Best Of Bets

Tag: Ebor 2023

  • York Ebor Festival Day Four: Selections and Naps

    York Ebor Festival Day Four: Selections and Naps

    Some big winners yesterday, with Marhaba The Champ and Coltrane in the first two races. Highfield Princess just couldn’t catch Live In The Dream, and the gamble failed on Kevin Ryan’s two-year-old. But today’s a new day, and we aim to end on a high. Some interesting handicaps, plus the returns of Kinross in the City Of York Stakes.

     

    A Frankie Flourish

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    NAP: City Of York Stakes (Group Two) – Kinross @ 2/1 (BetVictor)

    Kinross is starting to get into the swing of things once again. That Lennox Stakes win proved that he is the best top-class seven furlong specialist, even if Isaac Shelby posed a threat. But last year he produced his most eye-catching win on the Knavesmire before snaffling Europe’s big prizes over 1400 metres. Trainer Ralph Beckett has said that he suits York, and the similar firm conditions won’t be a problem, much like last year. It will be a perfect send-off for one Llanfranco Dettori at one of his favourite meetings, aboard, surely, one of his favourite horses.

     

    From South To North

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    E/W Bet: Strensall Stakes (Group Three) – Chichester @ 33/1 (BetVictor, Betfred, Boylesports)

    Nostrum is the pick, but Chichester is intriguing. Trawling through the form of each of the six runners that enjoys the firmer ground, with three wins on it in his career. And with some handicappers coming into the race, Chichester can improve on his Listed win over C&D in June, when winning by almost two lengths. He has the Group form and the ground and he could sneak a surprise second, not the first at York this week.

     

    Going for Hat Trick Gold

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    Handicap Best: Constantine H’cap (Heritage) – Aberama Gold @ 8/1 (General)

    Six furlong sprints are what it’s all about at York. And Aberama Gold knows all about it. In a breakout year he’s won a class two handicap by a neck, and then the Stewards’ Cup. Manila Scouse has backed up the form twice, disappointing earlier in the week however, and has claimer on board to take the heavy five pound rise in the weights down to a mere two. There has been no bias in the draw, if slightly mid-to-high, and can do the business of the rail from stall one.

    The Green Man finished third to Aberama Gold at York a month ago and has been kept fresh for the race by trainer Joseph Parr. A winner on firm ground lower down in the classes, he produced a career best with Danny Muscett on board to finish within two lengths of the winner. With the form backed up, and a five pound claimer who knows the horse well, expect the green man to cross the line in the places at 10/1 (General)

    And spare a thought for Anthem National who pulled out of the Great St. Wilfrid due to the soft ground. But at least we know he should get the ground here. Second last time out to Commanche Falls, who followed up again at Newbury, he shouldn’t be discounted just because he’s running for Philip Kirby for the first time. He can outrun his odds at 28/1 (William Hill, BetVictor)

     

    Selections:

    13:50 – Strensall Stakes (Group Three) – Nostrum @ 11/10 (Betfred), Chichester (E/W) @ 33/1 (BetVictor, Betfred, Boylesports)

    14:25 – Melrose H’cap (Heritage) – Lordship @ 4/1 (BetVictor, Betfred, Boylesports), Vaguely Royal @ 11/1 (888Sport, BetVictor), Fox Journey @ 14/1 (William Hill, BetVictor, Boylesports)

    15:00 – City Of York Stakes (Group Two) – Kinross (NAP) @ 2/1 (BetVictor)

    15:35 – Ebor H’cap (Heritage) – Live Your Dream @ 10/1 (General), Adjuvant @ 12/1 (Boylesports, BetUK), Berkshire Rocco @ 25/1 (Boylesports)

    16:10 – Constantine H’cap (Heritage) – Aberama Gold (HB) @ 8/1 (General), The Green Man @ 10/1 (General), Anthem National @ 28/1 (William Hill, BetVictor)

    16:45 – Julia Graves Roses Stakes (Listed) – Purosangue @ 7/4 (General)

    17:20 – Finale H’cap (Heritage) – Astro King @ 6/1 (888Sport, BetVictor, Betfred), Killybegs Warrior @ 16/1 (General), Marie’s Diamond @ 40/1 (BetVictor, Unibet, Betfred)

    Best of Luck!

