Nick Luck’s York blog: Definition to take High rank on day one

One of the great festivals of the summer gets underway on Wednesday as the Ebor Festival at York takes centre stage for the next four days.

We’re in store for some cracking races and Nick Luck will be previewing it all for us at William Hill. Here are his day one selections.

York

TWILIGHT CALLS can strike in the opener on Ebor week (1.50pm) at 7/1. Henry Candy won the Nunthorpe with this one’s grandsire Kyllachy 19 years ago and, without suggesting this one is that good, he has another decent sprinter on his hands, particularly if the time of his Newmarket win is any guide. That performance suggested that speed was his forte and I don’t think he loved the tacky ground when just a respectable fourth at Glorious Goodwood (his trip was far from perfect that day). David Probert – riding so well – has options from his central draw and can draft in behind the abundant pace on offer here.

DUBAWI LEGEND can continue Hugo Palmer’s good run by winning the Acomb (2.25pm). Arguably open to the most improvement of these – and bred to be smart – he could hardly have made a better start than on his debut at Doncaster. The form has worked out fine, but he was value for double the winning distance and – unlike his principal market rival Ehraz – is guaranteed to stay this seven furlongs and a bit further. He is a smart prospect for a stable that has won this race before and looks the play at 9/4.

HIGH DEFINITION is probably now overpriced for the Great Voltigeur (3.00pm) at 7/2. Still comfortably the highest rated horse in the race, he has quickly gone from overhyped to underrated. It is pretty easy, however, to forgive his run in the Irish Derby, as his rider accepted an unfortunate situation very early. With the pause that refreshes, a repeat of his two-year-old efforts or his excellent third here to Hurricane Lane in the Dante puts him right in the thick of it.

MISHRIFF is much the likeliest winner of the Juddmonte International (3.35pm) at 7/4. His run in the Eclipse seemed perplexing, as he emptied far more readily than you might have expected. His trainer’s belief that he had undercooked him, however, seemed borne out by his excellent run in the King George, a reproduction of which should suffice, particularly as neither Love nor Alcohol Free is guaranteed their optimum trip. There has been understandable support for ever flashy Mohaafeth, but the more blue collar Mac Swiney might offer a bit of value if you’re looking for an alternative to the favourite.