The Sky Bet Ebor Handicap rounds off a fantastic four days at York on Saturday. Twenty two runners go to post in a race that is so hard to win. Our Chief Tipster Jason Heavey gives his race-by-race guide for day four.
Jason is one of the country’s leading newspaper tipsters. In 2023 he did the rare double of winning both national tipping titles – the Racing Post Press Challenge and also the coveted Racing Post Naps Table.
He is currently the leading “red-top” tipster in the country in the National Press Challenge table.
1.50 Strensall Stakes
GERYON is fancied to make the most of a significant drop in trip.
Ger Lyons’ three-year-old chased home Enceladus at Goodwood over 1m 4f and it may appear strange that he now tackles a distance just over a mile. But his career best so far was over this trip when he won the Group Three Meld Stakes in Ireland.
He was given a positive ride that day and Gary Carroll looks certain to go forward on this strapping son of Lope de Vega, who will appreciate the dig in the ground.
Persica will also like the conditions and at 7-1 rates a fair each-way play.
TIP: GERYON
Each-way: Persica
2.25 Sky Bet Melrose handicap
INTO THE LIGHT won a valuable handicap at Glorious Goodwood on just his fifth start and can go in again for Godolphin.
He comfortably beat the staying on Devil’s Peak and should confirm the form despite rising 8lb in the weights.
In a race full of unexposed talent, Vantage Code appeals as a place punt. First-time headgear sparked improvement last time out at Galway and at 12-1 he has a nice profile.
TIP: INTO THE LIGHT
Each-way: Vantage Code
3.00 Sky Bet City of York Stakes
TEN BOB TONY can bag the £340,000 first prize pot in what is a wide open Group One race.
Ed Walker’s five-year-old is already a top-level winner this season in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot and he will relish the easy surface on the Knavesmire.
Flora Of Bermuda is a cracking each-way punt at 18-1 and the same applies to Ed Bethell’s Paborus, also 18-1, who has been waiting for some soft ground.
TIP: TEN BOB TONY
Each-way: Paborus
3.35 Sky Bet Ebor Handicap
KLASSLEADER can strike for Wiliam Haggas and Tom Marquand.
The four-year-old won over the course and distance in May and this race has been on his radar ever since.
He disappointed at Newmarket last time but the ground may well have been too firm that day. Back on a softer surface, the son of Lope de Vega has a super profile for this contest.
Tarriance, Hopewell Rock and the Willie Mullins pair Love Me Tender and Mr Hollywood are all major players while the classy Opportunity is definitely overpriced at 14-1.
TIP: KLASSLEADER
Each-way: Opportunity
4.10 Sky Bet Constantine handicap
AIR FORCE ONE winged his way to victory on Wednesday at this meeting and can complete a rare double.
The quick turnaround is an obvious concern but he won with plenty in hand and can shrug off a 5lb penalty from a good draw.
Hammer The hammer should outrun his massive odds (40-1).
TIP: AIR FORCE ONE
Each-way: Hammer The Hammer
4.45 Julia Graves Roses Stakes
ADONIUS was a gallant second at Goodwood in the Molecomb Stakes and can go one better.
The easy ground will suit him and he is a horse with a high cruising speed and a finishing kick.
Dorigo is still a maiden but his early speed will be an asset and at 12-1 he has claims of a podium place.
TIP: ADONIUS
Each-way: Dorigo
5.20 Sky Bet Dav Reid Finale Handicap
CASTLE STUART has a good record at York and deserves to win a nice race.
He has a tendency to pull hard so will have to switch off but he has a great chance at a big price (18-1).
Al Aaali did this tipster a favour when winning at Goodwood and can get among the prize money again
TIP: CASTLE STUART
Each-way: Al Aaali