still promising great things next season over a mile. Dragon Symbol will head to the Curragh for the Flying Five which he thinks will suit.

Back to this race and Hislop likes Declared Interest but is worried about the concession of weight to the three-year-olds.

They are down at the start.

Ananya is out at 50/1 and this is presumably not her day but she's one to remain interested in as she's got plenty of back form and is having her second start for Sir Mark Prescott.

Umneyaat is a good deal shorter at 7s but is fairly easy to back.

1626: It hasn't been a great week for William Haggas so far and he had a shortie turned over in the first handicap, does the same fate await Sea La Rosa in the Assured Data Protection EBF Fillies' Handicap?

She's been very popular in the market and still edges favouritism from Achelois for whom the ground is a slight concern according to Murphy.

It's been an excellent week for Tim Easterby and David Allan namechecked his ride Bollin Margaret on Wednesday. She'd been progressive prior to meeting with defeat over course and distance last time but it may pay to forgive her that.

Rae Guest is adept at handling fillies and there could be a good deal more to come from Jewel In My Crown.

She'd be my idea of an each-way bet at 5s while I've also persuaded myself that The Flying Ginger could grab a place at a big price.

1617: Murphy was pretty keen on that one in his column and he has two live chances in the last two races with Achelois up next, followed by Dejame Paso in the last.

It will put a smile on his face if he leaves the track with a treble.

The PA have filed a word from Ward on Golden Pal.

“Frankie said he was waiting for the turn.

“I made no secret of it that I was very confident coming into the race, but the winner ran a tremendous race and we’re disappointed.

“I think so highly of this colt of course I’m disappointed, it just wasn’t his day.

“I still think he’s a tremendous racehorse. We’ll see if any answers come up when we get him back and see what we find. We were just beaten.

“From everything I’ve seen of this colt, he’s just awesome so when he runs a race like today it’s a head scratcher. We’ll see what transpires, I haven’t lost faith in him.”

1612: Around half the field are in.

Mike Cattermole with the call for the 'richest maiden in the land'.

Capital Theory is wide and in rear with Hoo Ya Mal for company.

Sir Robert Ogden's runner moves quite nicely.

Dawn Of Liberation on the inside but it's Hoo Ya Mal who wins for Murphy and Balding and the punters who backed him down from around 7/1 overnight.

Gamble landed, that was impressive and he's won by a couple of lengths with the pair about five clear of Vintage Choice and Capital Theory.

He was returned at 4/1.

Three of the first four were wide throughout there.

Killearn was fifth but stepped up on his Goodwood run behind Imperial Fighter and shaped encouragingly, he and Capital Theory could be interesting in handicaps.

The winning time was 1.24.2.

The favourite appeared to have every chance but was onepaced and finished seventh.

1604: Walsh doesn't like the head carriage of Brazilian Beach but he's keen on Hoo Ya Mal (I think he said he'd take that one home).

Richard Fahey's Blenheim Boy also takes his eye but he adds, 'I've no idea if he can gallop or not'.

The trainer told his Sporting Life column: "He’s a son of Churchill but it’s a tough race for him to start out in. He’s been a little immature and it’s a learning curve for him. I’d be surprised if he won – but delighted."

Echosmith is 80/1 and looks like he'll need further in time.

Of the Mark Johnston trained runners, Walsh prefers William Buick's mount Herbertandflorence.

Broadspear is in stall 8 and Hoo Ya Mal in stall 16 but perhaps the draw won't make as much difference in this juvenile contest given the different levels of experience.

The favourite holds all the requisite big race entries.

The market leaders all have experience and may well dominate but this is a race to watch with your My Stable tracker at hand.

1601: The Jockey Club raceday news update has just landed in my inbox and there's a line or two that Graham Clark has garnered from Kempton that's worth passing on.

Ray Dawson said of his win aboard Zain Claudette: “Yesterday was a magical day and it is still hasn’t really sunk in. It just seems a bit surreal but at the same time it was very enjoyable.” 

On Mo’Assess he added: “He is a very nice horse and will improve with every run. The cheekpieces have definitely helped. He is quite a big animal so he will only keep improving. 

“He gives you a feel that he is not doing a whole lot as he is such a big horse. He almost fools you that he isn’t doing a whole lot and you just want to make sure of things on a track like this as they come from behind quite often.

“He felt very good and has done it very well. He would definitely get a mile and a quarter and he is made for that and possibly a mile and a half but he is good enough to do it over a mile.”

Natasha received a 33/1 quote for next year’s Cazoo Oaks at Epsom Downs with Paddy Power following her facile success in the novice stakes. 

Robert Havlin, winning rider, said of the 8/11 winner: “She has come on a fair bit for that first run and she had a real good blow last time. 

“She was green when I put her in daylight the last day. She was like a rabbit caught in the headlights when I took her into space the last day.

“She was getting a little bit lonely there but I was mindful to make her work to the line. 

“I think she will improve again. She will be a nice middle distance filly for next year. She had a wide draw but she is a quick learner.”

1554: Easterby with Hislop.

"She's so relaxed and she's done so well, put so much weight on and thrived late summer. This spring she was a little bit light and a little bit backward looking but she looks tremendous now.

