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Tag: Ebor Festival

  • York Ebor Festival 2024 | Day Four Selections

    York Ebor Festival 2024 | Day Four Selections

    Racing heads to God’s Own Country as York hosts the prestigious Ebor Festival. Day four is jam packed with handicaps, including both the Melrose and the £500,000 Ebor handicap, the richest in the country. Who will see their name printed on a ticket to Melbourne t around 3:30, and what about the others. Find out below.

     

    Big Race View

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    The Ebor handicap is the big race of the day and there are plenty of factors and fancies in this race, so I’ve managed to whittle it down to about three. Criteria for me is performed on good-to-firm ground, won over a mile and four and at least raced over a mile and six, the trip for the Ebor.

    Magical Zoe could follow in Absurde’s footsteps by competing and winning in the two different racing classes. Known for her efforts behind Ebor winner Absurde in the County Hurdle, she won over a mile and five breaking her flat maiden. She then competed in a Group three at Fairyhouse, finishing a respectable third. Her mark is in the hundreds, and she has the shortest route around coming out of stall one.

    Fairbanks was a narrow loser at Glorious Goodwood, but comes into this handicap two pounds well-in, which is a huge advantage. Not only has he won over a mile and four, but has done it over a mile and six and proved that firm ground is suitable for him last time out. However, he’ll have to overcome a wide-ish draw to win.

    Naqeeb has been looking to build for this race. After below-par group efforts, he put in a good performance at Goodwood over two miles. As a three-year-old he won over 14 furlongs at Haydock, so he’s no novice to this kind of distance. And last time out also proved he can cope with conditions too.

    Big Race Bet: Ebor Handicap (Heritage H’cap) – Magical Zoe @ 10/1 (William Hill, BetVictor, Unibet), Fairbanks e/w @ 12/1 (General), Naqeeb e/w @ 12/1 (William Hill, BetVictor)

     

    Juvenile Jotter

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    Not top of the card, but the Julia Graves Roses Stakes is a hot little contest with form to watch out for.

    Despite Big Mojo’s fourth (blame the draw), Celandine has backed up the form for Mr Lightside. Clearly bred to sprint, he has to overcome stall 13 which is a negative. But with two-year-old races, they don’t often follow the form of the older horses and maybe Mr Lightside’s speed will get the better of the field.

    Juvenile Jotter Bet: Julia Graves Roses Stakes (Listed) – Mr Lightside @ 11/4 (BetVictor)

     

    Handy Handicap Guide

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    For this handy handicap I’m looking at the Constantine handicap, the newest heritage handicap on the calendar.

    Summerghand is looking for a third victory in the race, and he isn’t without a shout even if he has been below par in the majority of his races this season. Maybe a heartfelt wager would be suitable.

    But Elmonjed has pretty much everything going for him in the race. He is drawn in stall two, where the bias has been all week. Can handle the firm conditions and finished third in the Macmillan Sprint earlier this season. On top of that he’s only been raised three pounds for his latest win at Windsor and has risen one pound throughout his three-year-old career, after dipping into the eighties. A clear improver and a favourite worth backing.

    Handy Handicap Bet: Constantine Handicap (Hertiage H’cap) – Elmonjed @ 11/2 (General), Summerghand e/w @ 9/1 (William Hill)

     

    Selections:

    13:50 – Strensall Stakes (Group Three) – See The Fire @ 5/2 (William Hill), T/Cast: See The Fire, Alyanaabi, Phantom Flight
    14:25 – Melrose Handicap (Heritage H’cap) – Spaceport e/w @ 16/1 (General), Going Remote e/w @ 16/1 (William Hill), Mo Ghille Mar e/w @ 25/1 (General)
    15:00 – City Of York Stakes (Group Two) – Audience @ 11/8 (William Hill), F/Cast: Audience, Lake Forest
    15:35 – Ebor Handicap (Heritage H’cap) – Magical Zoe @ 10/1 (William Hill, BetVictor, Unibet), Fairbanks e/w @ 12/1 (General), Naqeeb e/w @ 12/1 (William Hill, BetVictor)
    16:10 – Constantine Handicap (Hertiage H’cap) – Elmonjed @ 11/2 (General), Summerghand e/w @ 9/1 (William Hill), Harry Three e/w @ 18/1 (William Hill)
    16:45 – Julia Graves Roses Stakes (Listed) – Mr Lightside @ 11/4 (BetVictor)
    17:20 – Finale Handicap (Heritage H’cap) – Ron O @ 7/1 (William Hill), Oviedo e/w @ 17/2 (William Hill), Chasing Aphrodite e/w @ 18/1 (William Hill)

    Best of Luck!

