Cracksman and So Mi Dar pulled out of York assignments

Day two of York has lost a couple of its headline attractions after trainer John Gosden withdrew leading Dante Stakes contender Cracksman and Middleton Stakes favourite So Mi Dar on account of the soft ground.

Despite the absence of Cracksman the Dante has considerable depth as a quartet of Godolphin runners, headed by favourite Benbatl, take on ante-post gamble Crystal Ocean and Irish colts Exemplar and Rekindling.

Add in the Middleton Stakes, which is missing favourite So Mi Dar after she was also taken out by Gosden, the Westow Stakes and a 16-runner sprint handicap and we look set for another memorable day on the Knavesmire.

Salisbury stage an informative card, Newmarket get racing later on in the evening, and there’s something for everyone with jumps action from Perth and Fontwell.

Going update

York Soft, good to soft in places. The course received 10mm of rainfall on Wednesday but the course was dry overnight.

Ground conditions are drying at York and assistant clerk of the course Anthea Morshead said: "It is currently soft but we are about to walk the track and I wouldn't be surprised if it changed to soft, good to soft in places.

"We had 10mm of rain in total yesterday but it has taken it really well.

"We are on the inside line today with 10 yards of fresh ground. The forecast is for a lovely day, dry and bright, with the outside chance of a light passing shower.

Newmarket Good to soft

Salisbury Good to soft, soft in places

Perth Good

Fontwell Soft

Today's key races

York 2.55 Betfred Middleton Stakes (Group 2)

York 3.30 Betfred Dante Stakes (Group 2)

York 4.05 Betfred TV Hambleton Handicap (Listed)

York 4.35 British Stallion Studs EBF Westow Stakes (Listed)

Key non-runners

Newmarket 6.50 Go George Go, 7.25 Deciding Vote

Perth 3.40 Mollies Gent, 5.20 Jet Master

Salisbury 1.40 Zalshah, Vegas Boy; 2.10 Miss Icon, Comprise, Harbour Town, Otomo, Nibras Again; 2.45 Latest Quest; 4.25 Darkroom Angel, High On Love, Crimson Rosette; 4.55 Take A Note; 5.25 Frozen Lake

York 2.20 Line Of Reason, Love On The Rocks, Gamesome, Fast Act, Love On The Rocks, East Street Revue; 2.55 So Mi Dar, Chain Of Daisies; 3.30 Cracksman; 4.05 Can't Change It, Firmament, Keystroke; 4.35 Hit The Bid, Afandem; 5.05 Masar; 5.35 Gabrial’s Star, Paris Protocol, Parliamentarian, Lost The Moon.

Key market movers

York 4.05 Instant Attraction 18-1 (from 22-1, William Hill)

York 5.35 Buonarroti 10-1 (from 22-1, StanJames)

Fontwell 5.10 Queen Olivia 5-2 (from 33-1, William Hill)