"She doesn't need a lead, she doesn't need to go anywhere near another horse. If they're fit and well and they can run then you might as well because they might not be next season. She's just got something special.

"You just feel that she's developed so much (that my instinct is that she will be better next season).

"She's in the Prix l'Abbaye but I'll speak to Alastair (Donald, racing manager) and the team, you need a bit of time after a Group One race like that. Even though she's won nicely, she's had a race.

"She'll get stronger so it might be better to go (to America) later, I don't know what the weight allowances are and there are all sorts of logistical problems and I wouldn't want to get caught up in it.

"She's a wonderful filly. The best ones have that kick halfway through the race. She doesn't take any training, Duran Fentiman rides her out every day, lobs around at the back of the string, nothing electric, feed her well and look after her well."

1549: Perhaps people listened to Chapman?

Suesa was sent off the 9/4 favourite in the end despite that draw in 14 so there must have been a late move for her and a late drift for Golden Pal who weakened out of it very tamely and disappointingly but not surprisingly - for some.

On another matter, there are just 10 minutes left for the Sky Bet Ebor Price Boost offer - there's time if you hurry.

"Ahead of the Sky Bet Ebor, Sporting Life readers have the opportunity to get an exclusive Price Boost on the horse they want to back.

Each day of the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival, the sponsors of the big race have been enhancing the odds of a high-profile runner for our readers only, and the criteria for selection is simple: which is most popular in My Stable?

Therefore by logging into My Stable and tracking the horse, or horses, at the top of your shortlist for Saturday's handicap, you will be having your say on one of the standout offers in the industry.

Be sure to do so before Friday's 4pm deadline, and then visit our live York blog or the Ebor racecard on Saturday morning to find out if you'll be getting a bigger price on your fancy."

1542: That was exciting and I could use a replay or two.

Once again the draw played a huge part in the race but that wasn't anything we didn't know coming into it.

Dragon Symbol was on the right side but does appear to need six furlongs or a stiffer five.

We should be hearing from De Sousa shortly.

Apparently Duran Fentiman does a huge amount of work with Winter Power at home.

"She's unbelievably fast. She's good, she's very good. She's a good five furlong filly on a flat track like this."

That's a second Group One for owners King Power Racing.

She's by Bungle Inthejungle - I wonder if that's a first Group One for him?

Easterby is with Chapman - contrasting characters.

"She's an incredible filly and has just come right for the day you know. I wasn't worried about any other horses really because you're just focused on your own horse.

"She's relaxed now, in her work, in the races, she's switched off you know."

1535: All set for the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes.

Chipotle is back out to 16s as he goes forward with Hollie Doyle in the saddle.

Golden Pal loaded into stall one.

This will be fast and furious. Golden Pal leads! Suesa is switched towards the centre but is a long way adrift and has to edge back towards the stands.

Winter Power has it.

Emaraaty Ana, Dragon Symbol and Suesa who has run an absolute blinder to be fourth or fifth, she's in a photo with Chil Chil.

Hannity has been tipping up Winter Power all week on the morning show and he will be delighted with her starting price of 9/1.

The winning time was 56.72.

She got a lovely tow into the race but was in front a long way out under Silvestre de Sousa; the prize stays in Yorkshire with Tim Easterby the successful trainer.

The camera pans round and Kevin Ryan almost looks happier than Easterby as he taps him on the back.

Treat success and disaster all the same and all that.

1520: Bell has spoken to Ward about Golden Pal.

"We're excited. About right now is when you start pacing and getting nervous but he's doing great. He's a very relaxed type of horse. I think we drew well for him because he has speed.

"I've been looking forward to this race for quite some time with this horse. I've been singing his praises and we're getting down to the last few minutes so let's hope everything goes well."

The pictures are of Crowley who is on board Battaash who is trotting out on the course in front of the stands, so far Crowley has kept a lid on him and I'm sure they're getting a tremendous reception. He's been a very popular sprinter over the years.

Battaash holds the course record and won the last two renewals of the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes - we're about to find out whose name will be etched on the trophy for 2021.

Ken Pittersen is with Bell and he was impressed by Golden Pal, Suesa and Chil Chil but Dragon Symbol was a negative who has started to go into his coat and he wonders if a hard season is starting to catch up with him.

Golden Pal is into 9/5 but Chapman is adamant that he can't have him.

"I don't get how Golden Pal can win this race but I have been wrong before," he concludes.

They're going behind.

1519: A few tipsters have been predicting that a pace burn-up could see the hold-up horses coming through to dominate the finish and the likes of Arecibo and Emaraaty Ana have been put up while Value Bet is with Chil Chil who breaks from 3.

Dettori is in the saddle about Golden Pal who carries a good deal of stable confidence.

"He looks really powerful," says Hislop.

In contrast, Suesa is not the biggest but she's already proved that she can run and there were excuses for her defeat at Ascot prior to that with William Buick commenting after Goodwood that it helped having got to know her a little. It will be fascinating to see how he rides this race.

For a few of the other principals you'd imagine it's more a case of point and shoot although Winter Power may not want to match strides with the American horse if he goes off as quickly as his compatriots occasionally do.

