Steve Mullington previews the action on the third day of the 2025 York Ebor Festival.
The sprinters take centre stage on day three in the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes.
The Group 2 Lonsdale Cup over two miles is the top stayers’ race of the week and often attracts runners from the Ascot Gold Cup and the Goodwood Cup.
Day three also includes some top two-year-olds in the Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes and the valuable Convivial Maiden Stakes.
13:50 York – Sky Bet Handicap
The McNeill family will be dream tripping on Friday afternoon should their horse INSANITY oblige in the 1m4f handicap which opens the card.
The Nathanial-gelding is certainly bred to stay, and trainer Alan King is very shrewd at placing his horses, so an each-way play is advised.
14:25 York – Group 2 Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup Stakes (British Champions Series)
TRAWLERMAN (NAP) should take all the beating in the Group 2 Lonsdale Cup and can reward the boys in blue with yet another Group victory.
The Ascot Gold Cup victor was never in any danger in the closing few furlongs of the Royal feature, and his main danger in the betting Illinois, will do well to reverse the form on the Knavesmire.
15:00 York – Group 2 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes
Kevin Ryan’s ROCK ON THUNDER appears to have found a great opportunity to score at Group level in a fairly weak looking renewal of the Gimcrack Stakes.
Finishing ninth from a poor draw in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, Ryan’s charge ran a good race behind Wise Approach at Newbury and can certainly pose a threat once more to the Godolphin runner.
15:35 York – Group 1 Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes (British Champions Series)
Course and distance winner WASHINGTON HEIGHTS has come to hand just at the right time of the season and can give owners Hambleton Racing, yet another big race winner at the racecourse they love.
The five-year-old was handy in the Temple Stakes at Haydock, then burst into life in the Listed City Walls Stakes at York on July 12th.
With a decent break under his belt, he can put up a good show in this top class sprint and he’s worth a play in horse racing betting markets.
16:10 York – Assured Data Protection EBF Fillies’ Handicap
Harry Charlton’s ROARIN’ SUCCESS can be just that in an open renewal of this 1m2f handicap for fillies.
William Buick gets the ride on this occasion after a near miss at Doncaster last time out. This extra two furlongs should also aid her cause.
16:45 York – British Stallion Studs EBF Convivial Maiden Stakes
Kevin Ryan has trained many winners over the years for Sheikh Obaid Al Maktoum, and the newcomer INISHBEG can give him yet another on the Knavesmire.
Ghaiyyath progeny have been doing very well of late, so the omens are good for this youngster.
17:20 York – Sky Bet Mile Handicap
Officially rated 104, FEARNOT may well be carrying the top weight in this handicap, but the way he is performing, it shouldn’t really hinder his progress.
Successful in a 17 runner handicap at Ascot last month, Clive Cox’s three-year-old can reward each-way players in the lucky last.
*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*
