The opening race on totesport Dante day at York saw a local winner as Mick Easterby's Ancient Cross landed the totepool Stakes.

Willie Muir had to send Nemo Spirit on a 400-mile round trip to find suitable ground but the journey paid off as he put up a brave front-running performance to win the £17,000 (€19,950) Blue Square Stakes under William Buick at York.

David Nicholls has his team in good form and he wasted no time in adding to his score when Falasteen gained a convincing success in the opening Acturis EBF Maiden Stakes at York.