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Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Ebor Festival Day 3 Tips

FRIDAY RACING TIPS

York 1.50 – Heritage Handicap

I’m going to stick with Insanity (9/1), who did well at Ascot last time when coming out on top in the Shergar Cup Challenge.

He’s improving, he’s handled quick ground and rain won’t be enough to affect him massively. He’s pretty versatile in that respect.

The 4lbs rise from that Ascot victory shouldn’t get the best of Insanity. I think he’s still lightly raced and going the right way. He dictated from the front end at Ascot – he was right up behind the leaders off a pretty strong pace. He got into a battle from quite a long way out but was tough in winning.

He will be able to get a bit of cover and get a nicer toe into the race this time, while a long straight at York will suit him. I just think this horse is solid.

Insanity is from the same yard as Tritonic, who ran very well on the first day of this festival and I think the team can pair up once again with a big chance.

He is also a straightforward horse. Although Wafei (11/4 fav) has shown plenty of ability he’s not easy and Insanity will be dropping his head and trying, so he’s my pick.

Megan’s Selection: Insanity WIN

York 2.25 – Lonsdale Cup Stakes

I’m going to go with Point Lonsdale (9/4 fav) here.

He’s stepped up to the two miles for the first time and is the classy and consistent performer at the Group 2 level.

He won the Ormonde Stakes at Chester in late spring, which is over the extended one mile and five furlongs, albeit on a tighter track. He came on strongly then.

Point Lonsdale posted a good effort finishing third in the Group 1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud next time out.

Dropping back to Group 2 is a plus because he is pretty consistent at that level. There could be more to come from him up in trip and I think he’s the obvious choice here.

I would question the attitudes of one or two others in the field.

Megan’s Selection: Point Lonsdale WIN

York 3.00 – Gimcrack Stakes

My pick is Andesite (5/1). He was a Novice Stakes winner on his debut over course and distance in a race that’s worked out pretty well.

He was meant to go to Ascot and run in the Coventry Stakes but was a non-runner that day having kicked through the bars in the stable, picking up some cuts and an injury.

So he’s had a bit of time to get over that and Karl Burke has always held this horse in high regard. He has always talked positively about him.

Andesite is a half-relation to their very talented Dramatised, a homebred of Clipper Logistics.

This horse is very interesting. Coming straight to the Gimcrack following time off the track means he must be working very well and is continuing to impress.

They could have taken the easier option of running him in a Novice with a penalty, so the fact they have come here and are still willing to go Group 2 level on his second start after that setback is pretty telling.

He’s drawn low next to Big Mojo (3/1 fav), which is a big plus, and I think this horse could have lots of potential.

Megan’s Selection: Andesite WIN

York 3.35 – Nunthorpe Stakes

I'm sticking with Big Evs (7/2) in the Nunthorpe.

A sharp track at York will suit him though I'm a bit worried about a high draw as, based on what we've seen so far, a low draw seems to be favourable.

Tom Marquand will be aware of that, though, and I'd imagine he'll edge over as quickly as he can to minimise the disadvantage.

If this was over six furlongs I'd say Asfoora (15/8 fav) was a certainty but, over a sharper five furlongs, I'm not quite sure she has that middle gear that's needed. York is not a track for closers – unlike Ascot, where she was so good in the King Charles III.

At York it's so hard to peg the leaders back – we saw it in this race last year with Live In The Dream – and I'm not sure she'll be able to stalk them like she did at Ascot. So Big Evs is the one for me but I do think Regional (15/2) warrants respect. He didn't quite get home at Newbury last time and we know he goes well at York. He has a bit to do to beat the top two in the betting, but I wouldn't put anyone off him each-way.

Megan’s Selection: Big Evs WIN

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Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation

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