York Ebor Festival Predictions: Gregory could do it again on the Knavesmire
- York hosts this week's Ebor Festival
- Recommended bets:
- Gregory to win the Great Voltigeur Stakes
- One Evening each-way in the Sir Henry Cecil Galtres Stakes
- Courage Mon Ami to win the Lonsdale Cup
- Sacred each-way in the City Of York Stakes
It is the biggest week of the season at York as they stage the four-day Ebor Festival.
The famous Knavesmire turf will be the scene for York's oldest, richest, fastest and most famous races across exciting afternoons from Wednesday until Saturday.
Among the highlights are the Juddmonte International, the Yorkshire Oaks, the Nunthorpe Stakes and, of course, the famous Ebor Handicap on Saturday.
Day 1 - Wednesday, August 23
Key talking point:
The feature race on day one is the Juddmonte International Stakes, a race won by the likes of Sea The Stars, Frankel, Roaring Lion and Baaeed since 2010.
Sea The Stars is one of five three-year-old winners in that time and Paddington is odds-on to become the sixth.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained Siyouni colt has won four Group 1 races since May, including the Eclipse at Sandown and the Sussex at Glorious Goodwood.
Here he faces Prince Of Wales's Stakes winner Mostahdaf and star filly Nashwa, both for John & Thady Gosden, as well as The Foxes for Andrew Balding.
Can anything stop The Bear?
Wednesday's best bet:
Frankie Dettori and Gregory had to work harder than anticipated but ultimately won June's Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot in good style.
That form has worked out quite well and a slight drop in trip now should not hinder the unbeaten Golden Horn colt.
Day 2 - Thursday, August 24
Key talking point:
The day two feature race is the Yorkshire Oaks and it could be headlined by a rematch between Irish Oaks winner Savethelastdance and runner-up Bluestocking for Aidan O'Brien and Ralph Beckett, respectively.
There was just a half-length between them at the Curragh, but with the likes of Nassau Stakes winner Al Husn also in the picture, they will not have this Group 1 to themselves.
Thursday's best bet:
One Evening ran well in the Group 3 Bronte Cup here in May over 1m6f but she was perhaps guilty of doing too much, too soon.
She has since finished second in a Listed Pontefract race over this trip, doing well having stumbled leaving the starting gates.
There should be more to come and the early booking of Ryan Moore by Sir Michael Stoute is a positive.
Day 3 - Friday, August 25
Key talking point:
It is all about speed on Friday when the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes is the key attraction at York.
The five-furlong Group 1 has witnessed repeat wins by the likes of Borderlescott, Sole Power, Mecca's Angel and Battaash this century and now Highfield Princess will seek to emulate them.
King's Stand winner Bradsell got the better of John Quinn's mare at Royal Ascot and could be the chief threat again, with Highfield Princess having got right back on track last time at Glorious Goodwood.
Friday's best bet:
Courage Mon Ami shed his perfect record in the Goodwood Cup last time out as most of the jockeys fell asleep and allowed Quickthorn and Tom Marquand to pinch a huge lead that they would not give back in a surprise win.
It is improbable that anything similar will unfold now and, in a more conventional race, the Ascot Gold Cup winner can get back on track under Dettori.
Day 4 - Saturday, August 26
Key talking points:
Connections of ante-post favourite Sweet William can breathe easier after he was assured of his place in Europe's richest Flat handicap on Monday.
Among the 39 runners still in contention for the Ebor (which as a max field of 22) were the Ascot winner Real Dream, Chillingham and the Willie Mullins-trained pair Absurde and Jackfinbar.
Saturday's best bet:
Sacred disappointed in this race last summer but the mare had been to Glorious Goodwood in between Royal Ascot and here and perhaps that was a race too many.
William Haggas has kept her at home since finishing second to Khaadem in June and a big run is likely now Cheveley Park Stud mare.
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