  • York Ebor Festival – Day 1 Bets – The Top Three

    York Ebor Festival – Day 1 Bets – The Top Three

    All the waiting is finally behind us as the first day of the York Ebor meeting is here.

    Paddington vs Mostahdaf, competitive handicaps, and the return of Gregory will all be on our TV screens throughout the day, an exciting prospect to look forward to.

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    With last week’s best bet for The Top Three, Arrest in the Group 3 Geoffrey Freer Stakes, proving to be a successful one, here are my three fancies for day one of the York Ebor meeting.

     

    Group 2 Great Voltigeur Stakes (3:00) – Continuous @ 11/4 with BetVictor – 2pt Win

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    The Group 2 Great Voltigeur has only attracted a field of five to the race, yet it is still a contest I want to bet in and it’s Aidan O’Brien’s sole representative, Continuous, that I’m on the side of at 11/4.

    The Heart’s Cry colt has been an interesting prospect for Ballydoyle since his debut victory over seven furlongs in August 2022 as the prominent team has raced him in France twice already; once when victorious in the Group 3 Prix Thomas Bryon as a two-year-old and the other time when a disappointing eighth in the Group 1 Prix du Jockey Club this season.

    However, it’s his two runs over in the UK that appeal the most on form, as he began this season with a promising third in the Group 2 Dante Stakes at York over 1m2f where he travelled well into the race and maintained that momentum through the line.

    Two starts after that, he moved over to Royal Ascot for the Group 2 Queen’s Vase, a race that saw him fall victim to the monster King Of Steel who would subsequently finish third in the Group 1 King George VI Stakes on his next start.

    Both of those performances were promising in defeat and his form behind good horses certainly stacks up.

    Due to Gregory’s three-pound penalty, Continuous is best at the weights on official ratings and thanks to his solidity in form, he gets my vote of confidence.

     

    Class 2 Fillies’ Handicap (4:45) – Designer @ 5/1 with William Hill – 1.5pt EW

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    Although it’s not the most common thing to see horses win the same competitive handicap two years in a row, Designer is attempting to do that for John Butler in the fillies’ handicap at 4:45.

    By Pearl Secret, she was a two-length victor in last year’s renewal of the five-furlong sprint handicap when defeating Pink Crystal, a horse who has improved 15 pounds since.

    Following that success, she positively finished last season with a close fifth in the Listed Rous Stakes – a contest that included top sprinters Manaccan, Annaf, and Korker – before a good effort when runner-up to Fast Response, now rated 103, at Doncaster in October.

    This season, the four-year-old was slightly disappointing in her first three efforts of the year, however, she returned to somewhere near her best at Goodwood last time out when fourth in the Coral Handicap won by Lord Riddiford.

    During that race, she had traffic issues until the one-furlong pole, but when she saw open space, she stayed on behind the well-handicapped winner.

    Although some of her best form is on softer ground, her victory in this race last year was officially on good, and she ran a huge race in the Palace Of Holyroodhouse Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2022 on a good-to-firm surface.

    Good horses act on any ground and I’m hoping today is the correct day to catch Designer.

     

    Class 2 Nursery Handicap (5:20) – Ziggy’s Queen @ 11/1 with William Hill – 1pt EW

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    Finally, in the concluding race on day one of the York Ebor festival, I’m inclined to take a chance on a Richard Fahey runner, however, it’s not the shorter-priced Blue Prince, as Ziggy’s Queen gets the nod at 11/1.

    By Invincible Spirit out of an Exceed And Excel mare, the handicapper gave her an opening mark of 80 after three promising runs so far this season.

