York Ebor Festival Day 3: Live ITV Races Preview And Tips

Race 1

A competitive looking 12f handicap kicks off the card on Day 3 of the Ebor Festival and I am very sweet on the chances of Theglasgowwarrior here for Jim Goldie and PJ McDonald. This 4yo son of Sir Percy could easily be coming into this race looking to complete the four timer, but he has had no luck in running on his last two starts when narrowly beaten at Hamilton (13f gd/fm) and Chester (13.5f gd/fm). His last run at today’s trip of 12f resulted in a facile win at Hamilton on good to firm and this is his first run at the distance since.
 

The booking of PJ McDonald is a big positive.

That win came off a mark of 76 and he is running off 87 now, but if things had gone his way on his last two starts he would be rated even higher. PJ McDonald takes over from an apprentice in the plate and he has yet to finish out of the first three from five rides for this owner, winning twice. Hopefully he improves on that fine record at York on Friday and at odds of 14/1 Theglasgowwarrior is my e/w NAP of the day.

STEVOS’ SELECTION: THEGLASGOWWARRIOR E/W @ 12/1 NAP

Race 2

The stayers take centre stage in the second race of the day, the Group 2 Lonsdale Cup. Nine horses will go to post for this 16.5f race and Stradivarius is a short price to make it four wins on the spin. He has scored at Group 1 level the last twice and he looks to have every chance of completing the four timer. The one that could give him most to think about is Red Verdon, a horse that has been crying out for this step back up to 2 miles.
 

Red Verdon will relish the step back up to 2 miles.

Ed Dunlop’s charge has been second on his last four starts and he could be set to fill that role again if Stradivarius shows up in tip top shape.  The son of Lemon Drop Kid will love the rattling quick ground at York and he gets a handy 3lb from the favourite. Jim Crowley takes over from regular rider James Doyle in the plate and he has a decent record when teaming up with Ed Dunlop. Red Verdon can be backed at odds of 17/2 and at that price he looks well worth backing each way.

STEVOS’ SELECTION: RED VERDON E/W @ 17/2

Race 3

The Group 2 Gimcrack, a 6f contest for 2yos, is the third race on Day 3 of the Ebor Festival and eight colts and one gelding are due to go to post. On the figures Semoum looks to have a lot to find with the principals, but he is a horse I have had my eye on since his win at Ripon and the form of that race has worked out extremely well. Semoum scored by over 3L that day and the runner up is now on a three timer after winning his next two starts.

Semoum wasn’t quite as impressive when narrowly winning on his handicap debut at Ascot last time off a mark of 83, but he pulled hard in the small field and he did well to win considering. He should be able to settle better in this contest and Luke Morris will be hoping that he can provide George Peckham with his first winner at York with his first ever runner at the track. At odds of 25/1 he is the each way selection.

STEVOS’ SELECTION: SEMOUM E/W @ 25/1

Race 4

The Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes is run over the minimum trip of 5f and it was one of the most dramatic races on the card last year. Battaash was sent off at just 11/4 but he could only manage 4th behind Marsha, who edged out Lady Aurelia in an absolutely thrilling finish. This year Battaash is the odds on favourite and he will be very popular with punters after his demolition job in the King George at Goodwood. If he repeats that level of performance he will be hard to beat.  
 

Mabs Cross looks well overpriced for the Nunthorpe.

However, the one I like for each way purposes is Mabs Cross, a 4yo daughter of Dutch Art who has been knocking on the door in big sprints the last twice. She has less than a length to find with Battaash on their clash at Haydock back in May and she ran a cracker when closing the gap to that rival to a neck in the King’s Stand at Royal Ascot. I think this filly will be bang there again for Michael Dods and Tom Eaves and at odds of 16/1 she looks well overpriced.

STEVOS’ SELECTION: MABS CROSS E/W @ 16/1 NB