Guide to the Ebor Festival Day 4 2018

We’ve reached the final day of the 2018 Ebor Festival and it’s certainly been a fantastic week. From the utter dominance of Sea Of Class and Lah Ti Dar, to the pure emotion of the connections of Alpha Delphini, this week has had something for everyone. Yesterday saw the crowning glory for Stradivarius, as he landed the Stayers’ Million thanks to a victory in the Lonsdale Cup, though it wasn’t a victory that looked likely two furlongs from home. The final day of the meeting is headlined by perhaps the most competitive handicap of the season, the Ebor. Our ITV Racing Tips are on site to view now as we look forward to the curtain call of York’s premier festival! We have also included the ITV action too, with the low down on their feature contest, the Celebration Mile!

Mullins targeting another big day in Britain 

Willie Mullins certainly knows what it takes to win the big staying handicaps on the flat and he looks to have once again timed things to perfection with Stratum. His lightly-raced five-year-old sneaks into the Ebor off the basement weight after winning the JLT Cup at Newbury in July. The way he travelled and quickened clear that day was mightily impressive and he looks to be a horse firmly on the upgrade. He comes double-handed, however, and holds another big chance with Whiskey Sour, who arrives here after a good showing in the Galway Hurdle.

Beat The Bank looking to throw a Celebration at Goodwood

Hugely progressive last term, things this year didn’t start as planned for Andrew Balding’s Beat The Bank, who suffered some disappointing defeats at Newbury and Ascot. He’s been back on the straight and narrow in recent outings, however, winning an Ascot Group 2 prior to a good fifth in the Sussex Stakes, a race not run to suit. He should get a fair pace to aim at, which will help this head-strong four-year-old, who will be hoping he can celebrate another pattern success. He faces seven rivals in the Celebration Mile, with the Falmouth second Altyn Orda one of the main protagonists.

Races (including ITV)

1.50pm York – Sky Bet And Symphony Group Strensall Stakes (Group 3) (1m 177y)
2.05pm Goodwood – Ladbrokes Celebration Mile (Group 2) (1m)
2.25pm York – Sky Bet Melrose Handicap (Class 2) (1m 5f 188y)
2.40pm Goodwood – Ladbrokes Prestige Stakes (Group 3) (7f)
3.00pm York – Sky Bet City Of York Stakes(Group 3) (6f)
3.15pm Goodwood – Ladbrokes Bet £5 Get £20 Handicap (Class 2) (7f)
3.40pm York – Sky Bet Ebor Handicap (Class 2) (1m 5f 188y)
4.15pm York – Julia Graves Roses Stakes (Listed Race) (5f)
4.50pm York – Sky Bet Handicap (Class 2) (1m 2f 56y)
5.20pm York – Sky Bet Apprentice Handicap (Class 2) (5f)

Going and Weather Report

Going: Good to Firm, Good in places

Weather: Dry throughout the day, high of 18°c, low of 10°c

Market Movers

1.50pm York – Heart Of Grace (12/1 into 7/1)

3.15pm Goodwood – Vale Of Kent (12/1 into 13/2)

Stat Of The Day

David O’Meara and Danny Tudhope have teamed up to win the 1.50pm York twice in the last four years. They look to make it 3/5 this afternoon with Lord Glitters.