Nick Luck’s William Hill blog: Day Two York Ebor Festival Preview

William Hill ambassador Nick Luck previews Day Two of York’s Ebor Festival.

Thursday, York

CELANDINE can bounce back in the Lowther (1.50). Leovanni’s Ascot form has taken a few knocks, while Heaven’s Gate might just want a slightly stiffer test at this trip. In contrast, this fast six should be spot on for Celandine, who looked right out of the top drawer when winning a strong edition of the Empress Stakes, from that looks even better now.

AN OUTLAW’S GRACE can take the sales race (2.25). A good fourth in a French Group 2 behind Arabie (run well in G1 since), this colt appeared not to get home in the Vintage at Goodwood. A return to this distance will suit, and Ryan Moore won this race for these connections on the impressive Mum’s Tipple. Expect a bold show from near the front.

ARAGON CASTLE almost certainly has more to offer in the Clipper (3.00). Impressive over this trip at Hamilton, he was rather unlucky not to finish a good bit closer at Goodwood, and can benefit from a searching gallop that looks likely here under Hayley Turner.

YOU GOT TO ME remains on the up and can add the Yorkshire Oaks to her Curragh success (3.35) She appeared to switch off better for the application of the tongue tie and, although some believe that Content was unlucky, the selection was going on very strongly at the line and can confirm the form at twice the price. The unhooded Emily Upjohn poses the most potent threat.

NOISY JAZZ looks a proper prospect, and can belie her inexperience in the Galtres (4.10). The trainer spoke very encouragingly about her homework earlier in the week, while – as a sister to Big Orange – she should do better still over another half mile. The stable had a horse run exceptionally upped in grade yesterday to follow up an impressive debutant on Tuesday.

SEAGOLAZO looks each way value in the nursery (4.45). He won a thin race at Chester last time, but the way he travelled suggested he’d come on a fair bit from his Haydock run, during which he was interfered with quite notably. That piece of form doesn’t make him look too badly handicapped, and I’d expect him to be part of the early pace, which will suit over seven furlongs here.

KEY TO COTAI still has a bit to learn about how to race, but she’s really talented and can go close in the finale (5.20). Her second at Carlisle to subsequent Falmouth second Jabaara looks the pick of the form here, and a return to a genuinely lively surface looks the order of the day.