'Paddy Power introduced him at 16-1 for the Melbourne Cup - that's very fair'

Saturday's big-race action on the Knavesmire did not fail to disappoint, with Space Blues winning with plenty to spare and the Irish landing the Sky Bet Ebor by a head. Three of our team give their take on the day's events.

Melrose Handicap: 'Ravenscraig Castle caught the eye back in third'

Valley Forge travelled with ease and put up a game performance to make him a worthy winner, but it was the impressive effort of 18-1 shot Ravenscraig Castle back in third that caught the eye.

The Nathaniel gelding made a strong start in handicap company this season and has taken both the step up in trip and class in his stride.

Despite struggling to settle in the opening stages of the race, the Iain Jardine-trained runner came from the back of the field and managed to find extra in the dying strides and lost out on second by only a nose. He shaped like one with more to give.
Catherine Macrae, reporter

Ravenscraig Castle (left) runs a blinder to finish third in the MelroseCredit: Alan Crowhurst

City of York Stakes: 'He is sure to be a warm order for the Foret'

There can't be another horse on the planet who enjoys a 7f trip more than Space Blues, and he continued his handy habit of gobbling up big prizes across the globe over this specialised distance.

York officials hold hope of the City of York being upgraded to a Group 1, and Space Blues once again exhibited his top-tier credentials with a Knavesmire cruise. On the uncertain proviso that the ground turns quick on Arc weekend, he is sure to be a warm order for the Prix de la Foret at Longchamp.

Connections of Highfield Princess must be dreaming of big things after their one-time 57-rated handicapper ran a huge race to claim second, but it's back to the drawing board for Ed Walker's Primo Bacio, who finished only eighth of the nine runners.
Sam Hendry, reporter

Space Blues (right) shows his class over 7f in the City of YorkCredit: Edward Whitaker

Ebor Handicap: 'Sonnyboyliston has Melbourne Cup written all over him'

It will take a mammoth effort to get there, but it might be worth all the pain.

Sonnyboyliston has Melbourne Cup written all over him – an exposed stayer with the pace to get into a decent early position at Flemington and, most importantly, he knows how to win. He really stuck his neck out when challenged late by Quickthorn.

Don't forget, Sonnyboyliston has won over a mile and beat subsequent Group 1 winner Thundering Nights in a 1m2f handicap at the Curragh last July. The back class over shorter is there for all to see on his CV.

He was too keen behind Hukum when upped to 1m6f for the first time in a Group 3 at York last month, but was more relaxed in the Ebor and is learning all the time. He is only going to get better and Flemington could really suit him.

What's important, too, is the fact he has now won handicaps with 22 and 20 runners so the hustle and bustle of a Melbourne Cup wouldn't bother him.

Paddy Power introduced him at 16-1, which very seems fair to me.

There is a lot of water to pass under the bridge before he enters the stalls at Flemington but, if he does, that 16-1 could look a very big price.
David Jennings, deputy Ireland editor

Results, replays and analysis from York

Read more from York:

Sonnyboyliston lands knockout blow for Johnny Murtagh in Sky Bet Ebor at York

'She's a machine, a superstar' – Easterby hails Nunthorpe queen Winter Power

'Boom, I won!' – York explodes as Stradivarius and Dettori land epic Cup victory

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