Chipotle's presence is to be lauded as a two-year-old's presence always adds a fascinating angle. He's fitted with cheekpieces to help him lay up with his elders and he's better than he was able to show at Newbury where he enjoyed awful luck in running while the soft ground was to blame at Goodwood.

Chapman has just provided a betting ring update and they've come for Golden Pal who is into 2/1. That's a significant move.

It's Suesa 10/3 and Dragon Symbol is out to 9/2 and getting closer to the sort of price where I might be tempted to back him each-way!

Winter Power continues to be easy to back at 15/2.

Hannity was one who was very keen on the chances of Tim Easterby's filly.

1510: You'd have to be tempted to lay Suesa wouldn't you?

Drawn in 14, a hold-up horse on a speed favouring track who is running on the fastest ground she's ever encountered.

There is pace on her side of the course with the likes of Dakota Gold alongside and it was suggested, I forget by who, that the draw bias hasn't been as pronounced over five furlongs as it has over six.

Dragon Symbol, Golden Pal and Winter Power are all low and should put plenty of pace to the race towards the inside; I'd expect the former to be staying on strongly too but I think he's short enough at 7/2.

I'll break there to bring you a word from Dobbs on Lusail.

"I didn't think I'd get there as quick as we did. He's very babyish. We haven't got to the bottom yet. I got to the front about half a furlong earlier than I wanted. The only reason he got beat this year was soft ground.

"He's quick for six but seven is not a problem for him either. His attitude, you don't ride many horses like him, he's so laid back.

"He's a nicer type of a horse than Mehmas, a lot more scope. This guy has everything you need."

And a word on Dawn Of Liberation ahead of the Convivial.

"He's improved a lot but he's going to be a better horse later on, he's still a little bit on the weak side."

More from Hannon on Lusail via Racing TV.

"He never has done (shown a lot at home). He works okay and I brought him here for a race where I thought I had enough horse that would win it and he went and won.

"Out of all our two-year-olds, he's probably the one with the most scope and he'll be a lovely horse for next year."

1500: Racing and Berkshire Shadow missed the break again.

He's last and on the stands' side which hasn't been the place to be. Two to run. Gis A Sub prominent throughout but Lusail digs deep and hits the line strongly.

Value Bet selection Gis A Sub was second ahead of Twilight Jet (both on the far side)and Fearby with Eldrickjones finishing well against the stands' side.

The winner was returned at 7/2.

He looked in a bit of bother momentarily but picked up impressively when he did find his stride.

That race didn't offer any encouragement for those drawn high in the Nunthorpe. I suppose if you break quickly and can edge across the track from the front, that might be an option but the rest can forget it!

"They go together like birds of a feather," Richard Hannon says of the winner and jockey Pat Dobbs.

"Delighted, he's won it with a penalty and he's one of our two-year-olds who I think will be a horse for next year. I would rather see him in the Guineas (than a Commonwealth Cup) but all those races are on the table now."

1453: The Gimcrack runners have left the paddock and we should be catching up with some paddock notes any second.

Il Bandito has been taken out of the last on account of the ground.

There were plenty who thought Lusail would beat Berkshire Shadow at Goodwood only for the former to be declared a non-runner but they are joint-favourites at 10/3.

They have run through the paddock notes but technical issues meant they weren't audible. Heh ho.

Howard is with Lusail despite the penalty (that Berkshire Shadow also carries) and thinks that these are his conditions. Berkshire Shadow is also expected to prefer being back on a faster surface but there are concerns that he may not have the tactical pace for this track, especially if he's a little slow out of the gates again.

At the preview night, Murphy told the audience that he saw Berkshire Shadow as more of a Dewhurst type rather than a Middle Park runner.

PJ McDonald expects Fearby to be suited by this step up to six furlongs.

Luck is tempted to take a flier with Orazio, feeling there was something about him at Newbury.

Not long until we find out.

1443: That really quickened the pulse.

The Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes will have to go some to match that but it promises to be a decent renewal of the juvenile Group Two with Lusail and Berkshire Shadow to the fore of the betting.

Gis A Sub has his supporters both in the betting ring and on the tipping pages. Orazio is another for each-way money while Fearby's fans are keeping the faith despite his reverse in the Molecomb.

John Gosden is speaking in more length to Racing TV and you can get all of the post-race reaction (in due course) via clicking on the image above, as well as the other race reports from York.

He has just said that Stradivarius 'was a really angry chap when he came home (from Goodwood) and hadn't run'.

"Happy horses win races and unhappy horses don't and that's the way he trains. He's still up for it."

Gosden thought that Yeats was eight when winning his last Ascot Gold Cup and that was confirmed by Hislop. It offers encouragement that we could see Stradivarius back in action next season.

If the weather turns there is a chance that we may not see him again this year as I doubt a chance will be taken on easy ground again.

1440: On Racing TV, Dettori seems to be buzzing with his face full of colour and a wide grin spread across it, his arms are flailing about, gesturing as he talks to Hislop but that was on mute while I listened to a rather more measured John Gosden on ITV Racing.

"There was not the pace he liked so it was always going to be a fascinating race," he said.

"It was a proper race for everyone to watch. He's phenomenal. All those miles of racing. Full marks to him. Great performance and we'll see what we want to do.

