York Update winner Continuous (4/1)

The opening day of York's Ebor Festival began on drying ground and racegoers were treated to a Frankie Dettori front running masterclass aboard Mostahdaf who lowered the colours of warm favourite and four times Group 1 winner Paddington. The Italian dictated matters on a horse who had looked so impressive under a waiting ride at Royal Ascot on his previous start. Stretching Aidan O'Brien's runner, it became apparent with a furlong to run the Shadwell trained runner had more to give and he stayed on stoutly to prevail by a length from stablemate Nashwa with Paddington only third. Mostadhaf has taken his form to another level this year having seemingly shown his limitations last term. Successful in Riyadh during the winter, he beat the likes of Luxembourg and Adayer in the Prince of Wales's Stakes and ten furlongs on quick ground is ideal. The Ballydoyle camp felt Paddington was 'flat' after a taxing three year old campaign and one wonders whether the ground - the fastest he has encountered - found him out, too.

While Dettori excelled in the feature event that wasn't the case earlier in the afternoon with his partner Gregory going too quickly too soon in the Great Voltigeur Stakes. Unbeaten before and dropping back to a mile and a half following his win in the Queens Vase Stakes last time, the Golden Horn colt became embroiled in a battle for the lead with Canberra Legend and Artistic Star. As a result, they played into the hands of Continuous and Ryan Moore who was patiently ridden at the rear of the field. Aidan O'Brien's runner came with a strong run on the outside and, having mastered Castle Way, the son of Heart's Cry pulled away for a three and three quarters of a length win. The St Leger at Doncaster is likely to be next. The winner (4/1) was advised in the York Ebor Update.