York Tips on August 25th

Friday's attendees at York have got another thrilling card to look forward to, as the Ebor Festival rolls into its third day. The Nunthorpe Stakes headlines the day three schedule, which also features the Gimcrack Stakes and the Lonsdale Cup.

Here are our free tips through the card on day three of the Ebor Festival.

Ebor Festival Day 3 Card

Ebor Festival Day 3 Tips

Race 1 - Sky Bet Handicap Tips

Chances can be given to plenty in Friday's opener and I fancy an each-way punt on SAVVY KNIGHT, who'll be ridden for the first time by one of the most dependable jockeys around, Danny Tudhope.

Sean Woods' star was narrowly beaten in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot last year, but took a while to repeat that performance. Savvy Knight bounced back to winning ways on the all-weather at Kempton in June and was only touched off at Newcastle last time out. The quick ground at York will certainly suit and I'm hoping Tudhope can work his magic once again.

Race 2 - Lonsdale Cup Tips

Quickthorn was my each-way selection prior to his stunning, front-running victory in the Goodwood Cup four weeks ago. Hughie Morrison's star produced a similar performance to win this race 12 months ago. However, given his running style, my appetite for backing Quickthorn is entirely dependent on his price and I don't feel that 11/4 is particularly good value - especially when Tom Marquand's mount has to carry a three-pound penalty.

Coltrane won the race for second at Goodwood and certainly warrants his position in the market. Having run keen at the rear for much of the race, GIAVELLOTTO crossed the line just half-a-length adrift of Coltrane in the Goodwood Cup and Marco Botti's four-year-old can currently be backed at an each-way price.

Third in last year's St Leger, Giavellotto marked his return to Britain by winning the Yorkshire Cup on the Knavesmire in May, beating Quickthorn in the process. Having proven his stamina over two miles at Goodwood, I'd be hopeful that Andrea Atzeni's mount can challenge for the victory.

Race 3 - Gimcrack Stakes Tips

There's no doubt in my mind that KYLIAN is the most talented horse in this race and he should take plenty of beating, if that run on soft ground at Goodwood hasn't left it's mark.

Karl Burke's star bolted up in the Dragon Stakes prior to his run in the Molecomb. Kylian struggled out of the stalls at Goodwood and was badly outpaced early on, but still stayed on well to place third behind Nunthorpe contender, Big Evs. 

On breeding, Kylian might be even better over six furlongs than five. I'm really excited to see how Clifford Lee's mount gets on.

Race 4 - Nunthorpe Stakes Tips

Race 5 - Fillies' Handicap Tips

I'm not crazy about her draw down in stall one, but I was so impressed with SISYPHUS STRENGTH'S win at Newmarket last month, I fancy she could go in again off a six-pound higher mark.

Andrew Balding held this daughter of Sea The Stars in high-enough regard to run her in a couple of Oaks trials earlier in the season. Sisyphus Strength was far too keen on her handicap debut at Royal Ascot, but bounced back with a dominant display at Newmarket, where she tanked through the contest and put daylight between herself and some decent rivals. At 10/1, Oisin Murphy's mount represents plenty of each-way value.

Race 6 - Convivial Maiden Stakes Tips

Aidan O'Brien's Battle Cry will likely be popular in the betting for this maiden. If King's Gamble runs well in the Gimcrack, then ZAIN BLUE will attract support too, so it might be worth backing David Egan's mount at his current price.

John Butler's debutante ran a solid race behind King's Gamble at Newmarket, staying on from off the pace to finish second ahead of a 1/3 favourite. Butler isn't known for his juvenile successes, but this son of Blue Point seems fairly forward and it wouldn't be a surprise if Zain Blue mounted a challenge.

Race 7 - Mile Handicap Tips

After a series of good efforts in competitive handicaps, TAFREEJ claimed a deserved victory over a mile at Yarmouth in June. 

William Haggas' three-year-old then finished fourth behind Highbank at the July Meeting, but made up a decent amount of ground from the back of the field and still hit the line hard. Quicker ground on Friday will certainly suit and Tafreej remains well-handicapped off his current mark of 90.