Betfred Ebor winning rider, Oisin Murphy, is looking forward to a return to the Knavesmire next week, a track which he describes as having been “very lucky” for him in the past.

His week is set to start in Pattern race company as he partners Imperial Aviator in the Group Two Betway Great Voltigeur on Wednesday afternoon. Already a two time winner this season at Leicester and Newbury, the Roger Charlton trained three year old never settled after his voyage to the French Derby. Connections report that the horse is in “good heart” ahead of a tilt at the £160,000 prize. The York race has showcased the talents of thirteen subsequent St Leger victors and Imperial Aviator holds an entry for the final Classic of the year.

Murphy has formed a profitable alliance with Pallasator from Sir Mark Prescott’s yard; the pair landed a Group Three at Sandown in the Spring and look forward to their participation in the Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup on Friday. This staying contest forms the next leg in the British Champions Series and Murphy is quietly relieved that Big Orange is swerving the Knavesmire after his mount found Michael Bell’s charge to be top dog in the Goodwood equivalent. Despite his successes, Pallasator has the reputation of not being the easiest, particularly on the way to the start, but his rider gave an upbeat assessment noting that “he’s becoming a little easier as he gets older and that’s a tribute to the team at home”. A record £200,000 prize is the possible reward for good behavior.

Britain’s richest maiden contest, the £60,000 British Stallion Studs EBF Convivial is another target for Thursday as the jockey reports that there are some “nice unraced ones” at home.