One of the most competitive horse racing festivals of the season in Europe gets underway on Wednesday, as the York Ebor Festival kicks off. There is a thrilling Group One on the opening day to look ahead to, and you can find our picks for day one of the meet here.
Juddmonte International Stakes Odds & Picks
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| City of Troy | -200 |
| Ambiente Friendly | +700 |
| Calandagan | +700 |
| Alfaila | +800 |
| Zarakem | +1400 |
| Bluestocking | +1600 |
The feature on day one of the Ebor Festival comes in the form of the International Stakes. The Group One is the richest race of the season at York, and it has been staged since 1972. A distance of a mile and two furlongs is covered by the field, with legendary winners of the race including Australia, Roaring Lion, and Japan.
City of Troy will be seen by many as the leading fancy in the race this year, as the Aidan O’Brien runner will be looking to record a third successive victory in Group One company. He was more work-man like in the G1 Coral Eclipse when last seen, but he has the measure of this field on official ratings.
The international raiders could be the most interesting contenders this weekend, including Calandagan. This three-year-old was sensational at Royal Ascot in June, beating Space Legend by six lengths in the G2 King Edward VII Stakes. However, the step back in trip could be detrimental to his chances.
Great Voltigeur Stakes Odds & Picks
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | +120 |
| King’s Gambit | +225 |
| Illinois | +500 |
| Deira Mile | +1000 |
| Space Legend | +1200 |
| Euphoric | +4000 |
The Great Voltigeur Stakes is another high-quality race on day one at York’s Ebor Festival on Wednesday. This contest is run over a mile and three furlongs, and it is a Group Two affair. It is a key trial for the St Leger, with Continuous becoming the latest victor to land the spoils in both races.
The same connections have a leading fancy this year, as Los Angeles appears to be the standout runner from the Aidan O’Brien yard. The three-year-old was in excellent form when landing the G1 Irish Derby at the end of June, beating Sunway by just under a length. That form appears rock solid, and his only career defeat came when third in the G1 Derby.
King’s Gambit could be an interesting alternative in the betting this week. He already has form at York after finishing an impressive second in the G2 York Stakes. However, he has come up short in his efforts in high-quality company this year, and that could be a concern against a runner of the caliber of Los Angeles.
Other York Ebor Festival Day One Picks
| Race | Pick |
|---|---|
| Symphony Group Handicap | Bergerac |
| Acomb Stakes | Ruling Court |
| Stayers Handicap | Iron Lion |
| Fillies’ Handicap | Jumbeau |
| Nursery Handicap | Teej A |
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