"He still enjoys his racing. I always think Flat horses are at their peak at five but some of the great jumpers race on. We'll see how he is. He's a very happy horse and he's got a very good sense of humour as well. As long as he's happy we can keep racing.

"What a great race by Spanish Mission, two fabulous horses."

1429: That was a terrific race and Luck has described the ride as 'terrific, full of guile and sympathy'.

It did go to the judge and the result is now official. He won at 4/6.

ITV are saying they haven't heard a roar on a racecourse like that in a long time.

That's four Lonsdales in a row for John Gosden, a third for Stradivarius and (possibly) a seventh for Dettori.

That race really did get the pulse racing, it was brilliant.

Dettori has gone back in front of the stands and is soaking up the applause, he is loving it.

"He's getting older, he's getting wiser. He got the job done. He's an amazing horse," says the jockey.

"He knows exactly what he's got to do. I love him so much."

Heartwarming scenes and this could relegate the Nunthorpe to the sub-headlines.

1422: The punters have come for Stradivarius who is into 4/6 to take his course record to five wins from five visits.

He's got his conditions for the first time in a while and that should allow us to determine whether he's as good as he used to be. If he's beaten he could well be retired but if he wins the suggestion is that he will stay in training.

Spanish Mission also has course form to his name and could be improving - is his market rival regressing?

John Gosden is normally very happy to speak to ITV but they're interviewing Willie Mullins who trains Stratum; I wonder if that's a sign of nerves?

Thirty seconds to post time.

Stradivarius jumps sharply but allows The Grand Visir to go on and he's clear by three as they pass the winning post, Spanish Mission is in last about three off Stradivarius. They race past the 12 furlong start and I don't imagine too much will change until we reach the straight. The Grand Visir has doubled that early lead. Nine to race.

Seven to race as they clock off the furlongs. Into the straight. Dettori looking in his wing mirrors. Spanish Mission is alongside and will fight out the finish. One leads and then the other and at the line it is Stradivarius.

1418: The runners are heading to the start for the Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup.

There's still an hour and 40 minutes before the cut off for the Sky Bet / Sporting Life Sky Bet Ebor Price Boost offer which is detailed below.

Ahead of the Sky Bet Ebor, Sporting Life readers have the opportunity to get an exclusive Price Boost on the horse they want to back.

Each day of the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival, the sponsors of the big race have been enhancing the odds of a high-profile runner for our readers only, and the criteria for selection is simple: which is most popular in My Stable?

Therefore by logging into My Stable and tracking the horse, or horses, at the top of your shortlist for Saturday's handicap, you will be having your say on one of the standout offers in the industry.

Be sure to do so before Friday's 4pm deadline, and then visit our live York blog or the Ebor racecard on Saturday morning to find out if you'll be getting a bigger price on your fancy.

1411: "He looks great," says Walsh of Stradivarius.

"You end up in the wrong place because you're not going," he responds when asked about the trouble in running at Ascot. The champion stayer is very relaxed in the preliminaries and Walsh is hoping that he looks a little livelier once Dettori is in the saddle.

He's 8/11 now with Spanish Mission out to 2/1 despite the latter proving very popular with most pundits.

The camera focuses in on connections of the favourite as Dettori makes his way over to his old companion and gets the leg up into the saddle. You sense that victory here would mean a good deal to the veteran jockey who was unusually tense and nervous before the Ascot Gold Cup.

Hopefully they can enjoy a swansong together.

1404: Beckett could complete a quick double as Old Flame has attracted significant support ahead of his debut at Kempton; apparently he looks the part on paper and in the paddock. He could be a name to note.

The main focus is on the Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup Stakes of course and whether Stradivarius can do enough to defy the doom mongers.

Stratum was second in last year's renewal but this does have the look of a match between Stradivarius and Spanish Mission who is relatively unexposed as a stayer and is on the improve.

Spanish Mission was around two lengths in front of the old boy in the Ascot Gold Cup and there's a suggestion that he may prove better suited by this sort of trip.

There are differing schools of thought - naturally - about whether Stradivarius' run can be put down to not enjoying the best of rides or to whether it was indicative of a decline from his peak.

We'll know more in about 20 minutes or so.

There's no double for Beckett with Old Flame finishing out of the frame but he was very green and didn't enjoy the best of runs. One for the My Stable tracker?

1400: Once again the principals were front rank in the early stages of the race.

Oli Bell spoke to Hornby as he made his way to the winner's enclosure: "He can take himself into the race quite easily and take over horses off the bridle.

"He's got a lot of ability when he settles and gives himself a chance. He galloped out really well after the line. All the team at home have done a great job with him."

The winning time was 2.30.25.

Chapman is with Dettori who tells him that Stradivarius seems very happy.

"He's not getting any younger, I think he's still as good as he was in the past. I've got plenty of confidence in him that he'll run a big race.

"Wesley speaks highly about this horse (Golden Pal) and this was always the target. I rode him work on Wednesday and he seems in good form. He's done all of his racing in America around a turn but Wesley has done it before so he knows what it takes to win this race.

"Very excited."

1345: The first of the runners are going behind the stalls for the Sky Bet Handicap.

The drop in trip could see a better performance from Throne Hall who, Howard has just revealed, was Kevin Ryan's bet of the meeting on the preview night on Tuesday.

