An explosive start to the Ebor meeting includes the Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes, as well as the Acomb Stakes and Great Voltigeur Stakes on a hugely competitive card. Winners will be hard-sought throught.
GG tipster Joe Napier has four best bets to open the Ebor meeting. He is backing against the favourite in the Acomb, and has a 25/1 shot to follow elsewhere on day one at York.
York Racing Tips (Wednesday 19 August)
Joe has four tips on York’s opening day card, beginning from the very first race of the meeting.
1.50 York – Corolla Point (1pt e/w – 15/2)
The Man is very interesting back over a course and distance he evidently loves, but rain in the forecast could provide unknown going for him. As a result, the consistently progressive Corolla Point is preferred. The four-year-old is yet to finish outside the first three for Ed Bethell. He won twice last autumn, then placed on his opening three starts of this campaign, including once over course and distance in a race that has worked out superbly. He finally got off the mark for the campaign at Hamilton last time out. That form has also been given a boost and he is up only 3lb here. The selection has won on soft, so is clearly versatile with regards to the ground. Stall 9 is a good enough draw for him too.
2.25 York – Trean (1pt win – 9/2)
Proven entity Haffner deserves to be favourite for the Group 3 Acomb Stakes. However, with only one win in three starts, he is hardly the most promising juvenile Aidan O’Brien could have sent to this contest, which has hosted some strong renewals in recent seasons. He is taken on with fellow Irish raider Trean. Also with one win in three, his victory arrived last time out for Paddy Twomey. He had previously blown out completely at the Curragh, but stepped forward beyond recognition to score with loads in hand at Galway. That near five-length success was dominant and Twomey has since spoken glowingly of him. The son of Bayside Boy may well be ready for Group races.
4.10 York – Manxman (0.5pt e/w – 25/1)
The Crisford team remain in exceptional form, with a 37% strike rate over the past fortnight. That encourages confidence in the returning Manxman at a big price. The six-year-old has won nearly half of the handicaps he has contested (7/16), proving a thorough stayer at 2m in the process. His last win came off a mark of 91 in May 2025, with him lining up here of 93. He struggled at Ascot and Newcastle afterwards, but both efforts can be excused. He has twice been second first time out for the season and has form on soft too, including when second in the 2022 Cesarewitch. It may be asking a lot for him to improve, but his best efforts still entitle him to respect off this rating.
4.45 York – Manatee Mehmas (1pt e/w – 15/2)
Manatee Mehmas is now a whopping 19lb better off with Naana’s Shadow on their meeting here in June. Even on Glorious Goodwood running, there is a 9lb swing, but this track should suit the selection better. David O’Meara’s charge won takingly on debut at DOncaster to begin the campaign. He subsequently found Listed level too hot, but has refound some form in handicaps. In both, he has finished behind Naana’s Shadow, but he was a clear third over track and trip when bouncing back to form. Goodwood may not have suited last time, as a stiff 5f looks more appropriate for his finishing power. He gets that here, and while stall 13 is tricky, the aforementioned favourite is in 15.
York Ebor Festival Day 1 Tips – Wednesday 19 August
1.50 York – Corolla Point (1pt e/w – 15/2)
2.25 York – Trean (1pt win – 9/2)
4.10 York – Manxman (0.5pt e/w – 25/1)
4.45 York – Manatee Mehmas (1pt e/w – 15/2)