  • Ebor Festival 2024 | Day One Selections

    Ebor Festival 2024 | Day One Selections

    Racing heads to God’s Own County as York hosts the prestigious Ebor Festival. Day One is full of mouth-watering contests, including the Juddmonte International which sees City Of Troy face his biggest challenge yet on the Knavesmire. Can he step up to the challenge? Find out with selections for all seven races below.

     

    Big Race View

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    This is by far the best renewal of the Juddmonte International for a long time. 13 runners head to post, led by the Ballydoyle superstar City Of Troy. What challenges await him, and is he up to the challenge?

    First he has to overcome his issue of hanging to the right. At Epsom, he was led away by a loose but there was no excuse at Sandown. It’s a half-mile straight at York, and his big galloping style will definitely suit and he should iron out that issue. And despite not running on firm ground, he’s by two horses that relish fast conditions. He’s value whilst he’s odds-against.

    Looking down the market, Ambiente Friendly should also run a good race. Bred for this distance by a miler and out of an unbeaten mile-and-quarter mare, he should relish the drop in trip after two tough Derby tests.

    Value is undoubtedly with the French horse, but not Calandgan. For me, Zarakem ran a stormer of a race in the Prince of Wales’s at Ascot, and was close to running down Auguste Rodin. It’s his preferred distance and seems to go on any ground. I don’t think he’ll win, but he’ll be mighty close.

    Big Race Bet: Juddmonte International Stakes (GROUP ONE) – City Of Troy WIN @ 11/8 (General), Ambiente Friendly e/w @ 15/2 (William Hill), Zarakem e/w @ 12/1 (William Hill)

     

    Juvenile Jotter

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    This race has been deemed an open and shut case by the bookmakers. There’s a 15.5 point gap between second favourite The Lion In Winter and third favourite Wimbledon Hawkeye. Only one favourite has won in the past 10 years and Charlie Appleby has never won the race. Aidan O’Brien has not won the race since 2000, so it makes sense to look elsewhere.

    Yaroogh is my choice, as all horses from the last ten years have come out of either maidens or novices races. He’s one of the more experienced after last in a hot Newmarket maiden in April, then readily won at Haydock with the form backed up from that race. He’s yet to prove himself on firm ground, but he’s progressive and should be stepping up to middle distances at three.

    Juvenile Jotter Bet: Tattersalls Acomb Stakes (Group Three) – Yaroogh @ 22/1 (Boylesports)

     

    Handy Handicap Guide

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    This meeting is peppered with handicaps, with Northern trainers all aiming there horses throughout the season for these valuable races. No less so than in our first race the Symphony Handicap. This sprint race has been won seven times out of the last 10 years by Northern trainers, and one horse has been aimed specifically for this race.

    Jm Jungle, who finished a tight third in last year’s contest hasn’t had a great season. But he is racing off a mark of 88, four pounds lower than last year. He’s also in a significant place in the draw. He’s in the low numbers, where there is an identified pace setter. Knowing he’s been targeted at this race, on a lower mark than last year and in a nice draw make the choice a bit easier in a highly competitive race.

