Sky Sports Racing’s ambassador Hollie Doyle will dominate the opening day of York’s Ebor Festival on Wednesday, which features the much‑anticipated clash between Ombudsman and Constitution River. The incredibly adaptable Ombudsman is expected to be a formidable opponent in the £1.5 million Juddmonte International Stakes (3.35). This race is the marquee event of day one at York, and the five‑year‑old trained by John and Thady Gosden has already added a Group 1 Dubai Turf win at Meydan and a Prince of Wales’s Stakes triumph at Royal Ascot to an already glittering résumé since his spectacular victory in this race a year ago.
Yet Aidan O’Brien’s Constitution River is a special talent in his own right. The colt proved his class by winning the French Derby and the Coral‑Eclipse, and he now has the chance to mature further when he meets the older, seasoned Ombudsman in what promises to be an epic duel. Being two years younger, Constitution River benefits from a 7‑pound allowance, and although he has not yet reached his full potential, his pedigree – being out of Wootton Bassett – suggests he can still improve.
He will be tasked with taking on the Godolphin superstar in what looks set to be another tactical battle. Juddmonte’s representative, Item, has shown a fondness for York, having secured Group 2 victories in the Dante and the York Stakes.
Despite being only two pounds behind Constitution River in the official ratings, the Juddmonte horse will need to dig deep to overturn the odds and displace the two favourites. In the St Leger trial, Maltese Cross will look to cement his credentials for the 250th running of the classic with a strong performance in the Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes (3.00) at York. This race has traditionally been a stepping‑stone to the final Classic in September, and the colt’s connections are eager to see him bounce back after a hard‑fought Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris win last month. Maltese Cross’s owner, Tom Marquand, is hopeful that his horse can avenge a Derby defeat by Christmas Day in this 1‑mile‑4‑furlong Group 2 contest.
After overcoming a series of in‑race difficulties in the Grand Prix de Paris, the colt should relish the firm ground of the Knavesmire before tackling a longer trip at Doncaster. Christmas Day, who could not repeat his Epsom heroics in the Irish Derby, finished a neck behind his stablemate Pierre Bonnard.
It would not be surprising to see the handsome colt emerge as the principal Ballydoyle threat to Maltese Cross on the day. Haffner is the horse to beat in the Group 3 Tattersalls Acomb Stakes (2.25) at York, despite having been outclassed in the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood.
The O’Brien colt, who previously captured a maiden at Newmarket, now carries a respectable amount of credit behind the unbeaten Dr Rascal on the Downs, and he has less to prove than many of his rivals over the seven‑furlong distance. Should Haffner fall short, Ed Walker’s talented youngster Alfred Wallace could seize the opportunity.
The son of the top‑class mare Snow Lantern earned a deserved Listed victory at Ascot and may be ready to step up into this higher‑grade contest. York’s big sprint handicaps are notoriously difficult to pick, but I can make a strong case for Toca Madera in the opening Hong Kong Jockey Club World Pool Handicap (1.50). David O’Meara’s gelding was unlucky in the Stewards’ Cup at Goodwood, where a clear run could have taken him much closer.
He now has a chance to recoup that disappointment with an unchanged mark and stable jockey Danny Tudhope back on board. His draw in stall four is appealing, as the straight track at York often favours low draws, and it suits the well‑supported The Man, who was second in this race last year but lagged behind Toca Madera at Goodwood. An alternative at longer odds could be Lemos de Souza’s Naana’s Sparkle, who beat both Toca Madera and The Man in the Goodwood sprint.
A middle draw should give him a decent tow into the race, offering value for punters. I have earmarked Small Fry as my ‘Hot Shot’ after his unlucky run at the Goodwood Festival, and I will not overlook him in the Sky Bet Stayers Handicap (4.10) at York. Joseph O’Brien’s gelding was shuffled back at a crucial stage of the valuable Summer Handicap but still rallied to finish a close second over 1 mile 6 furlongs.
A four‑pound weight increase could see him gain compensation, especially with the added benefit of Ireland’s champion jockey Dylan Browne‑McMonagle aboard for the first time. Andrew Balding’s Shrimp Shady has become a force in top staying handicaps and should not be dismissed. After a strong second place in the Shergar Cup and a lucrative win at Newbury, he will relish the test that York’s Knavesmire presents. Overall, day one of the Ebor Festival offers a rich tapestry of storylines: the seasoned champion Ombudsman defending his reputation, the rising star Constitution River looking to mature, and a host of promising middle‑distance and sprinting prospects eager to make their mark.
With the added excitement of high‑stakes handicaps and the ever‑present possibility of an upset, spectators can expect a thrilling start to what is sure to be a memorable festival at York.