Howard is also quite keen on Dark Jedi who has been reasonably well backed but is 10s from 9s on the current show.

State Of Bliss is the last to load and one of the first to break from his wide draw - can he get across? Nicola Currie has got to the lead and leads HMS President and Throne Hall from Johnny Drama. Wink Of An Eye back in eighth. They've passed halfway.

Into the straight and no moves from the rear yet but they are being stoked up. Lots of chances. Sam Cooke, Throne Hall and Dark Jedi from Johnny Drama.

A winner for Ralph Beckett and Rob Hornby.

The winner hasn't always been the easiest to catch right but he had a nice early position in about fifth or sixth and travelled very well. He's been returned at 14/1.

I thought the ground was an issue for him and that was his first start on anything faster than good which is a little surprising for a five-year-old but he clearly handled it well enough - perhaps it's the key!!

Beckett tells Matt Chapman that the ground was a concern: "I didn't think he'd like the ground, he loves a bit of give in the ground.

"He got a lovely ride today. he's always had it in him, it's just never worked out for us since he got injured as a three-year-old.

"It's been a long time between drinks!"

1335: Walsh and Hislop are in the parade ring and Wink Of An Eye takes Walsh's eye.

He's the 5/2 favourite.

On ITV Racing Matt Chapman is running through the market movers and mentions Orazio, Chipotle and Dragon Symbol who he describes as the best backed horse in the Nunthorpe.

He's against Golden Pal.

Walsh says Midnight's Legacy is taking the preliminaries a little better than stable companion Scarlet Dragon but only believes he has 'a squeak I suppose' while he describes HMS President as having 'half a sheep on his head'.

It's over to Luck and Howard.

Both are positive about State Of Bliss who has a wide draw to contend with in a race Mark Johnston has won a couple of times in the past. They're hoping that he can keep improving as he goes up in trip.

1327: Michael Shinners has just provided Luck with an update from Sky Bet and starts by mentioning that they are paying five places in the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes.

William Haggas' Sea La Rosa is nominated as the best backed horse of the day while Hamish and Sonnyboyliston fill that spot for tomorrow's Sky Bet Ebor.

Twenty minutes or so to go until Wink Of An Eye who could open Haggas' account for the meeting.

First, though, there's a novice stakes from Kempton where Natasha is an odds-on favourite.

She duly wins as an odds-on favourite should as one commentator is fond of saying.

1323: A line from Alan King on Trueshan's withdrawal.

He said: “We’ve decided to take him out. It wasn’t really a difficult decision now the ground has gone good to firm.

“We’ve got Goodwood in the bag and there are plenty of big targets later in the year for him, so the one thing we don’t want to do is go jarring him up.

“I’m sure he wouldn’t have been at his best on quick ground, anyway.

“The Prix du Cadran is before Ascot (British Champions Long Distance Cup) and that is his first big target and I’ll need to find a run for him somewhere beforehand,” King added.

“There’s the Doncaster Cup next month, so we’ll see.”

1319: Ahead of the Sky Bet Ebor, Sporting Life readers have the opportunity to get an exclusive Price Boost on the horse they want to back.

Each day of the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival, the sponsors of the big race have been enhancing the odds of a high-profile runner for our readers only, and the criteria for selection is simple: which is most popular in My Stable?

Therefore by logging into My Stable and tracking the horse, or horses, at the top of your shortlist for Saturday's handicap, you will be having your say on one of the standout offers in the industry.

Be sure to do so before Friday's 4pm deadline, and then visit our live York blog or the Ebor racecard on Saturday morning to find out if you'll be getting a bigger price on your fancy.

1309: Ruby Walsh and Lydia Hislop are out on the course and believe that the wind has changed direction and is now a tailwind.

They jokingly suggest that Battaash's track record could come under threat.

Walsh likes Winter Power and thinks that the ground will prove to be the undoing of Suesa.

They're both now knocking Stradivarius (not his achievements you understand) and Walsh believes Spanish Mission can take full advantage of the old boy's advancing years (and decline?).

Mark Howard is keeping Nick Luck company in the parade ring and he agrees that the course record could be broken today. They can't agree on who will be in the lead after two furlongs though with Que Amoro and Winter Power both mentioned.

Howard says he can't believe he's half fancying Arecibo in a race like this and also namechecks Emaraaty Ana. He's clearly expecting (hoping?) the closers to pick up the pieces.

They make the point that there isn't a Group One winner in the field which is fairly remarkable.

1257: The runners are leading the paddock for the first at Kempton and number 2 has got a little geed up and unseated the jockey who has his/her feet out of the irons out on the course.

Trueshan was taken out of the Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup at 1246 which is a great shame but somewhat inevitable despite the confidence of one or two of the presenting team that Alan King's runner would line up.

Stradivarius is now odds-on and a general 5/6 with Spanish Mission 6/4 and 10s bar.

I'm looking forward to the closing Sky Bet Mile Handicap and not just because it's the last race of the day.

It's an absolute cracker and I'm hoping will cap an excellent day for Oisin Murphy (actually, I don't mind if this is his only winner) who rides Dejame Paso who has won twice since finishing down the field in the London Gold Cup.

I was with him at Sandown and see no reason to abandon him despite this rise in grade and shorter trip.