    Handy Handicap Bet: Symphony Group Handicap (Hertiage H’cap) – Jm Jungle e/w @ 10/1 (General)

     

    Selections:

    13:50 – Symphony Group Handicap (Hertiage H’cap) – Jm Jungle e/w @ 10/1 (General), Tees Spirit e/w @ 25/1 (General), Squealer e/w @ 33/1 (William Hill)
    14:25 – Tattersalls Acomb Stakes (Group Three) – Yaroogh @ 22/1 (Boylesports), Diablo Rojo e/w @ 25/1 (General), Rajeko e/w @ 25/1 (General)
    15:00 – Great Voltigeur Stakes (Group Two) – Los Angeles @ 13/8 (William Hill)
    15:35 – Juddmonte International Stakes (GROUP ONE) – City Of Troy WIN @ 11/8 (General), Ambiente Friendly e/w @ 15/2 (William Hill), Zarakem e/w @ 12/1 (William Hill)
    16:10 – Stayers Handicap (Heritage H’cap) – Knightswood @ 15/2 (William Hill), Forza Orta e/w @ 9/1 (General)
    16:45 – ITM Fillies’ Handicap (Heritage H’cap) – Got To Love A Grey @ 11/2 (Betfred, Boylesports), Designer e/w @ 10/1 (William Hill)
    17:20 – Nursery Handicap – Artagnan @ 6/1 (William Hill), Cayman Tai e/w @ 17/2 (William Hill)

    Best of Luck!

  • Ebor Festival 2024 | Bluestocking Primed For Yorkshire Oaks

    Ebor Festival 2024 | Bluestocking Primed For Yorkshire Oaks

    As the 2024 Ebor Festival rolls into view, Bluestocking finally looks set to seal a first Group 1 win on home soil.

    With the calendar now flipped to August, the annual pilgrimage to the Knavesmire is the next stop for the flat season and Thursday sees the ladies take centre in the Pertemps Network Yorkshire Oaks.

    A contest first ran in 1849, last year’s winner Warm Heart has not yet gone on to greater things, but the race is nonetheless a springboard toward a potential entry for November’s Breeders’ Cup.

    And for trainer Ralph Beckett, yet to win this race, Bluestocking can provide the winning formula.

     

    Breaking ground

    For Bluestocking, a 3yo filly and a winner on debut at Salisbury just under two years ago, the world looked to be her oyster.

    Yet, 13 months on and with six more runs under the belt, a second victory had failed to materialise.

    Significantly fluffing the lines, first the Juddmonte Irish Stakes and then this very race 12 months ago, a Group 1 win was proving elusive.

    However, this season has finally seen a turning of he tide.

    With still just seven contests under her belt, Bluestocking went to York all clinched the Middleton Fillies’ and then travelling to the Curragh, finally delivered on much promise in breaking a Group 1 duck in the Pretty Polly. Just.

    However, on returning home in a King George many expected the daughter of Camelot to win, 25/1 German raider, Goliath, had not read the script.

    Still home elite success eludes, but with a second crack at the Yorkshire Oaks, the pieces look to be falling into place.

    Indeed, the 2/1f with Betfred, the bookies believe they are.

     

    Emily Up for fight

    In another marquee contest this year with a slightly reduced field, there look to be two main rivals that stand between Bluestocking a first elite win on home turf.

    The first of which, Queen Of The Pride arrives in York seeking a third-straight win after a Haydock double in the last two months.

    With the red-hot Oisin Murphy in tow for John and Thady Gosden, the fellow 4yo may lack experience but is showing immense potential.

    Having won at Leicester also, there can be no one-course wonder tag given to Queen Of The Pride, but this will be a first test at the top level, and likely, on far firmer ground than any trip yet.

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    Perhaps then, might Emily Upjohn be the wiser punt?

    Since winning last year’s Coronation Cup with the departing Frankie Dettori, Emily has fallen on harder times.

    Indeed, winless in six, pushing the then dominant and now retired Paddington in last term’s Coral Eclipse, was the closest victory had came.

    That was until earlier this summer, when pipped to the Pretty Polly by the aforementioned and surging Bluestocking.

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    The issue right now for Emily Upjohn right now though, appears to be consistency, as something of a no-show last time out in the Nassau Stakes.

    However, she has a significant mental advantage in returning to the Knavesmire with one outing and one win – that coming in the 2022 Musidora Stakes.

