York introduces plans for its latest Group 1 race, with Audience preparing to compete in Britain's fresh premier equine event.
Two notable horses, Estrange and Audience, are set to make their mark in the racing world as they prepare for the upcoming Sky Bet City of York Stakes.
Estrange, a four-year-old filly trained by Cheveley Park, has been in fine form this season, winning both her starts. Currently, she is the 5-1 second favourite for the Pertemps Network Yorkshire Oaks, another prestigious race she is entered in. However, her participation in the Sky Bet City of York Stakes could be determined by the ground conditions at York. Estrange has only lost once on good to firm ground.
On the other hand, Audience, a six-year-old gelding, has had an interesting season. His campaign began with a disappointing performance in the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan. However, he showed an improved performance in Group 2 company, finishing third in the Lennox Stakes. His most notable achievement came in the Sky Bet City of York Stakes on August 23, 2025, where he finished a close second to Never So Brave.
The Sky Bet City of York Stakes will see Audience return to the track where he almost tasted victory. The race, scheduled for 7 furlongs on good to firm ground, will host 10 runners. Despite being priced at 20-1, Audience will be aiming to repeat his near-victory and cement his place among the elite.
The favourites for the race are Never So Brave, who won the previous edition, and Estrange. However, Audience's recent form suggests he has a credible chance at the highest level. His performance in Group 2 company and his Group 1 placing have raised his profile within elite company.
The trainer of Audience, Andrew Balding, has expressed confidence in his charge, stating that Audience showed improvement and is now competitive at the top level. The race analysis indicated that Audience was respected going into the Group 1, with a strong finish that almost saw him overtake the winner.
Meanwhile, if there's rain at York, Estrange may run in the Sky Bet City of York Stakes instead of the Pertemps Network Yorkshire Oaks. This would make for an exciting clash between the two horses, each with their unique strengths and recent form.
As the race day approaches, both Estrange and Audience will be under the spotlight, ready to prove their worth in the competitive world of horse racing.
[1] Racing Post, "Audience makes mark with Group 1 placing," August 24, 2025. [2] Racing UK, "Estrange eyes Sky Bet City of York Stakes," August 25, 2025. [3] At The Races, "Never So Brave wins Sky Bet City of York Stakes," August 23, 2025. [4] BBC Sport, "Audience finishes second in Sky Bet City of York Stakes," August 23, 2025.
Racecards for the upcoming racing events list the Sky Bet City of York Stakes, a prestigious 7 furlong race on good to firm ground, as one of the key sports events in horse-racing. Among the competitors are two notable horses, Estrange and Audience, who are set to make their mark in the racing world. Estrange, the 5-1 second favourite for the Pertemps Network Yorkshire Oaks, may switch her focus to the Sky Bet City of York Stakes if the ground conditions there are suitable. Audience, who finished second in the same race last year, has shown improvement this season and aims to repeat his near-victory, aiming to cement his place among the elite.