It's no great surprise to see that Royal Fleet is a little uneasy as he won despite doing an awful lot wrong at Newmarket and is drawn out in 16. He has been fitted with a hood which may help but will have to be a good deal more professional to win this competitive, big field contest.

It is hugely competitive of course and Wishaah is proving popular at 4/1 while there has been support for King Triton and Raadobarg who won ridiculously easily on heavy ground at Haydock but has won on quicker ground too.

However, I think the penny has dropped with Dejame Paso and I'm keen to stay with him until he's beaten.

I hadn't paid a great deal of attention to the first at Kempton but my ears pricked up when I heard them say that Golden Duke had taken full advantage of his handicap mark which is due to go up by 13lbs in the future.

I expected him to be about 4/9 on the back of that but it seems not everyone thought that the handicapper had it right as he was returned at 11/4 for Nigel Tinkler and Faye McManoman. Remarkable.

1242: Here are the York market movers from Sky Bet:

13.50 - Johnny Drama 15/2 from 9/1

14.25 – Trueshan 9/4 from 11/4

15.00 – Orazio 15/2 from 9/1

15.30 – Chipotle 11/1 from 18/1

16.10 – Hoo Ya Mal 4/1 from 6/1

16.40 – Sea La Rosa 11/4 from 7/2

17.10 – Raadobarg 8/1 from 14/1

1231: The morning preview show is being wrapped up and there's a little over an hour until the start of a cracking card.

The preview didn't touch on the hugely valuable British Stallion Studs EBF Convivial Maiden Stakes which I think is the most valuable maiden run in Britain with over £36,000 to the winner.

Roger Varian trained last year's winner who came into the race on the back of a second on his sole start and Broadspear boasts a similar profile.

There has been a market move for Hoo Ya Mal (halved in price more or less) who also has the benefit of a run and is trained by Andrew Balding and ridden by Oisin Murphy.

Murphy told his Sporting Life column: "I’d like to think he’ll be there or thereabouts".

A couple of these ran behind Imperial Fighter (second in the Acomb) at Goodwood and both Capital Fighter and Killearn (who looked particularly clueless) should come forward from that experience. I'm a little surprised that there isn't more strength behind Capital Fighter in the betting.

Dawn Of Liberation is well related and made a pleasing debut at Newbury behind Reach For The Moon and yesterday's nursery winner (trained by Balding) Harrow.

Skye Breeze shaped nicely at Newcastle but probably needs to take a big step forwards to lift this prize. He's one of several interesting runners in a renewal that looks well up to scratch.

1215: The Racing TV team have moved on to the Assured Data Protection EBF Fillies' Handicap which is a cracking race.

Part of the winnings of Achelois are donated to charity and she's been doing them proud so far, coping admirably with the step up to 10 furlongs when winning at Goodwood. She's open to more improvement at today's distance.

A little surprisingly she isn't favourite with Sea La Rosa heading the market but Stanley and Berry move on to Umneyaat first.

She disappointed Berry earlier this season (hadn't come forward physically) and he wants to see her in the parade ring to see if she does look stronger, he's also worried about stamina but pays due deference to Dermot Weld opting to bring her over. He's reserving judgement until he's seen her in the flesh though.

David Allan gave Bollin Margaret a positive mention in a post-race interview earlier this week without having the time to expand too much on her chance. She's out at 14s and Berry thinks she could outrun her odds.

Rae Guest is a dab hand with fillies and he saddles another improver in Jewel In My Crown who would have won her last four starts but for bumping into Portfolio on her penultimate outing and that one has run creditably in Listed company since, including in yesterday's Galtres Stakes.

Berry seems quite keen on her chance while he would have Achelois as favourite over Sea La Rosa. There's a lot of fence sitting today when asked to sum up the race.

I've got a random outsider for this one.

The Flying Ginger doesn't have the same scope as most of her rivals but she is a pretty consistent handicapper and will be more at home in this grade than at Listed level the last twice. She made all when winning at Pontefract in June but was patiently ridden at this track over a mile in May and stayed on into fourth in a manner that suggested she could stay this far.

Ben Curtis partnered her to a course win last October and is back on board for the first time this season and Roger Fell's horses are running well enough. She's out at 40/1 and I think there's a chance that she could hit the frame (four places with a number of firms).

1209: Is one magpie good luck or bad luck?

I know you're supposed to greet them with a 'good day Mr Magpie' or similar but given I've just had to usher one out of the house after hearing it crashing around those weren't the exact words I used.

He/she has been hanging around for days - I don't think it's the full shilling.

I've looked it up. One is bad luck apparently unless you greet it with "Good morning, Mr Magpie - how's your lady wife today?"

This one's definitely too young to be married so perhaps I get away with it?

1200: Rohaan has been withdrawn from the Nunthorpe Stakes on account of the ground.

The Wokingham winner was around a 28/1 chance when taken out of the race about 10 minutes ago.

The field has been reduced to 14.

The front two continue to drift with Golden Pal 7/2 in a place and Suesa half a point longer with one firm whereas Dragon Symbol is 10/3 and generally 4s.

Is there scope for a turn up?

We've heard about negatives for all of the first three in the betting and the next in the market, Winter Power is proving very easy to back.