    Whilst that was in the midst of a unbeaten career start, on her day Emily Upjohn is not to be trifled with. Could revenge be in the air?

     

    The Pertemps Network Yorkshire Oaks takes place on Thursday at 3:35pm UK time.

  • 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 3 Bets – The Top Three

    York Ebor Festival – Day 3 Bets – The Top Three

    Although there is definitely a chance to turn this around, The Top Three has been in good form during the York Ebor meeting.

    Despite missing Warm Heart thanks to early morning price reasons, all three horses from yesterday’s column made money as Relief Rally won the Lowther Stakes and both Northern Express and One Evening placed at each-way prices.

    Today is a tough day, but hopefully, I’ve found a few to be on the correct side of.

     

    Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes (3:00 York) – Haatem @ 7/1 General – 1pt EW

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    This year’s Gimcrack Stakes is a tough puzzle to work out as already we have experienced juveniles facing new, unexposed rivals at the York Ebor Festival.

    Plenty have the chance to make a massive step up in Group 2 company today, but I’m sticking with the six-time-raced Haatem at 8/1.

    Although there’s the chance that Richard Hannon’s colt by Phoenix Of Spain could still be feeling the effects of his Group 2 Vintage Stakes victory at Goodwood on good-to-soft ground, his form in the book is miles clear of the rivals.

    Last time out, he beat Iberian, a horse connections think highly of, over seven furlongs when seemingly doing enough once he hit the front.

    Prior to then, he was a good second in the Group 2 Superlative Stakes behind Aidan O’Brien’s future Guineas horse City Of Troy and he produced a good performance in the Group 2 Coventry Stakes behind the likes of River Tiber and Bucanero Fuerte.

    Although he has to shoulder a three-pound penalty today, Haatem should be a solid play in a field full of unknowns.

     

    Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes (3:35 York) – Aesop’s Fables @ 28/1 with BetVictor – 1pt EW

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    Call me mad and wishing for a bit too much, but there’s a chance that Aesop’s Fables could return to his best and spring a surprise in the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes this afternoon.

    There is precedent from this season to suggest that these once highly-touted Aidan O’Brien horses can turn things around on the biggest stage, after all, he was successful in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot with Age Of Kings who went off as big as 22/1.

    As for today’s hopeful in the Nunthorpe, I’ve been patiently waiting for this three-year-old by No Nay Never to be tried at five furlongs on good ground and for a while, I thought Ballydoyle might find a lower-level race to ease him into things.

    But no, connections have bravely selected the Group 1 Nunthorpe.

    On the face of it, he does have to improve, but he has the ability to do that over this trip as five-and-a-half furlongs is the shortest distance he has ever tried.

    His first run at the trip occurred during his two-length Navan victory on debut, and the second was in April 2023 when he breezed beautifully into the Listed Committed Stakes but found the heavy ground too tough of a task.

    Furthermore, on his last start in the Listed Carnarvon Stakes over six furlongs, he ran well to finish behind Shaquille and ahead of Noble Style which looks to be good form based on what the former has done in two Group 1s since.

    Backing Aesop’s Fables today does require bravery, but I would hate to not trust him on his first start at five furlongs on decent conditions, so for that reason, he makes the list for the third day of the York Ebor meeting.

     

    Class 2 Mile Handicap (5:15 York) – Silver Sword @ 7/1 with Unibet – 1pt EW

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    The final race of the day is a competitive three-year-old handicap with 12 runners in the field, but it’s Dylan Cunha’s Silver Sword that gets the nod.

    By Charm Spirit, Silver Sword has been the flag bearer horse for the Cunha team over the last 12 months and burst onto the scene this season with a victory at Southwell over a mile back in April.

    Connections then stepped the three-year-old up in trip for the Lester Piggott Handicap on Derby Day at Epsom where he produced another good performance, however, the winner Torito just out-stayed him with his impressive stamina.

    Later in the month of June, he went over Pontefract for a one-mile three-year-old handicap in the Sky Bet Sunday Series and although it wasn’t a vintage race, he bolted up under jockey Greg Cheyne off a mark of 86.

