Well-backed 4-1 shot Dakota Gold completed a hat-trick to win the opening race at York’s Ebor festival and get trainer Michael Dods off to the perfect start to the week.

The winner of Saturday’s Great St Wilfrid Handicap was always up with the pace in the 5f Sky Bet And Symphony Group Handicap and held off the fast-finishing Marnie James, Arecibo and fourth-placed Makanah.

Dods said: “He’s matured. He’s definitely improving. To come back from injury to do what he’s done in the last five weeks is unbelievable.

“We didn’t expect him to win the Great St Wilfrid and come back here. He’s a good horse and will step up to Listed class eventually.”

fonte : RacingPost