We reveal the most backed horses on day four of the York Ebor Festival.
Wissahickon – 7/4 – 13:50 York (Strensall Stakes)
The standout runner in the opening race this Saturday, WISSAHICKON takes to the turf following a largely successful campaign on the all-weather. Though last seen finishing second to Matterhorn in the All-Weather Championship in April, John Gosden’s Winter Derby winner is expected to benefit from a 127-day break from the track. A course and distance winner here last year, the four-year-old should have too much for the talented Bangkok and Zaaki, especially with Frankie Dettori in the saddle as usual.
Laurens – 7/2 – 15:00 York (City Of York Stakes)
Karl Burke’s superstar filly LAURENS had her confidence dented when finishing sixth at Ascot in June, but the Lockinge second has since shown her class is permanent. A six-time Group 1 winner against her own sex, the four-year-old won the Prix Rothschild over at Deauville last month in some style. Though her record against colts and geldings is not quite as sparkling, punters think she should have plenty in hand back in Group 2 company this afternoon.
Forest Of Dean – 9/4 – 16:45 York (Sky Bet Handicap)
John Gosden’s colt FOREST OF DEAN won the three-year-old handicap at Glorious Goodwood earlier this month and is up 7lb for that victory. His fourth behind subsequent dual Group 2 winner Headman in the London Gold Cup at Newbury in May has worked out nicely. There are plenty of potential threats in this field, but punters seem to fancy Frankie Dettori to have one of ‘those days’ at York today, with this being one of his leading hopes.
