THE richest-ever staging of York Racecourse's Pinsent Masons Lowther Stakes has been rewarded with a strong list of entries.

Some 45 fillies are interested in the record £200,000 prize pot for the Group 2 race, to be staged on Thursday, August 20, on day two of the Welcome To Yorkshire Ebor Festival.

Among them is arguably the most impressive winner at Royal Ascot, the Wesley Ward-trained Acapulco, who led her rivals a merry dance in the Queen Mary.

In fact, the first six home in the Group 2 at the Royal Meeting could yet re-oppose on Knavesmire, as all hold entries, adding further strength to the on-the-track action on Ladies Day.

Acapulco has an alternate entry in the Group 1 Coolmore Nunthorpe the following day, though.

There are ten entries in the Lowther Stakes from Yorkshire yards, with Delizia lined up for back-to-back successes on this track for Middleham trainer Mark Johnston, after her sparkling victory in the Langleys Solicitors Marygate Stakes at the Dante Festival.

Entries for Europe's richest flat handicap, The Betfred Ebor on Saturday, August 22, have also been announced with a bumper 115 thoroughbreds staking an early claim for the record £220,000 prize money.

Johnston also has a chance in this one with Oriental Fox, a notable Queen Alexandra winner last month.

The losing favourite in 2014, Pallasator – from Sir Mark Prescott's stable – may bid to set the record straight on the final day of the Ebor Festival.

Aidan O'Brien, who last won the Betfred Ebor in 2001, has a strong representation with ten entries – Aloft and Bondi Beach having been installed as 12-1 favourites by the sponsor.

Betfred spokesman Andrew Griffiths said: "The Betfred Ebor is always one of the highlights of the summer for punters and it looks sure to be another fiercely competitive renewal.

"Aloft and Bondi Beach certainly catch the eye. Three-year-olds boast an enviable record in the Ebor, so it would be of particular interest should Aidan O'Brien target either horse at the race."

First up for York Racecourse, though, is the John Smith's Cup meeting tomorrow and Saturday.