    If you put a line through his last run at Goodwood where the combination of soft ground and 10 furlongs didn’t suit him, the gallant grey could still be well-handicapped off 93.

    In a line-up like this, the potential unknown ability of some rivals would be worrying – notably the well-supported Tafreej who is on an upward trajectory – but Silver Sword remains unexposed at a mile on good ground, and for that reason, I won’t be deserting him today.

  • York Ebor Festival Day Three: Selections and Naps

    York Ebor Festival Day Three: Selections and Naps

    Keeping the winning momentum at this week’s Ebor meeting, with three winners yesterday. Relief Rally and Warm Heart tipped up in both the NAP and E/W bet landed. Sea Theme made it three in the selections column. Day Three is Fab Friday and the Princess of speed returns to her home track. Is the Nunthorpe going to be hers once again?

    Nunthorpe Nap

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    NAP: Nunthorpe Stakes (Group One) – Highfield Princess @ 6/4 (General)

    Instead of being the winning machine, it took Highfield Princess a few go’s to hit top level. And at Goodwood she did, in some style. This is a race she was always going to come to, given her Yorkshire connections, and she won last year’s race on similar conditions with plenty in hand. Bradsell is her chief rival, and has been given a break since Royal Ascot. But, on previous form this is the part of the season where she begins to shine.

    A Fifth Crack

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    E/W Bet: Gimcrack Stakes (Group Two) – Jehangeer @ 14/1 (William Hill, Boylesports)

    Today we could see a big gamble on Jehangeer. Already been backed in from 33/1 on Thursday, someone knows something about this son of Kodiac and brother to Hello Youmzain. His breeding shows he will like the firm ground, and his form from his last Ayr maiden looks positive too. James Doyle has already bagged a big race at the Ebor Festival yesterday, and Kevin Ryan has picked up a prize too. Ryan has also won this race four times, and if he thinks this horse can make the massive step from class six maiden to Group Two winner, then he has every chance.

    Moore The Champ

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    Handicap Best: Sky Bet H’cap (Heritage) – Marhaba The Champ @ 11/1 (888Sport)

    Marhaba The Champs’ last win came at York in May, on firm ground. He’s just a pound higher than that mark today. Granted, he hasn’t always turned up for his races this season. He steps to a mile-and-a-half which looks a positive on evidence of his win at York earlier in the season. Again Kevin Ryan loves a winner at York, no less the Ebor Festival and he should be in top nick for today.

    Bague D’or is intriguing. Only one five-year-old has won in the last ten years, and was recently too. He’s been off the track since Glorious Goodwood 2022, when he finished behind the Ebor winner Trawlerman. It’s his first run under James Ferguson, and handles both the firm ground and the trip. His mark hasn’t changed since last year, but that’s worked out the handicapping of the race. 9/1 (Betfred, BetUK) is a good price for a horse with a big layoff.

     

    Selections:

    13:50 – Sky Bet H’cap (Heritage) – Marhaba The Champ @ 11/1 (888Sport), Bague D’or @ 9/1 (Betfred, BetUK)

    14:25 – Yorkshire Cup (Group Two) – Coltrane @ 11/4 (William Hill), Giavellotto @ 7/1 (BetVictor, Boylesports)

    15:00 – Gimcrack Stakes (Group Two) – Kings Gamble @ 8/1 (BetVictor, Betfred, Boylesports), Jehangeer (E/W) @ 14/1 (William Hill, Boylesports)

    15:35 – Nunthorpe Stakes (Group One) – Highfield Princess (NAP) @ 6/4 (General)

    16:10 – Fillies’ H’cap (Heritage) – Sirona @ 6/1 (William Hill)

    16:45 – Convivial Maiden Stakes – Castle In The Sand @ 10/1 (888Sport), Sisphyean @ 9/1 (General)

    17:20 – 3-Y-O Mile Handicap (Heritage) – Bajan Bandit @ 15/2 (888Sport, BetVictor), Glenfinnan @ 9/1 (General)

    Best of Luck!