    The first of which came at Nottingham on June 7th where she had a good educational experience under Oisin Orr to finish a staying on third.

    The winner that day, Beautiful Diamond, would go on to finish third in the Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot, while the fourth, fifth, and sixth have all come out and won since.

    Furthermore, she showed the same level of encouragement on her next two starts at Ripon and Beverley to finish second.

    Both the third and fourth from her Ripon race have franked the form while the winner of her Beverley performance was successful on her next start at Thirsk.

    On handicap debut off what seems like a lenient opening mark, hopefully, today’s step up in trip can see Ziggy’s Queen at her best.

  • York Ebor Festival Day One: Selections and Naps

    York Ebor Festival Day One: Selections and Naps

    It’s the best Festival of the Summer as the stars head up North to York for the Ebor Festival. Day One has plenty in store, with the highlight the Juddmonte International. A race won by a pantheon of greats down the years, and this year may see another star win the biggest prize on the Knavesmire. There’s plenty of handicaps to get stuck into as well, so let’s take a look at Day One’s selections.

    Everyone’s Favourite

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    NAP: Juddmonte International Stakes (Group One) – Paddington@ 8/13 (William Hill, BetVictor)

    Paddington is all the rage this year, and I’m still convinced he hasn’t faced a stern test yet. But that’s about to change as he faces some tough rivals who hold quality cards. Mostahdaf has had another break after stepping down in trip to win the Prince of Wales’s Stakes on Good-to-Firm ground; Nashwa is back on preferred ground after disappointing in the Nassau; and The Foxes is back at the scene of his Dante win, and off the back of a loss over in America.

    It may look easy, but it’s anything but for Paddington. There may be a worry for the ground as he has never run on it, but the way Paddington is produced in a race suits firm ground runners at York, as they are very hard to catch when out in front (just ask Quickthorn).

    In behind, The Foxes makes most appeal. His Dante win was likeable, he was very tough to fend off a determined White Birch, and it was clear that Epsom didn’t suit him. He just couldn’t make up the ground in the Belmont Derby, but he’s back on home turf and can certainly run a big race. I’d have the two on a reverse forecast.

    Continue To Push

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    Next Best Bet: Great Voltiguer Stakes (Group Two) – Continuous @ 9/4 (General)

    It’s hard to have an each-way bet in the other two group races at York because of the small field sizes. But for the lack in size makes up in the quality. I’m surprised Gregory comes to this race after his win over further in the Queen’s Vase, which he carries a penalty for.

    I much rather prefer Continuous, who I thought would be Derby winner, but has steadily improved throughout the season. Whilst King Of Steel showed his class at Ascot, Continuous wasn’t disgraced in second and has had a good break since. He came close in the Dante, so the track will suit.

    Fast Through The Forest

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    Handicap Best: Sky Bet and Symphony Group (Heritage H’cap) – Jm Jungle @ 8/1 (William Hill, BetVictor, Boylesports)

    If there is one rule when betting on handicaps at York it’s this. Always back Northern trainers. Northern trainers target these handicaps from April. And it works. Only Tony Carroll and Dean Ivory have broken through the Northern barricade in the last ten runnings of the race.

    And Jm Jungle is a horse who has been consistent throughout the season. On what could be a very good week for John Quinn and Jason Hart, Jm Jungle’s form figures this season has read 3324211. He faces another 5lb rise after his last win, which he can handle fine as he did with his last win. Another plus is he’s near the far side rail, but a small negative is he’s not near pace. But Jm Jungle can continue his progression and scalp his biggest win here.

    Another tip at York is back Tim Easterby in sprints. And he has a class outfit in Manila Scouse, who is becoming a typical York sprinter. Despite never winning on firm ground, his breeding suggests he is ground versatile. After his success in the racing league she comes here in fine fettle and can continue an upward progression in a big York sprint handicap at 10/1 (General).

    Small stakes for Shalaa Asker who will relish the firm ground, and could run a big race at 22/1 (William Hill, BetVictor, Betfred)

    Selections:

    13:50 – Sky Bet and Symphony Group H’cap (Heritage) – Jm Jungle (H’cap Best) @ 8/1 (William Hill, BetVictor, Boylesports), Manila Scouse 10/1 (General), Shalaa Asker @ 22/1 (William Hill, BetVictor, Betfred)

    14:25 – Acomb Stakes (Group Three) – Cogitate @ 10/3 (General)

    15:00 – Great Voltiguer Stakes (Group Two) – Continuous (Next Best) @ 9/4 (General)

    15:35 – Juddmonte International Stakes (Group One) – Paddington (NAP) @ 8/13 (William Hill, BetVictor)

    16:10 – Stayers’ Handicap (Heritage H’cap) – Themaxwecan @ 16/1 (BetVictor, Boylesports), Charging Thunder @ 20/1 (Boylesports)

    16:45 – IRE Fillies’ H’cap (Heritage H’cap) – Radio Goo Goo @ 10/1 (BetUK), Lady Hamana @ 14/1 (General)

    17:20 – Nursery H’cap – Zabriskie Point @ 15/2 (William Hill), Mayo Neighs @ 20/1 (BetVictor, Betfred)

    Best of Luck!

  • Ebor Festival 2023 | Free Wind can blow Dettori to Yorkshire Oaks glory

    Ebor Festival 2023 | Free Wind can blow Dettori to Yorkshire Oaks glory

    As the Ebor Festival rolls on to Thursday, the Pertemps Network Yorkshire Oaks takes centre stage on the Knavesmire.

    The second of four British Champions Series races and the second Group 1 at York this week, the fillies and mares get their turn to show some of their own Yorkshire grit.

    For Frankie Dettori, having ridden four winners in this race, the veteran will be keen to sign off in style at Ebor, and Free Wind is his big hope.

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    Riding the Wind

    Initially, Dettori’s decision for who to ride in Thursday’s Yorkshire Oaks was not an easy one.

    However, after both Epsom Oaks winner Soul Sister and Coronation Cup victor Emily Upjohn opted out, it was clear sailing.

    As the 52-year-old continues on his swansong tour, Dettori looks to snag another Group 1 this summer.

    Free Wind may not have the best of form after disappointing runs at Glorious Goodwood and Royal Ascot, but York is a track she very much likes.

    A winner of the Middleton at the start of the flat season, the 5yo would also relish a return to good ground, which is currently slated for Thursday.

    With three wins in similar conditions and with victory over a preferred trip in her only run last term, Free Wind might be timing things perfectly.

     

    O’Brien, Varian threats

    As another contest has seen its field sizeably reduced, 10 runners go to post on Thursday.

    In the antepost, Savethelastdance may well jump off the favourite for Aidan O’Brien.

    Just one blot stands on the 3yo filly’s card – June’s loss to Soul Sister – but save for that, it’s been a 100% record this season.

    With both the Cheshire and Irish Oaks in the youngster’s nose bag, the 1m4f distance looks to be her wheel-house.

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    There is just, though, the slightest question of capability on the good.

    Bluestocking, the runner-up to Savethelastdance at the Curragh last time out, also lines up to take revenge.

    On the heels of a hugely impressive 2023, Ralph Beckett still waits to see her first win of the campaign.

    As Rossa Ryan jumps on board, can the star of Amo Racing have some magic rub off?

    Of the leading contenders, perhaps though, Al Husn is the one to watch closely.

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    Arguably, silent assassin Roger Varian might fancy his chances of a big win more than the other three trainers.

    Dropping into York with three wins on the bounce, in the last eight contests, the 4yo has been beaten just once – the Dahlia Stakes.

    If punters can shop around, a 7/1 price can still be had.

    A winner in all conditions, the step-up in trip shouldn’t prove too much of an issue. Al Husn looks to be real value.