Ebor Festival: The Race of the Season

Hi all,

The opening day of York's Ebor meeting has arrived, and with it probably the race of the season, so far, the Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes (3:35).

Just the six were declared for the International but it remains a cracker of a contest. We have Coral Eclipse winner Delacroix. Eclipse runner-up and Prince Of Wales Stakes winner Ombudsman. Knavesmire specialist See The Fire.  We also have international representation from Japan in Group 1 winner Danon Decile and unbeaten French colt Daryz.

The undercard is strong to. Dual Derby winner Lambourn faces six rivals in the Group 2 Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes (3.00) including the unbeaten Carmers who won the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot last time.

The Group 3 Tattersalls Acomb Stakes sees a clash between the powerhouses Godolphin and Coolmore. Distant Storm heads the betting for the former and the latter are represented Italy. It was Coolmore who came out on top 12 months ago courtesy of The Lion In Winter with Godolphin third with this year’s 2,000 Guineas winner Ruling Court

Add in four competitive handicaps and you have a card that suits all flat racing punters.

ITV Racing are showing the first five races live from York’s Ebor meeting.  

The final declarations for Day 2 are in, and the Pertemps Yorkshire Oaks has cut up badly with just four runners. Two of them come from Aidan O’Brien’s yard, while Estrange, the nearest market rival to long odds-on favourite Minnie Hauk, could yet miss out if the ground rides quick. With prize money on offer down to sixth, it’s a poor look for the sport – and for York itself.

I have previewed all seven York races for Victor Value subscribers which you can get here. for just £10.

York Ebor Festival – Day 1

Here’s my preview of the race of Day 1 of the Ebor meeting and what could be the race of the season.

3:35 – Juddmonte International Stakes (Group 1) – 1m 2½f

Delacroix made it 3 from 4 for the season when overcoming a poor trip to win the Coral Eclipse at Sandown last month. Only poor run came when not handling the track in the Derby. He produced a good turn of foot to win the Eclipse and that change of gear could prove vital here

Ombudsman benefitted from a pace collapse when winning the Group 1 Prince Of Wales Stakes at Royal Ascot two starts back. Probably needs a strong gallop to be seen at his best but has a pacemaker which should ensure he gets it.  

Danon Decile won the Japanese Derby last year and produced a career best when beating King George VI winner Calandagan in the Group 1 Sheema Classic (1m 4f) at Meydan in the spring. Back from a break and if he reproduces his Meydan form on these shores has a chance.

Daryz took his unbeaten record to four when winning a Group 2 at Saint -Cloud last time. That was a big step forward by the colt. Takes another step up in class here which demands more improvement from the 3-year-old but given his Group 1 pedigree he could be capable of finding it.

See The Fire made it 2-2 at York when winning over C&D in May. Finished 4 ½ lengths behind Ombudsman in the Prince of Wales and wasn’t suited by testing ground when third in the Nassau Stakes last time. Underfoot conditions will be more suitable here. York brings out the best in her and she can outrun her odds.

Verdict:

Delacroix is the one to beat but I am expecting See The Fire to outrun her odds back at York and hope we haven’t seen the best from Daryz yet.

I’ll be back on Saturday with a look at the Ebor Handicap.

Good luck with your York Ebor Festival bets.

John