Day 3 of the Ebor Festival promises another cracking afternoon on the Knavesmire, and Architect Tips has lined up a strong set of fancies.
15:00 York
Having acquitted himself very well in defeat in placing on three Group 2 starts, this is a fine opportunity for DO OR DO NOT (best price 2/1) to deservedly get his head in front.
His second in the Coventry Stakes is strong form, as he had Coppull (subsequent Richmond Stakes winner) and Power Blue (subsequent Phoenix Stakes winner) in behind.
He’s since placed behind Zavareti at Newmarket and at Glorious Goodwood. The application of first-time headgear and drop in trip can see him land this below-average renewal of the Gimcrack Stakes.
15:35 York
In the Nunthorpe Stakes, I’m gobsmacked to see CELANDINE (best price 28/1) trading at huge odds. She’s one of only four course winners in the field courtesy of her Group 2 Lowther Stakes success at this meeting last year.
She beat Time For Sandals fair and square that day and the runner-up beat a number of these in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot and was unlucky at Goodwood last time out.
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Her handler is adamant she will be suited to this distance and she ran well on her return here when third, conceding fitness to the winner Sayidah Dariyan before finishing an unlucky second at Chester when last seen.
She has speed, she’s tough and will relish conditions plus her vital experience of the course will count for plenty. I think she has a good chance of winning this event, so backing her each-way, I’m expecting her to run a big race.
16:10 York
In the Fillies’ Handicap, WONDER STAR takes my hand interest the most. She won over this trip on her reappearance in May and her effort in a Listed race just eight days later.
She was back on track with an excellent second at Goodwood last time out, faring the best of those that were held up.
Off only a 2lb higher mark, I think she has serious claims for a jockey and trainer who do well when teaming up at this venue.
17:20 York
The unbeaten BIG LEADER (best price 15/2) was an expensive yearling and having won at Redcar on debut, he won a good race at Southwell before completing a hat-trick on handicap debut at Thirsk in the Summer Cup, winning with quite a bit up his sleeve.
Bet442
He showed a fabulous attitude that day and the handicapper has only reacted by putting him up 3lb. Open to plenty more improvement, I think he’s a standout each-way choice with five places widely available. I really like his chances.
