Sky Bet Sunday Series tips at York

The Sky Bet Sunday Series draws to a conclusion at York on Sunday, which would normally be a fitting arena for a champion to be crowned – be it horse, trainer or jockey – however, there is no doubt of the best performance of this year’s series: Spring Is Sprung.

The Paul Midgley-trained gelding has been better than ever this year, recording wins at prices of 4-1, 7-2 fav and 15-2 en-route to claiming the generous £100,000 offered up at the start of the series to any horse that wins three races over the six racedays of the competition.

Whilst bearing in mind that Kevin Ryan, trainer of debutants Fozzie and Valenday, often runs his best juveniles on the Knavesmire, and the Crisfords (Ocean Of Storms) have an excellent record at the course, the opening Enter ITV7 For Free "Confined" EBF Maiden Stakes at 2.30pm could be fought out by those who have racecourse experience; indeed, Secret History, Proud Nation, Delinquent and Crown Office all found just one too good on debut.

Two of those, Proud Nation and Delinquent, were sent off at odds-on, so had clearly been showing plenty at home, however the marginal vote goes to Crown Office, whose Newmarket form has been franked (third has won a handicap off 80 since) and he is sure to have come on for the run having been slowly away and green.

Air Force One’s unlucky third over C&D – where he was 15 lengths ahead of Spring Is Sprung - looks the best piece of form in the Sky Bet Super Sub Sprint Handicap (3.00pm), however his low draw is a little bit of a concern, perhaps more so than his subsequent 3lb rise in the weights.

Blinky’s effort at Goodwood when last seen in June can be forgotten as he was always stuck on the wing and playing catch-up after a slow start, however, the more forgiving nature of this track should suit and he still looks to be a progressive three-year-old sprinter with more to give.

Rousing Encore ran well in defeat here in July and, in first-time cheekpieces, he joins Alzahir, Vantheman and Dan Tucker on what is a rather lengthy shortlist.

Retraining of Racehorses, this year’s charity partner, has shone the spotlight on the excellent work it does with those no longer in training.

Eight-year-old Enemy might be heading to the retirement paddocks relatively soon, as, for all he will find this easier than the Ebor he ran in last month, he’s unlikely to see off the C&D winners Rock N Roll Pinkie, Gibside or Terrorise in the Sky Bet Proud To Support ROR Stayers Handicap at 3.30pm.

Artisan Dancer has the beating of Ascot winner Fireblade on their run behind Santorini Star over course and distance last time, but the feeling is that the last-named could reverse the form now he has had a longer break between races.

The Sky Bet Extra Places Middle Distance Handicap (4.00pm) could see part-owner Fiona Carmichael enjoy more York success after her Carmers chased home Pride Of Arras in the Great Voltigeur last month.

It’s another three-year-old colt Danger Bay who looks the clear one to beat here, the dual Hamilton winner having shaped as if this longer trip would suit when winning well on handicap debut last month.

York regular Dark Moon Rising caught the eye in defeat last time and is respected with cheek-pieces replacing blinkers, whilst that headgear also goes on the unexposed Gunship for the first time. Coupled with the drop in trip, he could be a much bigger threat than when readily beaten on quick ground at Ascot last time.

Despite only receiving 2lb from their elders in the Sky Bet Starman Garrowby Stakes (4.30pm), three-year-olds have formed a habit of picking up the Listed contest, so market leader Almeraq, who was a runaway handicap winner at Ayr last time, shouldn't be taken on for his age alone.

However, this is a much tougher examination against some other progressive youngsters like Prince Of India and some battle-hardened older sprinters, so there might be better value elsewhere.

Indeed, that could be close to home, with fellow Shadwell-owned stablemate Elmonjed fancied to reproduce his best now back at the scene of his two finest performances in valuable handicaps. With a 3lb swing in the weights and a forecast strong pace in his favour, he can reverse Newmarket form with Lethal Levi.

The likes of See The Fire and Arabian Queen have given owner Jeff Smith many a memorable moment on the Knavesmire, and he has another exciting filly on his hands in Revelance, the favourite for the Sky Bet Build A Bet Fillies' Handicap at 5.00pm.

She chases a hat-trick after wins at Salisbury and Epsom, but this will be no walk in the park with Seren Star and Wonderbolt also chasing three in a row following small-field successes last time out.

However, I’m inclined to give Orange Sky another chance following her disappointing effort on quick ground at Ascot last time. She could get an easy time on the lead here and the going should be more to her liking.

The 42nd and final race of the 2025 Sky Bet Sunday Series, the Sky Bet, For The Fans Mile Apprentice Handicap (5.30pm), could be crucial, as jockeys bid for the £25,000 first prize for the rider who picks up most points across the Series, with £5,000 for the runner-up and £3,000 for the third.

Stable staff will also have all eyes on the race, with a total of £15,000 (a split of £10,000, £3,000 and £2,000) to be paid out to the teams of the first three trainers in the series.

Proud Yorkshireman William Haggas could take home a chunk of the prize fund if Earthwatch lands the finale under leading apprentice Warren Fentiman. He was backed as if defeat was out of the question at Sandown in late-July and, though he has an 11lb rise to deal with for that four and a quarter-length win, it might not be enough to stop him winning again.

Along with Billyb, Redcar specialist Double Parked and stablemate Barley look the biggest dangers.