The Festival brings together racing across Yorkshire, and trainers from around the county are preparing to send out a strong team of runners as they target winners throughout the week.

Tim Easterby is set to be particularly well represented, beginning at Pontefract, where I’m Next and Mount King are among his runners. I’m Next is a horse Easterby would normally associate with softer conditions, but he has been encouraged by the way the horse has handled quicker ground this season.

“He seems to be coping really well with fast ground this time,” said Easterby. “I really would think he’ll have a good chance.”

The Great Habton trainer also has a sizeable team heading to Ripon, including the promising two-year-old Warby, who could use her Festival appearance as a stepping stone to Goodwood, while Per Contra, runner-up in last year’s Bell-Ringer Handicap, could bid to go one better.

Ripon specialist Garden Oasis, who has a bar named after him at the course, returns to one of his favourite venues, while Vega’s Virtue and Stoneacre Joe are among others expected to represent the yard during the meeting.

Mark Walford will be hoping a return to Ripon can bring out the best in Spioradalta, a multiple winner who steps up to a mile and a half.

“He’s back to Ripon, which is a course he absolutely loves,” said Walford. “We’re trying something a little bit different this time, stepping him up to a mile and a half, so hopefully he might get among the places.”

Walford also has hopes for Electric Lightning at Doncaster following a return to form at Beverley, while stable favourite It Just Takes Time heads to Beverley on Monday. His Festival team is set to conclude with Kodiak Thriller in the Jump Jockeys’ Nunthorpe at York, where jump jockey Jamie Hamilton will take the ride.

Ruth Carr begins her Festival challenge at Pontefract with yard favourite Reigning Profit, a ten-time winner for the stable who arrives on the back of victory at Ripon.

“He’s generally very consistent,” said Carr. “He’s won us ten races and is quite the yard favourite.”

Her team for the week also includes Leicester winner Palmarian at Doncaster, King Sharja at Beverley and Wise Crack at Catterick, while Kat’s Bob, Fiscal Policy and potentially Rousing Encore could represent the yard at York later in the Festival.

Nigel Tinkler has a busy week planned, with Theme Park starting the ball rolling at Pontefract. Baldosa, a winner last time out, is expected to have a strong chance at Redcar, while course winner Dandy Dinmont could line up at Beverley. Another Investment and recent York winner Magic Boy are also among his possible runners later in the week.

David and Mick Easterby are aiming to have a runner at every Festival fixture – giving David good reason to complete his sponsored cycle challenge between each of Yorkshire’s racecourses.

Their first runner is Resdev Time at Pontefract, with apprentice Lewis Chalkley getting another opportunity aboard the improving filly.

“We keep stepping her up in trip and she keeps giving us a bit more,” said Easterby. “I think she’s got a really good chance.”

The stable’s extensive Festival squad also includes Von Trotter at Ripon, J Street and Big Apple Jack at Doncaster, and two-year-olds Tommo’s Queen and Hicko’s Lad at Redcar. Ring Of Gold and last-time-out winner Shimmering Sands are pencilled in for Beverley, while Sara’s Silver Girl could head to Catterick.

Later in the Festival, the Easterby team could be represented by Lamlash Bay, Roman Crystal and So Grateful, before turning its attention to York, where Wavelength, promising two-year-old Bear Lee and Draupnir are among the potential runners.

Easterby is attempting to cycle to every Festival meeting while raising funds, with his total already standing at £4,340. There is also added competition in the yard to collect as many Best Turned Out prizes as possible – with a an aim to win the best turned out yard award, sponsored by Sky Bet.  The potential of a pizza party is providing extra incentive for the team!

Jockey Jo Mason also has a busy Festival ahead. She begins at Redcar on Sunday aboard Nyman, trained by Roger Fell, and is due to partner several horses for the Easterby stable during the week, including Liverpool Star, Resdev Rocket and Roman Crystal.

David O’Meara’s team start at Ripon on Saturday.

Prince Of The Seas begins at Ripon after knocking on the door in his last two starts, while Saxophonist could head to Doncaster later in the week after meeting trouble in running on his latest appearance.

“Our best chance of the week is probably Prince Of The Seas at Ripon or Saxophonist,” said O’Meara’s assistant Stephen Hanlon.

The stable’s other possible runners include Come On Over and old favourite Akkadian Thunder at Doncaster, Rajapour at Redcar, Ice Show at Beverley and French recruit Tupero at Thirsk.

Julie Camacho’s team also has several interesting contenders, including Derrygarran Lad, who is expected to make the switch from the all-weather to turf at Redcar.

“He looks like a horse that could win a novice,” said assistant trainer Steve Brown. “He’s working well and ready to go.”

Last-time-out Leicester winner Bibendum is another horse the team believes could have more to offer when he heads to Beverley, while Celtic Arrow, narrowly beaten on her first turf start, is expected to line up at Thirsk.

With established favourites, promising two-year-olds and improving handicappers all set to take their chance, the stage is set for a hugely competitive week as Yorkshire’s racing community comes together for the Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival, sponsored by Sky Bet.

The action begins at Pontefract this evening and continues across Yorkshire throughout the Festival.