Architect Tips shares his betting tips for Day 2 at York’s Ebor Festival.
13:50 York
In the opening Group 2 Sky Bet Lowther Stakes, I’m really strong on the claims of the unbeaten LEOVANNI (best price 9/4) despite being penalised for her triumph at the Royal meeting last time out.
This filly justified favouritism on debut at Nottingham, winning comfortably before turning up at Royal Ascot two weeks later and slamming her opposition in the Queen Mary Stakes.
Karl Burke’s charge has to shoulder a 3lb penalty, but I cannot see that preventing her from going close, with the step up in trip likely to bring about improvement.
I was taken with the way she quickened up stylishly to put lengths between herself and the remainder of the field prior to being eased down in the closing stages.
On a strict reading of that form, she holds most of these, including Heavens Gate on a line through the likes of Betty Clover and subsequent winner, Simmering. With more to offer, she should prove hard to beat.
14:25 York
Irish raider ARIZONA BLAZE (best price 5/2) ticks plenty of boxes for the Premier Yearling Stakes and can overcome a stacked field with undoubtedly the best form on offer.
This hardy two-year-old has mixed it with subsequent Group 1 winner Whistlejacket on three occasions and was in front of that rival when third in Royal Ascot’s Norfolk Stakes.
He recently made a good fist of it from the front in the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes when a place behind Whistlejacket and is dropped considerably in grade for this contest.
None of the remainder can boast comparable form, and this race, which is often emphasised on speed, should see him to good effect. From a good draw in stall 4, his qualities can see him shine.
15:00 York
As expected, the Clipper Handicap is traditionally competitive, but NEW IMAGE (best price 6/1) is a horse firmly on the up, and having relished the step up in trip when successful at the Shergar Cup Meeting, David O’Meara’s charge can defy his 6lb penalty.
This four-year-old has displayed race-by-race progression and has raised his game since going close here in June. The truth of the matter is, he was given too much to do here, but he made relentless progress from the rear of the field and would have won in another 100 yards.
He then bettered that form when a neck-second in the International Stakes at Ascot, where he again finished his race off powerfully. He was unfortunate not to collar the eventual winner, who was given an uncontested lead, but made amends when tackling this trip next time at the same course.
Even though he had to wait for a gap to appear when going best of all, once he found daylight, he picked up well to rapidly overhaul the runner-up in the final few strides. Oisin Murphy takes over in the saddle this time, and with improvement on the cards, he can follow-up.
Take the five places that are available.
HOLLOWAY BOY (best price 10/1) still remains winless since winning the Chesham Stakes on debut, but you cannot dispute his consistency, and his sterling efforts in defeat might be rewarded with success here.
He’s made the frame in all three handicap starts off marks of 105, and having finished an unlucky fifth in the Royal Hunt Cup, he has gone close at Sandown and Goodwood since. His mark is up another 1lb but this course should suit.
Having never run a bad race so far in his career and shaping well in all of his handicap starts, there’s every chance he will again be right in contention. With most firms paying five places, another prominent display looks imminent.
16:10 York
There’s sufficient evidence in the form of the Owen Burrows-trained NAKHEEL (best price 12/1) to suggest she’s capable of being heavily competitive in the outcome of this Listed race.
She was down the field on her only start last year but was a different proposition on her return at Ascot in May when opening her account and has performed very well twice in this grade since.
Despite still looking green and learning her craft, she finished with a flourish to take third at Goodwood before coming from miles back to finish fourth at Newmarket last time out.
She evidently saves her best work for the finish, so I’m pinning my hopes on Jim Crowley to get her rolling sooner rather than later. If she’s within striking distance a furlong out, not many will be hitting the line stronger than her.
17:20 York
QUEEN OF MOUGINS (best price 11/1) has performed with ultra credit in making the frame in both of her handicap starts, including at this course in the first of those on handicap debut, and is weighted to get much closer to Alfa Kellenic on these better terms.
Ralph Beckett’s filly stayed on strongly from the back of the pace to be nearest the finish at Newmarket, and her mark has been left unchanged, which is handy. It’s interesting to see her stepping up in trip, and if that works the oracle, she could be a serious force. Five places are generally available.
