Horse Racing: York Ebor Festival Day 4 Preview & Tips

The fourth and final day of York’s Ebor meeting brings the curtain down on a fabulous week of racing on the Knavesmire.

And whilst we have some top-quality group races the feature of the day is no doubt the wide-open Ebor Handicap with 22 runners going to post.

So here’s our racing expert to take a look at the fancied runners across the big races and hopefully point you in the direction of a winner or two.

13:50
1m 1f Strensall Stakes
(Group 3)

Dark Vision and Pogo have looked to progress to their form to another level this season and both recently were victorious in listed races. They may not have stopped with the improvement but I’d prefer to stick with the proven types at this level for now.

The pick of those looks to be Lord Glitters, the now 7-year-old has showed the ability is still there this season with 2 solid efforts at Group 2 level. This is easier and the drop back to a mile today is also in his favour.

The David O’Meara trained runner is taken to secure his second victory in this race after being successful back in 2018. Miss O’Connor was disappointing at Ascot on good ground but if the ground was to become testing, she would hold solid claims.

Selection: Lord Glitter

14:25
1m 6f Melrose Handicap
(Class 2)

A race full of improving 3 years olds and the winner is likely to be some way ahead of its handicap mark still. William Haggas is doubly represented with Favourite Moon looking likely to be the shorter price of his runners.

He looked to always be on top last time when winning a valuable handicap at Haydock. That form has been franked since and the 7lb rise looks fair with Cieran Fallon again claiming 3lbs in the saddle.

A Star Above notched up a quickfire double before just being denied in a handicap at Glorious Goodwood. He got caught behind horses when the pace quickened that day and still looks to have more to come.

Coltrane is another interesting runner, a maiden winner at Chepstow he followed up that success on handicap debut when winning at Newmarket. Stamina looks to be this one’s strong suit and with the partnership of Oisin Murphy and Andrew Balding in top form he is just preferred.

Selection: Coltrane

15:00
7f City Of York Stakes
(Group 2)

Little between the majority of these on ratings but the 3lb mares’ allowance One Master receives could just give her the edge. A winner at Glorious Goodwood against her own sex at this level she looks to hold the best recent form based on that effort.

Prior to that, she had been running respectably against some of the best 6f-8f horses and with nothing of that level in opposition today she should be hard to beat.

Escobar needs to be delivered late and has the perfect jockey on top to do that in the shape of Jamie Spencer. He looked to return to near his best at Goodwood last time and has good each-way claims with conditions to suit.

Safe Voyage is a model of consistency and is likely to run his race once more. While Threat would have a chance if returning to the form of his Gimcrack success here last season but has proven disappointing of late.

Selection: One Master (NAP)

15:40
1m 6f Ebor Handicap
(Class 2)

Although not seen since October you would think the William Haggas team have had this race in mind for some time now for Monica Sherif. She won a Group 3 France on her final start and this lightly raced type should have plenty more to offer.

A high draw has proven to be significant in the past and any rain seen between now and the big race will only help her chances. The Haggas team also runs the tough and progressive Pablo Escobarr. A good winner at Glorious Goodwood last time he should go close again but lacks the scope of his stablemate.

Fujaira Prince looks another who has been kept for this after his impressive win at Royal Ascot, a 9lb rise will make things tougher. King’s Advice doesn’t hold many secrets from the handicapper but there was more promise in his run last time and could go well for the Johnstone/Fanning partnership at fancy odd’s.

Selection: Monica Sheriff (Each Way)

16:10
5f Julia Graves Roses Stakes
(Listed)

Top-rated Ben Macdui is likely to take some beating based on his second-place effort in a Group 3 at Goodwood. The Kevin Ryan & Kevin Stott team have proven a combination to follow over the last 12 months and should find themselves in the winner’s enclosure once more.

Politics represents high-class connections but needs to step up considerably on from his maiden victory at Sandown. Lauded will find this easier than the Group 2 events he has contested on his last 2 starts but lacks the scope of a couple in this.

The unbeaten Blackberry looks a nice type who could pick up a place for the Bryan Smart team.

Selection: Ben Macdui (Next Best)