York Showcase Weekend...
York Showcase Weekend...
York stage their ‘Music Showcase’ weekend on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon
When the racing action ends, ‘The Rollin’ Clones take to the stage on Friday evening; with four of the stars from ‘The X Factor’ on Saturday – Eoghan, Austin, Laura and Ruth. The sole evening fixture at York on Friday commences at 6pm. and the highlight is the second running of a Listed race for fillies and mares, with a total prize fund of £40,000.
The European Breeders’ Fund Lyric Stakes over the extended one mile and a quarter is sure to attract the attention of leading owners and trainers, seeking big-race opportunities for their fillies and mares.Also featured on Friday evening is The Sky Bet Supporting The Yorkshire Racing Festival Claiming Stakes over one mile and a half, while three-year-old handicap sprinters take part in the final race, The Tanith Butters Celebration For Breakthrough Breast Cancer Stakes.
Saturday’s quality seven-race programme, with over £200,000 in prize money, starts at 2.05 pm, with the entire card sponsored by Sky Bet. The principal race on Saturday is the fourth running of The Sky Bet York Stakes, a £100,000 Group 2 contest, run over the extended one mile and a quarter, won previously by the powerful Newmarket stables of Sir Michael Stoute, Godolphin and John Gosden.Also featured on Saturday’s strong card is the sixth renewal of The Sky Bet Dash. This £50,000 Heritage Handicap is contested by sprinters over six furlongs.
Monday’s Ayr winner Pavershooz is amongst the market leaders for Saturday’s Sky Bet Dash at York. Noel Wilson’s in-form sprinter landed the valuable Giles Insurance Stakes north of the border and the sponsors have put him in as one of their 10/1 co-favourites.
Also heading the betting are Richard Fahey’s Knot In Wood, Roker Park and Striking Spirit with Sonny Red an 11/1 chance. There would surely be no shortage of confidence behind Pavershooz if he did turn out at the weekend. Ulsterman Wilson has a team of 24 at his base near York, and he said:
“He is the best horse I have trained and I would also like to try and win a big handicap in Ireland with him and perhaps take him abroad.”
