We saw Love obliging as odds-on jolly in the big race on Thursday and reigning champion Battaash will be similarly short in the market when he defends the crown in the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes (3.15pm) at York this afternoon.
Charlie Hills’ speedster is the star attraction on day thee of the Ebor Festival (racing 1.45pm-4.50pm) and you can watch every race from the Knavesmire via live streaming when logged into MansionBet.
Get the lowdown from our tipster on all seven races below before you make your selections!
1.45 – Sky Bet Handicap (7f)
A strong hand in the opener for Mark Johnston with Zabeel Champion the market leader after a close second at Goodwood following his successive Newmarket wins. He looks ready for this longer trip but the market has found him.
Stablemate KING’S CAPER is an interesting contender under Joe Fanning. He’s had some tough assignments this summer, his best finish being a second in the Group 2 Italian Derby. He ran well enough at Goodwood last time carrying top-weight in a 3YO handicap and might do better on softer ground against his elders here from what is a nice racing weight.
Tip: King’s Caper @ 10/1
2.15 – Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup Stakes (Group 2, 2m)
The Johnston yard will be full of hope that NAYEF ROAD can take advantage of the absence of two-time defending champion Stradivarius in the Lonsdale Cup.
Twice this season the Galileo colt has played second fiddle to the best stayer of a generation in the Gold Cup at Ascot and the Goodwood Cup, remaining within a length last time have made a lot of the running. This is a great chance to take advantage of that outstanding rival missing out.
Tip: Nayef Road @ 5/2
2.45 – Gimcrack Stakes (Group 2, 6f)
A pretty open renewal of the Gimcrack, five of the 10 being unbeaten at this stage and plenty of exciting pedigrees in the mix.
Cases can be made for multiple runners but UBETTABELIEVEIT is the selection for trainer Nigel Tinkler and champion jockey Oisin Murphy (who won this race last year). The Kodiac colt is 2-3 now and won a Listed Sandown race over 5f with something in hand last time, shaping as if this extra furlong will suit him. He’s got firm claims and may well improve again over this new distance.
Tip: Ubettabelieveit @ 8/1
3.15 – Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes (Group 1, 5f)
BATTAASH should prove too good for these. He has been imperious in winning at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood so far this summer, shattering his own track record when landing a fourth King George last month on the Sussex Downs. If ground conditions are in his favour and the wind is at his back; he might even take time off his course record here too.
On his game, he’s got too much for improving three-year-olds Art Power and A’Ali – both of which would have claims in a regular renewal of the Nunthorpe. Battaash, however, is not a regular sprinter.
Tip: Battaash @ 1/2 (A’Ali betting without Battaash)
3.45 – British Stallion Studs EBF Convivial Maiden Stakes (7f)
A maiden that promised a showdown between Maximal and NAVAL CROWN lost some of its lustre when Sir Michael Stoute’s charge was ruled out yesterday. That seemingly paves the way for more Godolphin success led by Charlie Appleby and William Buick.
This Dubawi colt built on his Newmarket debut by finishing third in a Listed race at Ascot last month and a replication of that may suffice. 550,000 gns purchase Rushmore was too green on debut at Newbury in a warm contest last month and could do much better now for Andrew Balding in the Qatar silks.
Tip: Naval Crown @ 6/4
4.15 – British Stallion Studs EBF Fillies’ Handicap (1m2f)
Chamade used her stall one berth to make all at Goodwood last month, with favourite WALIYAK only able to come through for second spot behind her. Roger Varian’s charge was second in the Sandringham earlier this summer and – now 5lb better off with her old foe – might just turn things around on this more conventional track as they are drawn side-by-side today.
Tip: Waliyak @ 4/1
4.50 – Sky Bet Mile Stakes (Handicap 1m)
A tough, tough 3YO handicap to round off the card with lots of good form lines and plausible winners coming into it and so a chance is taken with handicap debutante COLD FRONT. He won his Haydock maiden last month in ready fashion and the runner-up has since made short work of his assignment on the turf at Lingfield.
An opening mark of 91 isn’t a gimme by any stretch but William Haggas and Tom Marquand are a potent partnership this summer and might get on the board with the One Master colours ahead of her run here on Saturday.
Tip: Cold Front @ 8/1
*All odds correct at time of writing
