Tracking the Horses – Ebor Festival

Welcome back to our weekly horse racing column that gives you all the latest updates from some of the finest racing from the UK and Ireland. This week we’re taking a look at some ante post bets for the Ebor festival at York. Last week we had Glorious Goodwood on show in what was a blockbuster of a festival, showcasing some top quality Flat racing. 

In this week’s edition, we provide you with the latest news that focuses on some ridiculous scenes from Brighton racecourse. It certainly wasn’t a great look for the British Horseracing Authority. We also recap some of the main races from Goodwood last week, as well as Thursday’s races at Brighton.  

Despite there not being any major horse racing events until the end of the month, we still have plenty of action across the UK on show next week. The next major event taking place is the Sky Bet Ebor Festival at York. Be sure to keep checking our column as we will provide recaps, previews and picks for York by the end of the month. 

However, we take a look at some ante post picks ahead of the Ebor festival. Check them out below! 

Latest News

Chaos at Brighton 

Although Thursday was a good day for some down on the South Coast, Friday failed to deliver in what was a chaotic start on the final day of the festival. Check out our highlights from Thursday at Brighton below.  

The issue on Friday was predominantly based around the visibility at the track. Fog filled the air which reduced the visibility. That meant racing was delayed on numerous occasions throughout the day before it was finally called off late in the afternoon. 

Not only were there issues with the visibility but the first race of the day began without any stalls handlers since they were unable to make it in time due to being caught in traffic. That meant the only race of the day had to begin with a flip-start, much to the delusion of many racegoers. The flip-start was far from ideal for such a short race (a 5 furlong sprint) and as many as three horses were left behind. 

It was not a good look for British horse racing and many have ridiculed the events at Brighton. The fog was an issue from the off which meant many couldn’t even see the race as it was. Eventually, the meeting was called off but many people in attendance had to wait around for hours whilst the stewards made the decision.

Glorious Goodwood Recap

Despite the torrential rain that hit Goodwood last week, we still had some top quality racing on show. 

We had success with our tip for Paddington to triumph in the Group 1 Qatar Sussex Stakes last Wednesday. The ground was a test for Paddington but he managed to hold off attempts from both Inspiral and Facteur Cheval to win by a length and a half for what was his sixth triumph of the season. 

We also previewed last Saturday’s Coral Stewards’ Cup at Goodwood. We liked Orazio who unfortunately failed to deliver. He finished in 18th and struggled in the final furlong. Trainer David O’Meara backed up his 2020 winner in this race with Summerghand as Aberama Gold beat Apollo One by three quarters of a length. 

However, our EW pick Aleezdancer performed well as he finished in fifth. Depending on the places that the bookmaker was offering, he will have likely landed in one of the places.

Racing from Brighton 

Thursday saw some good quality racing from Brighton, despite the woes which would proceed on Friday. Trainer Tony Carroll saw three of his horses win. Poetic Force got things off to a flyer as he won by a nose against Granary Queen in the Class 4 opener. 

He’s Our Star then won in the Class 6 Star Construction And Maintenance Classified Stakes, beating Madrinho by half a length. A Carroll hat-trick was then completed by Local Bay who was victorious in the Class 6 Alfriston Gardens Classic Handicap, defeating Royal Bliss by a length. 

At least Thursday showcased some good quality racing. Friday was a complete disaster!

Ebor Festival – Early Picks 

The Sky Bet Ebor Festival at York is the next major event in the British horse racing calendar. On show will be a host of Group 1 races, with the feature being the Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes. However, we also have more Group 1 races at the festival in the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes and Darley Yorkshire Oak. 

What is the Ebor festival at York? 

The Ebor festival takes place every August at York Racecourse, Yorkshire, England. It is a four-day meeting and is one of the last significant Flat racing meetings of the season in the UK. This year, the meeting will take place from August 23 – August 26. Here is a list of each day at Ebor festival: 

• Wednesday 23 August – Juddmonte International
• Thursday 24 August – Yorkshire Oaks & Ladies Day 
• Friday 25 August – Coolmore Nunthorpe
• Saturday 26 August – Sky Bet Ebor

Ebor festival – Ante Post picks

Juddmonte International 

The Juddmonte international stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race run at York for horses aged three years or older. It is run over a distance of 1 mile, 2 furlongs and 56 yards (2063 metres). The prize money is worth £1 million, making it the richest race of the season at York. It will be held on the opening day of the meeting on August 23. 

Notable winners such as Giant’s Causeway and Sea the Stars were victorious during the 2000s. The former won the race in 2000 before the latter triumphed in 2009. The latest winner was Baaeed, trained by William Haggas. 

Early picks for the Juddmonte International 

Ante post betting or future betting allows bettors to bet on races in advance. It is done before the runners have been confirmed in the race. 

Betting ante post can give bettors fantastic odds. If you have been keeping track of our column, it could give you some great early insight on the race. That could help give you some great value and better chances of healthier profits! However, if horses end up not running in the race, they are more than likely settled as losers. Make sure to check the terms and conditions before placing your bets. 

Paddington is set to race in the Juddmonte International at Ebor festival. If you have been following our column, you know that we have been following his success this season. He is the current ante post favorite and for good reason. 

The Aidan O’Brien-trained horse has been in wonderful form this season, winning six straight races. He has recently been ranked as the best three-year-old in the Longines World rankings too. 

We’re sticking with Paddington in this race for now due to his fantastic success of late. With his odds likely to be cut even shorter by the time the race comes around, it could be worth jumping on him now. He is a star!

Best Bet: Paddington 6-4