  • York Ebor Festival Day Two: Selections and Naps

    York Ebor Festival Day Two: Selections and Naps

    We are off to a winning start, sort off, at York. Continuous put us in pole position ahead of Paddington. But Frankie had other ideas, and delivered a ride to finally knock Paddington off his perch. Today we focus on the ladies as the Yorkshire Oaks takes centre stage. Aidan O’Brien holds a strong card, and we’ll be delving into more detail below.

    Ready to Rally

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    NAP: Lowther Stakes (Group Two) – Relief Rally @ 2/1 (General)

    Relief Rally raised a few eyebrows when she went to the Weatherbys Super Sprint, instead of going down a group race route. But William Haggas has come to the Ebor and has directed Relief Rally to go down the top level route. She makes the step up to six, but she won’t mind it given her breeding. And, even by her win at Newbury when she just waltzed away from the opposition. Haggas didn’t have a winner at his boyhood track, on his birthday, yesterday but will have his best chance with this daughter of Kodiac.

    Heating Up at York

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    E/W Bet: Yorkshire Oaks (Group One) – Warm Heart @ 6/1 (General)

    Savethelastdance may hog the headlines, but Warm Heart has a real chance going into this. She might not be the number one for Aidan O’Brien but she’s won on firm ground, unlike her stablemate. Her run in the Irish Oaks didn’t suit, namely the ground but it was quite slow. Expect plenty of pace up front and for Warm Heart to pick her rivals off one by one, and may even get the better of her stablemate too.

    O’Meara Of Course

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    Handicap Best: Clipper Logistics H’cap (Heritage) – Orbaan @ 10/1 (BetVictor, Betfred, Boylesports)

    David O’Meara loves a good handicap, whether it’s at Ascot or York. And Orbaan is one of those horses that keeps cropping up in these types of races. He’s been campaigned thoroughly and has found himself dropping to a 5lb lower mark than in last year’s race, where he finished a good fourth. That drop in the handicap, plus ideal ground conditions and drawn next to Spirit Catcher who will want to be prominent, points him as the ideal candidate.

    As I explained in yesterday’s column, Northern trainers love the Ebor meeting. And Ed Bethell looks to have campaigned Point Lynas with this race in mind. His best result this season came over C&D, losing by a head to Croupier. He’s been given a break since disappointing at Royal Ascot which may play into his hands. A career high mark of 96 doesn’t put me off backing him at 12/1 (BetVictor), as he’s finished second twice at York.

    La Trinidad was in my tracker right at the start of the season and has had a very light campaign so far. Only three runs, including a win on firm ground at Doncaster, gives him a mark of 94. But with Jonny Peate claiming three pounds, he’s only on a 2lb higher mark than his previous win of 89. Which came over C&D. He has to overcome an outside draw in stall 20, but drawn next to pace may prove to be a stroke of luck. A nice big price at 28/1 (General)

     

    Selections:

    13:50 – Lowther Stakes (Group Two) – Relief Rally (NAP) @ 2/1 (General)

    14:25 – Premier Yearling Stakes – Dapperling @ 12/1 (William Hill)

    15:00 – Clipper Logistics Handicap (Heritage) – Orbaan (H’cap Best) @ 10/1 (BetVictor, Betfred, Boylesports), Point Lynas @ 12/1 (BetVictor), La Trinidad @ 28/1 (General)

    15:35 – Yorkshire Oaks (Group One) – Savethalastdance @ 9/2 (General), Warm Heart (E/W) @ 6/1 (General)

    16:10 – Galtres Stakes (Listed) – Sea Theme @ 4/1 (General)

    16:45 – EBF Stallions Nursery – Aragon Castle @ 5/1 (General), Expert Choice @ 6/1 (General)

    17:20 – Fillies’ Handicap (Heritage) – Unequal Love @ 100/30 (General)

    Best of Luck!

  • York Ebor Festival – Day 2 Bets – The Top Three

    York Ebor Festival – Day 2 Bets – The Top Three

    Yesterday was an enjoyable opening day of the York Ebor Festival for a few reasons.

    Firstly, The Top Three began the meeting in good form thanks to two winners on the Knavesmire, a welcome sight for regular readers.

