15:55 York

Friday 11 July 2025

All14:1014:4515:2015:5516:3217:0717:40

Azets Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Off time: 15:55 | Winning time: 2m 9.88s

(6)

Classic Encounter⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 10-4| J: Billy Loughnane| T: G Boughey| OR: 87| C

11/8

Proved better than ever when resuming winning ways in 11-runner handicap here (8.8f, good to firm) last month, value for extra having conceded first run. Ran at least as well in defeat from a 4 lb higher mark at Sandown since and warrants respect stepping up in trip.

Form: 3-12314

(2)

Dain Ma Nut In¹⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 10-0| J: D Tudhope| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 83

15/2

Ended last season on the up, bringing up a quick-fire hat-trick at Ayr in September. Solid reappearance third at Musselburgh in April was followed by a much lesser display back there later that month but took a step back in the right direction when sixth of 13 at Carlisle 16 days ago. Up in trip.

Form: 111-396

(10)

Financer¹³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-13| J: Amie Waugh⁽³⁾| T: T D Easterby| OR: 82| BF| D

15/2

Successful 3 times at around 10f last season and has run creditably on 4 of his 5 starts this time around, proving better than ever when second of 17 in C&D handicap 13 days ago. Seems sure to go well again.

Form: 5-20352

(5)

Dawn Of Liberation²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 9-11| J: Warren Fentiman⁽⁵⁾| T: Mrs R Carr| OR: 80| CD

8/1

Is thriving on racing at present, making it 3 wins from his last 4 starts in 20-runner handicap at this C&D (good to firm, 4/1) 28 days ago, forging clear. 9 lb higher mark may not be enough to prevent another bold bid.

Form: 501151

(1)

I Still Have Faith^h¹³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-10| J: Alistair Rawlinson| T: B Brookhouse| OR: 79| D

22/1

Had a very productive 2023, winning 5 times (once over hurdles). Very lightly raced since but turned in another creditable effort when third of 17 in C&D handicap (good, 12/1) 13 days ago, albeit suited by way race developed. Should remain competitive.

Form: 206-963

(4)

Beylerbeyi^t¹³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-7| J: P Mulrennan| T: Ian Williams| OR: 76

16/1

Hit the target 4 times in 2024 but below form this season. Significantly up in trip. Others more persuasive.

Form: 551-060

(8)

Yokohama²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: Connor Beasley| T: J Butler| OR: 74

11/2

Shaped as if still in top form when 4¼ lengths third of 20 to Dawn of Liberation in handicap (8/1) at this C&D (good to firm) 28 days ago. Meets that rival on 9 lb better terms and ought to go well again.

Form: 362263

(7)

Up The Jazz⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-4| J: Barry McHugh| T: R A Fahey| OR: 73| D

12/1

Has dipped below last winning mark and proved as good as ever when second of 6 in handicap at Beverley (9.9f, good to firm) 6 days ago. Must enter the reckoning.

Form: 178-672

(9)

Glistening Nights¹³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-1| J: O J Orr| T: R A Fahey| OR: 70| D

16/1

Won 4 times in 2024, latest at Redcar in September. Has yet to add to his tally this term but ran creditably when fifth of 17 in C&D handicap 13 days ago and should be on the premises with a repeat.

Form: 0-56695

Non-Runners

(3)

Charming Whisper²⁸

Weight: 9-6| Age: 4

T: P J McBride J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Classic Encounter (11/8), Yokohama (11/2), Dain Ma Nut In (15/2), Financer (15/2), Dawn Of Liberation (8/1), Charming Whisper (10/1), Up The Jazz (12/1), Beylerbeyi (16/1), Glistening Nights (16/1), I Still Have Faith (22/1)

CLASSIC ENCOUNTER boasts a progressive profile and with the longer trip likely to be in range, he's taken to register a third career win. Financer arrives in top form and looks sure to go well again, with the thriving Dawn of Liberation and Glistening Nights others to consider in a competitive affair.