'I don't know where his ceiling is' - remarkable Ilaraab wins six in a row

York's new season began as its old one had ended, with an impressive success by the fast-improving Ilaraab.

The hugely progressive handicapper won well here on Coral Sprint Trophy day last October and defied a 7lb rise to complete a six-timer on his return.

Ilaraab won by a ready three lengths over 1m4f and jockey Tom Marquand said: "I don't know where his ceiling is, you wouldn't say he was putting it all on the line to get to the front there."

"What a lovely horse he is," added trainer William Haggas. "The beauty with him is that he races lazily but when he comes he comes quickly."

A step up in class is now on the cards as Haggas said: "He won nicely and he's shown he deserves a shot in better races, and he’ll get that shot.

"He's in the Hardwicke but whether he's up to that I’m not sure. We'll have a look around and see what we think will suit him.

"I've run a few horses this season that have gone up in class quickly and it's not quite worked but this proves he's come on from last year. I think this is the first time he's won by more than about half a length, so he’s been a trainer's dream and a handicapper's nightmare."

Marquand also took the 7f handicap in good style on Wobwobwob for Adrian Keatley and said: "He's very straightforward and he's a genuine little horse. All he did was dig deep and get away from them."

A view of Ilaraab's win from the inside of the courseCredit: Edward Whitaker

Dante brings tears

Project Dante was an emotional – and aptly-named – debut winner of the two-year-old race, making it two from two this season for Bryan Smart with juveniles bought by the returning Reg Bond, who died in March.

The trainer, who won with Bond Chairman in the same colours at Musselburgh last month, said: "We're all in tears. They left me and this is the first lot back and we're away again.

"It was nice that Reg and his son Charlie said to go and buy some nice horses. Two have run and have won, and there are two more to come.

"Project Dante is a lovely horse, he's been very professional since we got him. There is a lot more to come from him as he looked a bit porky in the paddock."

Project Dante (Graham Lee) makes a winning start in the 5f novice stakesCredit: Edward Whitaker

Evergreen triumph

Remarkable sprinter Mr Lupton may be eight but he is showing little sign of slowing down and he finished fast to land the 6f handicap under Paul Hanagan.

He has won in each of his seven seasons in training, scoring notable successes in the Weatherbys Hamilton £300,000 2-Y-O Stakes in 2015 and the £100,000 888Sport Charity Sprint here the following year.

His latest win took his earnings past £660,000 and trainer Richard Fahey said: "He's been on the go a while but he's a legend of a horse, we all love him. We'll probably stick him in the Wokingham."

Replays, results and analysis

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