Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: York Ebor Festival Day 3 Tips
FRIDAY RACING TIPS
York 1.50 – 1m4f Heritage Handicap
I’m quite hopeful Insanity (6/1) will go well here.
He ran very well at the Shergar Cup last, where he was just a bit too keen. Rossa Ryan being back on board is a huge positive and, providing he can back up the Ascot run, he can be involved.
I’d also recommend keeping an interest in Zanndabad (13/2).
He’s been pretty well backed already and the wave of money suggests this might be his day.
This is a very capable horse when on song – his shrewd connections rarely fail when they target a race.
Megan’s Tip: Insanity WIN
York 2.25 – Lonsdale Cup
Trawlerman (8/15 fav) is very much the one to beat.
He was very impressive in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, showing how classy a stayer he is when on song.
The Gosden runner will go off a short price but he comes into this off a career best and I expect he’ll prove a bit too classy for his rivals.
Having said that, I do think Al Qareem (6/1) is a big, big price.
I’m not saying he’ll beat Trawlerman but he loves York and is still unexposed over these marathon trips.
I fancy him to chase the favourite home.
Megan’s Tip: Forecast Trawlerman & Al Qareem
York 3.00 – Gimcrack Stakes
Do Or Do Not (13/8 fav) must be one of the highest rated two-year-old maidens ever!
While he’s failed to win so far, he’s very consistent and keeps putting up big performances in big races.
I don’t think this race has as much depth to it as the races he’s run in previously and I thought the application of first-time cheekpieces was interesting.
I’m hoping this is the day he finally gets his head in front.
I would give a good mention to Rock On Thunder (13/2), who is a really nice type.
I’m not sure he’s quite good enough at this stage of his career to be winning a Group 2 but he’s the sort of horse that Kevin Ryan does well with.
He’s a colt with huge potential.
Megan’s Tip: Do Or Do Not WIN
York 3.35 – Nunthorpe Stakes
This is a belter of a Nunthorpe and you can make a case for loads in here.
I’m with Arizona Blaze (11/2), who seems to be constantly underestimated despite running very well in several big races.
He has only been narrowly denied in a couple of Group 1s and I was really taken by his victory in the Sapphire Stakes at the Curragh last month.
That was a performance that suggested he’s right at the peak of his powers and he should have a big say in this.
Lady Iman (7/2 fav) clearly has a massive chance with all the weight allowances she receives.
My big concern with her and the other two-year-olds is that they just lack a bit of scope compared to their older rivals and I wonder if that might just catch them out.
I expect her to run a big race, but something like the Breeders’ Cup might just end up being where she really excels this season.
Megan’s Tip: Arizona Blaze WIN
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation
