Architect Tips shares his betting tips for Day 1 at York’s Ebor Festival.
13:50 York
JM JUNGLE (best price 10/1) came very close to winning this twelve months ago when third off a mark of 92 and appears to have been primed to potentially go two places better off his reduced mark.
This four-year-old is largely consistent and has done well to make the frame in a pair of competitive handicaps the last two times. He also placed in four hot handicaps last season, off marks of 92 and 93.
Down to a mark of 88 means he is 4lb lower than when he went close in this race last year and this looks like a slightly weaker renewal. The ground will suit and he makes plenty of each-way appeal.
Five places are widely available and advised.
14:25 York
Ruling Court looked like a high-class prospect when powering clear on debut at Sandown, but he may meet his match in the shape of THE LION IN WINTER (best price 11/4), who was just as impressive as him when making a winning debut at the Curragh.
This son of Sea The Stars took a bit of time to hit top gear, but once he found full stride, the way he finished off strongly was visually impressive, winning by over two lengths. With this stiff finish likely to play to his strengths, he can come out on top.
15:00 York
Irish Derby winner LOS ANGELES (best price 13/8) has to concede two pounds and upwards to all of his rivals, including King’s Gambit, but I’m optimistic he’s capable of doing so, with stablemate Euphoric in here for pacemaker duties.
This son of Camelot has won four of his five starts, has two Group 1 wins to his name, and beat Illinois comfortably in the Criterium de Saint-Cloud last year. He also beat Euphoric at Leopardstown on his return, so he has the beating of those pair.
His only defeat came when third in the Epsom Derby, doing best of those that were up with the pace. He comfortably had Deira Mile in behind and there’s no reason why the latter should reverse the form despite being worse off at the weights.
I was very impressed with the way he battled to success in the Irish Derby last time out, doing well to maintain his position and seeing off the likes of Ambiente Friendly. Being the choice of Ryan Moore, with stamina his forte, there’s a lot to like about chances.
16:10 York
The Sky Bet Stayers' Handicap looks wide-open, but Irish raider EXTENSIO (best price 9/1) resumed winning ways with a decisive success at Fairyhouse last time out and must have a solid each-way chance, at the very least, with five places on offer.
The seven-year-old has a good record when racing between 1m7f and 2m, with form figures reading 22211. As well as those impressive stats, he caught the eye on his only previous start in the UK when a keeping on third in the Cesarewitch Trial.
Considering how keenly he raced over the 2m2f trip, he did well to keep on to be nearest the finish and this shorter trip will suit him better. On the back of a smooth success in July, this race has seemingly been the plan since, so he’s one to be interested in.
16:45 York
PEPSI CAT (best price 18/1) turned in a rare poor effort at Ascot last month, but other than that, she’s an extremely consistent mare, and with lots of pace bound to be on offer, this five-year-old could quickly get back on track.
She has won three times this year on the all-weather and was desperately unlucky in a hot Listed race at Bath in April when fifth of 13, encountering serious traffic issues before keeping on well to nearly grab third.
She practically finished next to Vadream and would have at least placed with a clear passage. Even so, she comfortably succeeded at Newmarket next time out and is only 3lb higher for this contest.
Dougie Costello has often gotten a fine tune out of her, and she’s drawn nicely in stall 5. With various firms paying five places, it would come as no surprise to see her competitive. Her form puts her right in the mix if she’s back to her best.
17:20 York
CAYMAN TAI (best price 8/1) has yet to finish outside the top-two in five starts, and having caught the eye when second to the re-opposing Artagnan at Glorious Goodwood 19 days ago, Richard Hannon’s charge is fancied to gain revenge on these revised terms.
That latest effort suggested she’s getting better and better with each start, given she travelled much the best and stayed on well all the way to the finish after conceding first run. With a good slot right down the middle in draw 8, an even bigger showing could be forthcoming.
Most firms are paying five places, so I recommend backing him with one of those.
SCATTER PENNY (best price 8/1) followed her Nottingham debut success when bolting up at Pontefract by four lengths, and with her sights set at this higher level, she may well prove to be better than this grade, too.
Her strong finishing efforts indicate that she could be well suited to a stiff finish, such as at this venue, and although the form of each of her wins is only moderate, she would no doubt be shorter if trained by one of the huge yards.
She’s demonstrated plenty of qualities in both of those victories and we don’t know where the ceiling of her ability lies. Ideally drawn in stall 7, this filly is well worth her place in the line-up and offers good value at the odds.
Five places generally available and advised.
