The final afternoon of York’s biggest week comes up on Saturday with a seven-race card (1.50pm-5.10pm) and it features one of Europe’s pre-eminent handicaps as the feature contest – The Ebor at 3.40pm.
A big field will contest that race and our tipster has selections in all seven York races, all of which you can watch via live streaming when logged into MansionBet.
1.50 – Sky Bet And Symphony Group Strensall Stakes (Group 3, 1m1f)
There’s a temptation to side with Miss O’Connor here, who lost her unbeaten record on seasonal return at Ascot but will almost certainly prefer the forecast cut in the ground here.
Going from the front didn’t tend to be rewarding here yesterday, so perhaps Group 1 winner ZABEEL PRINCE can score for the red-hot Roger Varian stable. Things didn’t go his way on return in Ireland last time (bad trip) but he boasts strong form and this trip is perfect. Former winner Lord Glitters isn’t crossed off easily.
Tip: Zabeel Prince @ 11/2
14.25 – Sky Bet Melrose Handicap (1m6f)
An impressive novice winner on second start last winter, KIPPS can end his wait for a turf win here. He looked the best horse on h’cap/turf bow at Haydock in June but got mugged late on by Walkonby.
His efforts since at Royal Ascot (second to subsequent Group 3 winner) and at Newmarket dropped to 1m2f again have been promising. This longer trip may bring improvement and he’s well capable from this mark under Ryan Moore. Sandown winner Arthurian Fable has scope to get involved at a big price despite rising in class.
Tip: Kipps @ 5/1
3.00 – Sky Bet City Of York Stakes (Group 2, 7f)
Despite having to wait an absolute age for a gap to appear, ONE MASTER eventually got out and showed her class to score at Glorious Goodwood last month against her own sex.
She had more in hand than the slender margin and this proven Group 1 mare can make more hay here. Last year’s Gimcrack winner Threat has had thankless tasks in the St James’s Palace (1m) and July Cup (6f) and may do much better at this trip eased in grade for Richard Hannon.
Tip: One Master @ 7/4
3.40 – Sky Bet Ebor Handicap (1m6f)
Lots of reasons to fancy plenty of the market leaders in this fiendish contest but TRUE SELF is one to have onside, having finished sixth in last year’s renewal for Willie Mullins.
That was run on quick ground, which would not have suited this multiple Listed-winning mare. She was bang there 2f out but finished sixth in the end. The easier ground is a major plus and she’s now 2lb lower, while the booking of Jason Watson is a positive given his fine York record and he almost grabbed a big prize for Mullins on outsider Stratum here yesterday.
At a bigger price, Ranch Hand has form that ties in with market principles Trueshan, while Fujaira Prince could run into the frame for Andrew Balding.
Tip: True Self @ 10/1
4.10 – Julia Graves Roses Stakes (Listed, 5f)
The case for Molecomb runner-up Ben Macdui is an obvious one, he looks certain to go well in this Listed sprint, but WINTER POWER is also worth considering despite her Goodwood setback.
She was favourite for the nursery won by the re-opposing Acklam Express but was too keen and didn’t seem to relish the Sussex Downs layout. It also came just three days after a win at Redcar and perhaps things caught up on her. She has promise and, while improvement is demanded upped in grade, is a big price having started odds-on last time.
Tip: Winter Power @ 9/1
4.40 – Sky Bet Handicap (1m2f)
Maydanny put his rivals away in convincing fashion at Goodwood last time and needs major consideration despite the handicapper taking a dim view (up 11lb).
He’s not overlooked readily but DEREVO – fourth behind him last time – could give him a scrap on the revised terms with York much more likely to suit Sir Michael Stoute’s colt. His mark has been left alone and he’s got sound claims.
Tip: Derevo @ 15/2
5.10 – Sky Bet Apprentice Handicap (5f)
An apprentice handicap to finish things off and, with quite a few of these being forward-going sorts, this could be run ferociously. That might result in a burn-up but the form of LIVE IN THE MOMENT and Sampers Seven is strong.
The former held sway when they met on the all-weather in June and, with both having scored over this C&D since, may get the verdict again with Georgia Dobie taking 3lb off perhaps giving the gelding an edge over Cieren Fallon’s filly.
Tip: Live In The Moment @ 9/2
*All odds correct at time of writing