1151: The Racing TV experts are having a look at the opening handicap, let us see if they can unearth a gem or two.

"Very hard to get away from Wink Of An Eye," is the opening line after some food banter.

The feeling is that he's on a progressive roll and that he can continue that faced with this test. He's probably well drawn in four whereas State Of Bliss is out in 18.

Johnny Drama won the John Smith's Cup over 10 furlongs and gets a positive mention from Stanley; he's a multiple winner on the all-weather but his last two starts suggest he's getting it together on grass.

Stanley is tempted by the frustrating My Frankel who hasn't delivered as much as promised just yet.

Midnights Legacy is put up by Berry as another to mention who could pick up the pieces and hit the frame but he's finding it hard to see beyond the favourite.

1137: Back to the Sky Bet Handicap and it's a race where quite a few runners that I thought might be of interest (Scarlet Dragon, Sam Cooke, the well backed Dark Jedi, even HMS President) may not be ideally suited by the prevailing conditions.

That shouldn't be a problem for State Of Bliss whose trainer said after the Shergar Cup success: "Today, State Of Bliss finished so well.

"He's won today on what is good to soft ground over a trip we thought would be far for him – it opens up a lot of doors. I've been having a dig at Barbara [Richmond, part-owner] there because he was second at Nottingham and I said he needs to go further, and she said he didn't want to go beyond a mile. Nicola has come in today and said ‘he’ll go as far as you like really!’ "

He is up by 5lbs but could be open to improvement over this stiffer test. He's not a very exciting choice but is one of a handful who looks fairly obviously suited by conditions.

I briefly tried to make a case for Glasses Up but Midnights Legacy is far more solid and more interesting. He hasn't quite gone on from his Epsom win as might have been expected but this looks to be a reasonable option. Again, he's not cast iron on the ground but it was quick at Ascot for his latest start.

His owners are hoping that they might be able to make him into a stallion to replace Midnight Legend so they will be hoping that he can win this and take his handicap mark into three figures.

1119: The Mark Your Card team have moved to a more light-hearted feature and they have a range of local ales lined up on a table.

It must be time for a coffee.

The card at York opens with a 12 furlong handicap and three non-runners have taken the field down to 15 so check those each-way terms. That may be particularly relevant for many with Wink Of An Eye as short as 9/4 to complete his four-timer.

Fellow three-year-old State Of Bliss wasn't far behind him at Goodwood but is out at 8/1 and 9s in places.

More on that in a while with the people on the telly moving their attention to the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes.

Lusail and Fearby are the two for McNae before he passes over to the gentlemen on course; he was very keen on the latter ahead of his run at Goodwood as he clocked a very fast time at Sandown but the test in Sussex seemed too sharp for him.

Berry thinks there are others with more upside and we should find out which they are in a moment.

Lusail had Eldrickjones behind when winning at Newmarket (as well as Asymmetric); Berry felt he had plenty in the locker on the July Course and feels that he will continue to improve. He's a fan.

Berkshire Shadow was beaten over seven at Goodwood but they don't feel the drop to six at York will be a problem but his lack of speed from the gates could be an issue if it puts him on the back foot.

Oisin Murphy told his Sporting Life column: "Six furlongs on a fast track like this is his absolute minimum, we know he’s a miler in the making, but it’s the right race for him."

Berry isn't sure Twilight Jet is quite good enough but will be suited by the test and provide a guide to the Phoenix form. Orazio does float his boat though and 'is a bit of each-way value'. I'm not sure that constitutes a selection. It doesn't, both he and Stanley think Lusail will be hard to beat.

1108: McNae doesn't believe the ground is an adequate excuse for Stradivarius' defeat at Ascot and ends his introduction with 'I think he's on the downgrade' to which Stanley replies 'I know Fran agrees with you'.

Lay of the day?

Stradivarius is four from four at York (there's that course form nugget again) and the quick conditions should be ideal. Berry feels people were looking for excuses and ended up looking in the wrong places (Frankie Dettori's ride) but that he didn't make the ground up that might have been expected once in the clear.

Bjorn Nielsen spoke to a podcast earlier in the week and it seems suggested that Stradivarius could be retired today if he doesn't run to his best.

Berry wonders if the game is getting to Stradivarius mentally, suggesting that some of his quirks are becoming more exaggerated. He believes there are no excuses for him today and is looking forward to seeing how the seven-year-old behaves in the preliminaries.

Trueshan had everything in his favour at Goodwood and it remains to be seen whether he can replicate that form on this quicker surface. He thinks there's every chance that Trueshan will be withdrawn.

Berry is keen on Spanish Mission whose best is still to come. He didn't believe he got the two and a half miles of the Ascot Gold Cup and at the age of five, is coming to himself as a stayer.

1102: Sky Bet's Michael Shinners is with Hannity to provide a market update.

"The Lonsdale Cup, Stradivarius pretty solid at 11/8. In the Gimcrack, Orazio is 8/1 from 9s. In the Nunthorpe we've seen money for Chipotle (12/1 from 18s) and Sky Bet are paying five places in the race.

"It's a really tight betting heat. Golden Pal isn't as strong as we thought and he's 11/4 alongside Suesa.

"It's going to be an absolute burn up, there's pace all over the track. There's a little bit of money for Emaraaty Ana.

