TV TIPS (WEDNESDAY)

It's the opening day of York's Ebor Meeting as we hit the first of four top-class days of action. 13:50 YORK

It's perhaps a cliché often used in racing, but the opening contest on day one of the Ebor Meeting really could be anyone's. Despite the sizable 20 runner field it's a tricky task to even narrow down the lineup into half that amount with a case to be made for the majority of the field.

Trainer Richard Spencer and owner Phil Cunningham have had a super season so far with multiple wins in some big sprint handicaps in 2025, and they combine again with The Man who, after his recent victory, looks set to go off favourite. Hard to discount after claiming a course victory and should be there or thereabouts.

Fellow course winners Air Force One, Brazen Bolt, Squealer, the well-loved veteran Copper Knight, and Bergerac should all be considered based on their form here at York and demand the utmost respect.

Of the quintet Bergerac makes most appeal however it's his stablemate Vantheman who gets the nod. Trainer Kevin Ryan loves a winner here at his local course and despite a mixed-bag of results this season looks to have been laid out for the race. Off an attractive mark and should go close.

VANTHEMAN (E/W)

(Rory Paddock)

14:25 YORK

A potentially high-class renewal of the Tattersalls Acomb Stakes, with all 8 runners coming here with a win to their name. Likely favourite Distant Storm won a competitive Newmarket maiden by a short head, the second has come out and won since. Italy represents the Ballydoyle team, and he made a winning debut before finishing second in a Group Two at Newmarket after suffering notable interference; he could bounce back. Goodwood Galaxy won on debut and took another step forward to finish fourth in the Superlative, York looks like it could be a more suitable track. Rochfortbridge was a surprise winner on debut, the runner-up had been runner-up in the Chesham and has since won a listed race, serious each way contender. 

ROCHFORTBRIDGE (E/W) (Liam Hall)  15:00 YORK

Pride Of Arras won on the Knavesmire in the Dante and might benefit from a return here. Although a major concern would have to be his stamina, after finishing down the field in both the Derby’s. Carmers definitely doesn’t have any stamina concerns, after winning the Queen’s Vase at Ascot. That form has worked out pretty well and he’s certainly best of the rest. However, Lambourn has to be the selection. He’s a dual Derby winner and he can defy a penalty for that. He should make it three straight wins in the Voltigeur for Aidan O’Brien.

LAMBOURN (WIN) (Kieran McHugh)

15:35 YORK

This should prove to be another intriguing battle between Ombudsman and his Eclipse victor Delacroix despite some interesting opposition.

Danon Decile looks short now in the market over 10f on his first UK run and Daryz has a lot to prove on his bare form so far. See The Fire’s York form is not compelling enough to overturn form with Ombudsman and compete against the boys at this level.

Much has been made how little went right for Ombudsman in the Eclipse and he may have got lonely in front but the usually forward-going Delacroix was shuffled back and still battled bravely to get up, admittedly with the Sandown hill helping. John Gosden’s 4yo has a makeshift pacemaker supplemented in Birr Castle in the hope he can settle and pounce a little later but Delacroix may be able to settle more prominently again in another tactical puzzle.

My marginal preference is for Ombudsman who appears more straightforward and has a potent turn of foot though I would love to be sitting on a 6-1 Delacroix ticket from Sunday night regardless of how and why he temporarily ended up that price!

OMBUDSMAN (WIN)

(Alan Morris) 16:10 YORK

Wise Eagle ran well for fourth over a shorter than ideal trip on reappearance in April, making late gains to finish just over a length behind winner Kivahah. He’s lumbered with top-weight today but arrives in excellent form, is aided by 5lbs claimer Warren Fentiman in the saddle, has made the frame in eight from ten over a two-mile trip and should prove to be competitive once again.

Santorini Star was last seen finishing fourth in a Group 3 race at Fairyhouse in July and with his stable in fine recent form he could go well providing his stamina holds over this extra couple of furlongs, while Dancing In Paris wasn’t beaten far at Goodwood at the beginning of the month and providing he’s over those exertions should also be able to get involved.

WISE EAGLE (E/W) (Dean Kilbryde)