TV TIPS (WEDNESDAY) - EBOR MEETING DAY 1

We kick off one of York’s most prestigious meetings and preview all the live ITV action this Wednesday.

13:50 YORK

We kick-start this illustrious meeting with a fiercely competitive sprint handicap, where a case could easily be made for a large proportion of the 22-runner field.

Last-time-out winners Corolla Point and Trefor, who landed this race 12 months ago, look set to go close once again and should feature on any punter's shortlist.

Trainer Geoff Oldroyd has an excellent record here on the Knavesmire and, with previous course success to his name, Air Force One should produce another bold showing. He's clearly capable at this level and difficult to dismiss, although others make greater appeal at the prices.

The trio we're siding with includes two at bigger odds and one towards the head of the market who simply cannot be ignored.

Locally trained pair Stormy Impact and Against The Wind both look far too generously priced.

Stormy Impact disappointed when last seen at York, but that came from a higher mark and over a shorter trip. He previously filled the runner-up spot over six furlongs here and, returning under more favourable conditions, looks to have slipped under the radar.

Against The Wind also disappointed when finishing last of 21 on his latest visit to the Knavesmire, but his previous course form was much more encouraging and he represents a yard that loves having a winner at this meeting. At a big price, he's worth another chance.

The strongest of our three selections has to be Richard Spencer's The Man, who finished second in this race last year and is a previous course winner. He returns for another crack from a lower mark and looks capable of leaving his recent efforts well behind.

AGAINST THE WIND (E/W)

STORMY IMPACT (E/W)

THE MAN (E/W)

14:25 YORK

Irish raiders Haffner and Trean look the standout contenders, but it's difficult to get away from the former following his excellent runner-up effort in the Vintage Stakes.

Aidan O'Brien's colt went desperately close in Group company that day and brings some of the strongest form into this contest. With Ryan Moore booked for the ride, he looks to hold an excellent chance of going one better and returning to the winner's enclosure.

Of the remainder, unbeaten Gentle Hurricane was impressive on debut and, representing the Andrew Balding yard, looks capable of taking another sizeable step forward.

HAFFNER (WIN)

15:00 YORK

Maltese Cross and Christmas Day renew their rivalry after filling the first two places in the Derby at Epsom and, although it would be foolish to dismiss Pierre Bonnard entirely, the Derby pair set a clear standard.

Christmas Day came out on top at Epsom, but Maltese Cross could be capable of reversing that form. William Haggas' runner remains open to further improvement and gets the narrow vote in what promises to be another fascinating clash.

MALTESE CROSS (WIN)

15:35 YORK

Item looks overpriced at his current odds of 8/1 and, with his profile continuing on an upward trajectory, he could finish much closer to the market principals than the betting suggests. However, further improvement will be required if he's to seriously challenge for top honours.

On form alone, Ombudsman certainly has what it takes and looks an obvious danger. However, he must concede 7lb to Ballydoyle's Constitution River and that weight difference could prove significant.

It's difficult not to have been impressed by the manner of Constitution River's Eclipse success and the unbeaten three-year-old looks capable of taking another step forward. A repeat of that performance could be enough to maintain his perfect record.

CONSTITUTION RIVER (WIN)

16:10 YORK

The second big-field handicap on the card looks every bit as difficult to decipher as the opener.

Market leader Small Fry went close when finishing second last time out and looks set to produce another bold showing.

Joseph O'Brien's runner is an obvious contender, but he offers little in the way of value at his current odds and it may pay to look elsewhere.

Searching for an each-way alternative, Roger Varian's Ride The Thunder makes plenty of appeal. He produced an encouraging effort when third at Newbury following an eye-catching run in the Northumberland Plate and, racing from a low weight, looks capable of getting involved once again.

He's also had a lighter campaign than many of today's rivals and could still have more to offer at this stage of the season.

RIDE THE THUNDER (E/W)

written by Rory Paddock