"The weather is going to play a huge part in the Sky Bet Ebor and Sky Bet are paying eight places in the race. Hamish won't make the ground and is favourite at the moment. We'll wait and see what happens with the ground."

Hannity is keen on Winter Power in the Nunthorpe and didn't seem too disheartened to learn that she was fairly weak with Sky Bet.

1053: Angus McNae is outlining the negatives for Suesa in the Nunthorpe.

She's drawn away from Golden Pal (and high numbers have struggled, more so over six than five), has different ground to contend with and is a hold-up horse on a course that tends to favour front / prominent racers.

He's asking Fran Berry how he would ride her.

"If Golden Pal hits the gates like he did in Saratoga he's going to get two lengths on the field. I think you have to let the race unfold in the first furlong and I wouldn't be doing anything drastic out of the gates. You can take a look at halfway.

"If she's as effective on the good ground, William should be able to put her where he wants to."

Tom Stanley thinks Buick will want to move left and tuck in with the pace of Winter Power also drawn relatively low. Suesa has worked on decent ground and her trainer doesn't believe that conditions will be a problem.

"I wouldn't rule her out looking at her action," says Berry. "She's a pretty fluent mover."

Berry is concerned that this test will be too quick for Dragon Symbol with a stiffer five more down his street. I'm not convinced.

Stanley highlights the importance of course form and there's plenty of that on offer with Winter Power, Moss Gill and Dakota Gold all boasting some while Que Amoro ran second in last year's renewal.

Moss Gill is described as 'something of an each-way player' by Berry who believes that he could pick up the pieces if there's a pace blowout but he's being very polite about all of the runners in truth.

He's been asked for a selection but he's sitting on the fence; "I'm very, very happy to watch the race," he concludes.

1048: Jim Crowley is going to ride Battaash today!

The recently retired sprinter isn't lining up in the Nunthorpe of course but he will be in the parade ring before the race and will be asked to canter in front of the stands - if the mood takes him.

He could get quite lit up.

He won the last two renewals of the Nunthorpe Stakes but connections called it a day after Goodwood.

Stradivarius has won the Lonsdale Cup the last two times that he's gone to post (he didn't run last year) but missed Goodwood this year after the deluge.

He's the same age as Battaash. Has age also caught up with the Gosdens' star stayer? With all due respect to Spanish Mission, we may not have a conclusive answer if Trueshan doesn't take him on.

1045: The exclusive offer from Sky Bet and Sporting Life closes at 4pm today so there's still time. Here's a reminder...

Ahead of the Sky Bet Ebor, Sporting Life readers have the opportunity to get an exclusive Price Boost on the horse they want to back.

Each day of the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival, the sponsors of the big race have been enhancing the odds of a high-profile runner for our readers only, and the criteria for selection is simple: which is most popular in My Stable?

Therefore by logging into My Stable and tracking the horse, or horses, at the top of your shortlist for Saturday's handicap, you will be having your say on one of the standout offers in the industry.

Be sure to do so before Friday's 4pm deadline, and then visit our live York blog or the Ebor racecard on Saturday morning to find out if you'll be getting a bigger price on your fancy.

1041: Niall Hannity and Megan Nicholls are on the course with Anthea Leigh and Willie the Whippet.

Leigh says: "After the fifth race looking at the times and listening to the jockeys we changed it to good, good to firm in places.

"Walking it this morning we're now going good to firm, good in places. We had 0.2mm overnight which has just wet the grass.

"Now they are really firming up (the forecast) on Saturday. The most recent forecast gives rain at 6am, more light stuff after a dry spell and by the time we get to 12 or 1 o'clock it's going to rain through the afternoon.

"When you're racing and it's raining it gets into the ground so much quicker."

We seem to have had so much late rain at weekends this season and that's a real poser for owners, trainers, punters and tipsters too.

What will the ground be by the Sky Bet Ebor? Will the forecast be right?

1015: All 15 runners are standing their ground for what promises to be a thrilling renewal of the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes.

There has been money for Dragon Symbol who finally has the quick ground he's long been thought to need and he's almost as short as Golden Pal and Suesa with some firms.

Winter Power is out to 7s and surprisingly weak while the juvenile Chiptole's price ranges anywhere between 11/1 and 16/1.

How many Brocklesby winners have won the Nunthorpe in the same season? Has it ever been attempted?

I had been thinking that Dragon Symbol each-way was my angle into the race but there's no sign of the 6/1 or 11/2 remaining at present. He's drawn alongside Golden Pal who I thought would give him a lovely tow into the race and that his proven stamina might just see him over the line if they go too fast but I will have to see how the market reacts nearer off time.

1006: Hello again.

I'd fully expected to see Trueshan's name among the list of non-runners when I fired up the laptop but that is not the case as things stand although there are three absentees from the opening Sky Bet Handicap.

The going is now officially described as good-to-firm, good in places but perhaps Alan King is waiting to walk the course before he makes any decisions.

Trueshan does need racing after all and they can always look after him if he doesn't let himself down on the ground but Hollie Doyle didn't sound very optimistic when speaking yesterday.

Trueshan is a current 5/2 chance with Stradivarius the 6/4 favourite. It would be wonderful to see both of them line up.

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