THE Sky is the limit for Sir Michael Stoute’s latest star after the veteran trainer picked up his fourth Betway Yorkshire Cup at York Racecourse.

Snow Sky (5-2) edged a fantastic duel down the Knavesmire straight with Brown Panther to take the Group 2 honours, and the lion’s share of £150,000, by half a length.

Much of the pre-race focus had fallen on his rival, who had won in impressive fashion in Meydan in March and is owned by the former England footballer Michael Owen.

But as the pair tussled inside the final furlong – the culmination of a battle which had raged for the best part of a quarter of a mile – it was Snow Sky, and jockey Ryan Moore, who managed to find more under the most intense pressure.

Moore would say after the race that he felt his son of Nayef hit the front too soon and idled before refocusing to win.

Although believing his endurance lasts no further than a mile and three quarters, Stoute may yet chance the two mile Melbourne Cup, at Flemington in November, for his improving star.

“He was very courageous and he dug deep,” the Newmarket trainer said. “In fact, Ryan said he got there a little too early and he just looked about a bit.

“I am thrilled. I think a mile and six is his limit and he is an effective horse over a mile and a half. He was second in a Voltigeur and won a Gordon Stakes.

“I would like to finish up in Melbourne. It would be worth throwing a dart. He travelled very well to Hong Kong and he has a very good temperament.”

The victory added to Stoute's successes in the race with Gospel Choir last year, Ask in 2009 and Rock Hopper in 1992.

Moore added: “They went quite steady, I just wanted to get him wound up and he picked up a lot sooner than I thought and he was in front too early.

"For his first run of the year he needed to tough it out and he did. He's been a little bit late getting going, so he's done well to win here early on."