    Secondly, despite the small field (and my inner fandom for Paddington), the Juddmonte International did not disappoint, giving racing fans a truly classic spectacle to savour.

    Looking ahead to day two, here are my three main plays for today’s feature action.

     

    Group 2 Lowther Stakes (1:50 York) – Relief Rally @ 7/4 with William Hill – 3pt Win

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    Beginning with the first race on day two of the York Ebor Festival, although this is not new news, it’s hard to look past William Haggas’ Relief Rally at 7/4.

    The juvenile by Kodiac has been a model of consistency in the famous double green colours of Simon Munir & Isaac Souede this season and steps up to six furlongs for the first time later today.

    That shouldn’t be an issue based on how she has shaped in some of her races, most notably last time out in the Super Sprint where she powered through the good-to-soft conditions and hit the line well under Tom Marquand.

    This victory at Newbury followed a desperately unlucky second in the Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes where the 58,000 guineas purchase ate up the ground between herself and the winner, Crimson Advocate, however, she was on the wrong side of the head-bobbing finish and settled for a runners-up medal.

    Both Flora Of Bermuda (6/1) and Beautiful Diamond (7/1) were behind her on that occasion, and while they could take a step up and improve past, that would seem unlikely.

    This year’s Lowther Stakes is one to be excited about as it’s a deep race, but Relief Rally is the one who gets the nod at the head of the market.

     

    Clipper Handicap (3:00 York) – Northern Express @ 6/1 with BetVictor – 1pt EW

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    Moving on to the ever-competitive Clipper Handicap at 3:00, Michael Dodds could have a strong hand in the contest with Northern Express at a fair price of 6/1.

    With regular rider Paul Mulrennan booked to do the steering, the Zoffany five-year-old has been bumping heads with improving handicappers all season despite consistently running good races.

    He showed to good effect in the Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, a race won by Witch Hunter at 50/1 for Richard Hannon who has since won the Group 2 Hungerford Stakes at Newbury on Saturday.

    From that race two months ago, the fourth, Spangled Mac, was victorious in a Newbury handicap on Saturday, the sixth, Bopedro, won at Newmarket on Friday, and the ninth, Biggles, bolted up in the Bunbury Cup on his next start.

    Furthermore, it’s not just that race that has seen the form franked either, as horses from his victory at York two starts ago and third at the same course in May have won since.

    Northern Express has been remarkable this season and although he is rated as high at 101, he is officially two pounds well in and will hopefully get his big day in the sun at the York Ebor meeting.

    Listed Galtres Stakes (4:10 York) – One Evening @ 11/2 with William Hill – 1pt EW

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    The final selection on day two of the York Ebor Festival comes in the concluding contest shown on ITV, the Listed Galtres Stakes, as I’m taking a chance on One Evening to continue her progression for John & Thady Gosden.

    The four-year-old has to give weight away to the younger prospects in the race – Scenic, Sea Time, and Spring Fever notably – but a look through her form suggests she could be able to do this successfully.

    Beginning with her seasonal opener, the Galileo filly attempted to make all in the Group 3 Bronte Cup Fillies’ Stakes, the first time connections deployed these tactics, on her first start at 14 furlongs.

    Unsurprisingly, she didn’t see out the trip and finished a fair fifth, five lengths behind her well-fancied stablemate Mimikyu.

    However, One Evening travelled like the winner when turning for home before fading under Danny Tudhope, so she still showed plenty of promise in a quality field despite losing.

    Fast forward nearly a month and she was pitched into the Listed Castle Fillies’ Stakes where she raced in the rear of the field for the majority of the race before making eye-catching progress up the far rail to finish a valiant second.

    Voodoo Queen, who has good form in the book, won the race with Ching Shih, a subsequent runner-up in Saturday’s Group 3 Geoffrey Freer Stakes to Arrest, one length behind in third.

    To my eye, over 12 furlongs and on good ground, she is still an unexposed type and with Ryan Moore in the plate to steer her home, she has a good chance on the Knavesmire today.

  • 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!