The key questions as durable Laurens bids to strike in City of York Stakes

3.00 York
Sky Bet City of York Stakes (Group 2) | 7f | 3yo+ | ITV/RTV

Laurens to add another to glittering CV?

In Enable, one superstar has secured what could be a final victory on British soil on the Knavesmire this week and John Dance's popular Laurens looks to mirror that.

The four-year-old, who has won six Group 1s in a fine and durable career, steps down to seven furlongs for the first time since August 2017, but trainer Karl Burke is not unduly concerned.

He said: "Laurens was impressive in the Prix Rothschild last time and her fractions were very good, suggesting she'll have no problem dropping back to seven furlongs.

"Cape Byron and Sir Dancealot run as well, so it's going to be a test for her, but we feel it will tell us whether she's quick enough for the Prix de la Foret on Arc day or whether the Sun Chariot at Newmarket the day before would suit better. If all goes well it could prove to be her final run in Britain."

Ground for hope for Sir Dancealot

David Elsworth's dual Lennox Stakes winner Sir Dancealot makes a quick return to action following a fourth in the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury last Saturday.

Sir Dancealot: makes a quick return to the trackCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Beaten five lengths by Glorious Journey, the five-year-old should appreciate a return to a sounder surface as he is five from eight on ground described as good, while he has yet to win from six starts on soft going.

Regular partner Gerald Mosse said: "I'm told he's in great form. The ground was too soft for him last time so he should be much better suited by the decent ground at York. He should have a very good chance if everything goes right for him."

Can Wokingham winner bounce back?

Cape Byron was an eyecatching winner of the fiercely competitive Wokingham at Royal Ascot but has to bounce back after beating only one home in the July Cup at Newmarket last month.

The Roger Varian-trained gelding had previously looked a horse on the upgrade and returns to seven furlongs for the first time since his Victoria Cup success at Ascot in May, form that has since been boosted by Raising Sand's International Stakes win at the track.

What they say

Richard Fahey, trainer of Mr Lupton
This is a Group 1 in all but name. I'm interested to see how he gets on over the trip as it could suit, but it looks a tough race.

Tom Hogan, trainer of Gordon Lord Byron
Would you believe none of the horses he is running against we born when he won this race seven years ago. He needs a fast pace to chase and didn't get that last time at the Curragh. This race should really suit, as will the track, and we have Colin Keane booked to ride for the first time. I think he will be the 20th different jockey to ride him. The horse seems as enthusiastic as ever.

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Le Brivido
We're very happy with him. He is back to seven furlongs and we think that is probably his best trip. The nice ground will suit too so we would be very hopeful of a good run.

Andrew Balding, trainer of Shine So Bright
He had a little niggle after the 2,000 Guineas and he's been off a fair while, so he should come on for the run, but he's been in full work for six weeks or two months now and I'm happy with his fitness. He's shown a good level of ability in the Guineas and the Free Handicap, and the track and the trip should suit him. I'd hope he would run well.

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Servalan
I know we are aiming high but there is just a lack of options for her in Ireland so that is why we have decided to come here. The ground is important to her so hopefully she will give a good account of herself.

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