Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: York Ebor Festival Day 4 Tips
SATURDAY RACING TIPS
York 1.50 – Strensall Stakes
I like Bowmark (4/1) in this. He comes from a yard that’s in form, and given how lightly-raced he is, you’ve got to think there is more to come, particularly off a break since running in the Prix du Jockey Club in June.
He ran below par that day, but to be running in that sort of company shows the regard he’s held in by connections, and with the drop back in trip likely to suit in a race of quite exposed contenders, he looks solid.
Bullet Point (5/1) could end up being the best horse in the field, but he only ran two days ago and it would be a huge effort to back that up in Group company.
Megan’s Tip: Bowmark WIN
York 2.25 – Melrose Handicap
Tarriance (7/2 fav) could prove a very well-handicapped horse here.
He showed a very willing attitude at Sandown when digging deep to beat the in-form Pendragon in what I thought was a well-above-average race.
A mark of 93 could well be a gift and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him rated much higher and running in much better company in the future.
He’s bred to get better with age and I think he’s doing exactly that.
Megan’s Tip: Tarriance WIN
York 3.00 – City Of York Stakes
I’d back Rosallion (5/4 fav) at even-money!
He’s come back this season and shown his quality is still there. I think it’s fair to say he’s been very unlucky not to get head in front.
The drop back to seven furlongs is not a concern at all as he’s got a very good turn of foot and I expect him to prove hard to beat.
There’s plenty of pace in here, which will really suit and I expect him to win this well.
Megan’s Tip: Rosallion WIN
York 3.35 – Ebor Handicap
A typically competitive Ebor, with six places each-way for punters.
I do however, think Hipop De Loire (3/1 fav) is by far the most likely winner.
This screams a Willie Mullins masterplan and it looks as if the Ebor has been the aim ever since he was very unlucky when finishing fifth in this race 12 months ago.
He had absolutely no luck in-running and virtually finished on the bridle, so the fact he’s only three pounds higher this year speaks volumes of his chances.
He’s drawn in stall nine which should mean no traffic problems, and he looks very well-handicapped having only run twice since last year’s race. Mullins rarely misses in this sort of scenario and he looks very much the one to beat.
At an each-way price, I’ll also back Shadow Dance (9/1).
This is a talented horse but he’s obviously fragile and I do think he’s got the potential to be a big player here.
He had a nice preparation last time over an inadequate distance at Goodwood last time and if he’s in the same form as when winning at this meeting last year, he’ll be involved.
Megan’s Tip: Hipop De Loire WIN; Shadow Dance EW
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation
