Sam King is back with his best bets from the final day of York’s Ebor meeting.
I've narrowed down the Ebor (3.35) to a shortlist of three, with Majestic Warrior, Enemy and Shadow Dance all interesting types in what looks a typically competitive renewal.
The price over the well-handicapped Enemy has fairly collapsed in recent days, so the main bets will be Majestic Warrior and Shadow Dance.
James Tate's Majestic Warrior looked every inch a pattern class performer when returning from over 500 days off to make a winning handicap debut at Thirsk earlier in the season. There's clearly been issues along the way with him as James Tate's five-year-old has only raced four times in his career to date, but it's hard to doubt his ability given that fact he's won three of those outings in fine style.
He will have to take another step forward if he's to defy a 9lb higher mark in tougher company but it's hard to gauge just how good he might be and this further step up in trip can bring about extra improvement.
He's a half-brother to 2020 Ebor winner Fujaira Prince and James Tate has made it no secret that this has been the plan ever since his comeback success.
1pt Win – Majestic Warrior
Odds – 14/1
Shadow Dance looked progressive when winning a mile and a half handicap at this meeting last season and he proved he handled this trip when a close third at Doncaster a month later.
He ran perfectly fine when ninth over an inadequate ten furlongs at Glorious Goodwood on his return from a lengthy absence and that should put Roger Varian's contender spot on for this.
A galloping grey son of Almanzor, he should appreciate stepping back up in distance at this venue and looks dangerous to ignore off an unchanged mark of 100 given his progressive profile last season.
1pt Win – Shadow Dance
Odds – 10/1
The addition of Rosallion in the newly upgraded Sky Bet City Of York Stakes (3.00) makes for an interesting renewal. Richard Hannon's charge holds obvious claims dropping back to seven furlongs following excellent efforts in the Queen Anne and Sussex Stakes, but he's short enough in the betting as a result and at the prices, Maranoa Charlie gets the nod.
The French raider has developed into something of a seven-furlong specialist, winning three of his four outings over the trip and finishing an excellent second in the Prix Jean Prat on the other last time out.
This flat galloping track should play to the strengths of one who is expected to be ridden quite aggressively, while it's possible he could still have more to offer racing in his regained headgear.
1pt Win – Maranoa Charlie
Odds – 8/1
In the opening Sky Bet Strensall Stakes at 1.50, Gladius needs a close look for a yard that won this twelve months ago with See The Fire but it's fellow three-year-old Bowmark who makes more appeal here.
John and Thady Gosden's charge looked every inch a high-class prospect when winning a novice event here over a mile before pulling too hard when upped in distance for the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly.
He should relish dropping back to nine furlongs on this track and will also appreciate this ease in grade.
1pt Win - Bowmark
Odds – 4/1
