Wednesday 20th August 2025
YORK EBOR FESTIVAL SELECTIONS (DAY 1)
1.50: Hong Kong Jockey Club World Pool Handicap
KENDALL ROY – 18/1 (Each-Way) (7 places – Sky Bet)
Won four times last year, with his last success coming off the same mark in which he’ll contest this assignment. He’s bounced back to form in his last two outings and was only a length and a half behind the winner when third at the Curragh last time out. Has every chance of going well at a big price.
2.25: Tattersalls Acomb Stakes
ITALY – 7/4 (Win) (NB)
Exciting prospect who couldn’t quite live up to market expectations when tried in Group company for the first time at Newmarket last month, finishing a length and a quarter second to Saba Desert in the Group 2 Superlative Stakes. He should still be firmly on the upgrade and can put that experience to good use here.
3.00: Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes
LAMBOURN – 4/5 (Win) (NAP)
Epsom and Irish Derby winner who should prove very tough to beat here for the all-conquering team of Aidan O’Brien, Ryan Moore, and Ballydoyle. He was tough last time out when winning the Irish Derby, keeping on tenaciously to the line, and it would be a shock if he wasn’t to add another group race to his illustrious CV here. Carmers is a threat; however, the O’Brien charge should have too much class for him.
3.35: Juddmonte International Stakes
OMBUDSMAN – 15/8 (Win)
John & Thady Gosden’s can reverse the Eclipse form around here with Delacroix here, given that Buick gives him a better ride. Whilst the O’Brien charge is also extremely smart, I do think that there could be more star quality about the Gosden four-year-old. I suspect a bold showing is on the cards in a fantastic rematch.
4.10: Sky Bet Stayers Handicap
ALIGN THE STARS – 16/1 (Each-Way) (4 places)
He’s not been in the same form as his progressive campaign last term; however, he’s now three pounds below his last winning mark, and drops back down to what looks like a more suitable trip for him here. He’s currently a big price, and could well outrun his odds if he gets an easy time of it in the lead under Joe Fanning.
