Can the Classic generation strike a blow in handicap dominated by older horses?

Friday: 1.50 York
Sky Bet Handicap | 1m4f | 3yo+ | ITV/RTV

This handicap is open to three-year-olds but has been dominated by older horses in the last ten years, with nine winners aged four, one five and one six (11 winners due to a dead-heat in 2015), so can Wink Of An Eye or State Of Bliss buck this disappointing trend?

A closer inspection of the last ten runnings gives hope they can because the statistics aren't as damning as they first seem. The fact is not many three-year-olds have run and, of the 158 horses who competed since the start of 2011, only 13 were aged three.

The problem is that only two of the 13 three-year-olds finished in the first four and both of those came in the same race in 2012. They also underperformed in relation to the market as nine of them went off at single figures, including 11-8 favourite Zabeel Champion last year.

Mark Johnston saddled Zabeel Champion and he was responsible for five of the 13 three-year-olds in the sample. However, they achieved form figures of 05756 and beat just 43 per cent of their rivals, so that’s hardly a ringing endorsement for his runner, State Of Bliss.

Wink Of An Eye is bidding for a five-timer off a mark 21lb higher than for his first win and represents William Haggas, who is often reliable but is 0-4 in the race since 2011. His runners finished 6074, including the three-year-old Satellite, who was tenth in 2014.

William Haggas: sends out four-time winner Wink Of An EyeCredit: Edward Whitaker

Nobody has a better record than Sir Michael Stoute, who won with Fidaawy in 2017 and saddled Martin Chuzzlewit and Top Tug to be placed in 2012 and 2015. He runs the four-year-old My Frankel, who often follows a good run with a poor one and figures of 01030 point to him bouncing back from a heavy defeat at Goodwood last time.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

'I may try to slot in like we did at Ascot

State Of Bliss helped Nicola Currie win the Silver Saddle at the Shergar Cup this month and the pair bid to follow up at York, although they will have to overcome the widest draw in stall 18.

After winning at Ascot, all the talk was about whether Johnston would give Currie more opportunities and, after riding a winner for the yard at Bath, she is keen to make the most of her sole ride at the Ebor festival.

"I'm excited to be involved with State Of Bliss again," said Currie. "I think he's an improving type and goes there with a live chance. He's drawn 18 – it wouldn't be our first pick but he's versatile and I may try and slot in rather like we did at Ascot when the pace collapsed.

"It's certainly made a difference getting out on a big stage like the Shergar Cup as in the last two weeks I've had a lot more rides on every card and often for trainers I wouldn't normally ride for."

What they say

Alastair Donald, racing manager to King Power, owners of Johnny Drama
It was a bit heavy last time and this ground should be better. He loves the track and it's just a question of carrying lots of weight.

Charlie Fellowes, trainer of Pirate King
He's a funny horse as he doesn't really act on right-handed tracks so hopefully this should suit him. I expect him to outrun his big price.

Alan King, trainer of Midnights Legacy and Scarlet Dragon
Midnights Legacy has been running well all season but I think the handicapper has him about right. Only Scarlet Dragon knows how he will run! He's not the easiest to deliver but has stacks of ability and will no doubt pop up in one of these races and surprise us.

Philip Robinson, racing manager to Saeed Suhail, owner of My Frankel
Hopefully he'll get some quicker ground; he just couldn't handle it when it went soft at Goodwood last time. He always works well at home and we think this track should play to his strengths.

My Frankel (left): a three-time winner for Sir Michael StouteCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Adam Ryan, assistant to Kevin Ryan, trainer of Throne Hall
He started the season well and then we tried him over a mile and six furlongs and found out he probably doesn't stay. We're dropping back in trip and he's been freshened up since his last run. He's a talented horse and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him bounce back.

Stuart Williams, trainer of Rhythmic Intent
He's in great form and is well drawn. We could do with a drop of rain to help his chances but there doesn't seem to be any around.

Tim Easterby, trainer of Dark Jedi
The horse he beat at Ripon on his penultimate start won well at Carlisle on Wednesday so that gives us some confidence. We had hoped to get into the Ebor but it was not to be.

Hugo Palmer, trainer of Strawberry Rock
He's been progressive in handicaps but won't run if the ground is too quick.

William Haggas, trainer of Wink Of An Eye
I didn't think he'd get in the race but we're glad he has because he has plenty going for him. He's progressive and should like the trip and ground.
Reporting by David Milnes

Friday's race previews:

2.25 York: is Stradivarius as good as he was? Graeme Rodway with the definitive verdict

3.00 York: 'The target since he was bought' – insight and trainer quotes for the Gimcrack

3.35 York: 'If he loses it's my fault' – Ward bullish Golden Pal can blaze in Nunthorpe

3.35 York: no Battaash now but punters can still look forward to an exciting Nunthorpe (Members' Club)

Watch live races through the Racing Post. Log in to your bookmaker account and look on the racecards for eligible races. Click the red 'Watch live now' icon and they're off! Find out how here