It’s day 3 of the Ebor Festival at York on Friday 21st August. The feature race of the day is the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes at 3.35pm, whilst the Lonsdale Cup is another standout contest taking place on the Knavesmire.
Our in-house tipster Steve Chambers previews Friday’s action and picks out his best four bets to make up the GG Lucky 15 for the day.
York Tips (Friday 21st August 2026)
A seven-race card begins at 1.50pm, with the last race taking place at 5.20pm. Here are the best bets for Friday’s racing at York.
2.25 York – Mount Atlas (1pt win – 17/2)
Impressive when winning a Group 3 at York on his last start, Mount Atlas can progress again and land the Lonsdale Cup at 2.25pm. Andrew Balding’s five-year-old is one of the only runners lining up in this staying Group 2 in form, and that could count for a lot. He steps up in trip to two miles for the first time here, but showed no signs of stopping when winning here back in July. He will need to improve again, but the ultra-consistent performer can put up a bold show and down the likes of Caballo De Mar and Amiloc, who can often disappoint.
3.00 York – Marco Polo (1pt win – 11/2)
An unbeaten listed winner, Arapaho Gold sets the standard in the Gimcrack Stakes, but Michael Dods’ runner will need to improve again to land this prize. A fascinating runner comes from Aidan O’Brien’s yard in the shape of Marco Polo, who has only been seen on the track once. Second in a Curragh maiden only 12 days ago, the Night Of Thunder colt will make a quick turnaround and will be sent into the deep end. A costly purchase of over 500,000 Guineas, he holds some notable Group entries for the last bit of the season. O’Brien’s juveniles can often improve immeasurably for their second run, and providing he can kick on from that Curragh run then he could just prove to be a cut above these rivals.
3.35 York – Rayveka (1pt win – 4/1)
A hugely competitive renewal of the Nunthorpe Stakes will take place at 3.35pm, with last year’s winner Asfoora aiming to retain her crown. However, it’s another from the female contenders that can reign supreme as French starlet Rayevka can bound to glory. She was just reeled in by Mission Central in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot, but she can reverse that form with Aidan O’Brien’s charge here. Having shown a blistering turn of foot that day, she hit the front, only to be denied late on. If she can replicate that performance here then she has to be the one to beat, and with ground conditions not a huge worry then she can show she’s the best sprinter in Europe.
4.10 York – Plage De Havre (1pt win – 16/1)
A runaway winner of the Old Newton Cup earlier in his career, Plage De Havre has struggled to get his head in front since being whacked up by the handicapper. Now, a return to York could see Andrew Balding’s charge bounce back to winning ways, despite him having to carry top weight. He ran a fine race when third to Klassleader on his last visit to York, and having been dropped 2lbs for a run at Newmarket then he looks very attractive off 100. Plenty line up with chances here, but if he can show his best here then he can simply run over his rivals at big odds.
York Racing Tips – Lucky 15 – Friday 21st August
FAQs: Today’s Racing Tips
What are the Friday 21st August Lucky 15 tips?
Steve Chambers provides his Lucky 15 tips on Friday 21st August, which includes selections at York on day 3 of Ebor Festival.
Who is Steve Chambers? Steve Chambers is the editor and regular tipster and writer for GG. He has over 15 years experience in the industry and has a wealth of knowledge on all things racing.
When were the Friday 21st August’s Lucky 15 tips for York published?
Steve Chambers’ Lucky 15 tips for Friday 21st August at York were published at 2.10pm on Thursday 20th August.
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