The 2020 Ebor Festival rolls on and Friday’s action is upon us, with the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes the feature Group 1 of the day. Top judge Kevin O’Malley chimes in with his idea of the best value bets to consider on Day 3 of another magnificent festival on the Knavesmire.
Gosden’s Enbihaar to light up her rivals in Lonsdale Cup
John Gosden is a master at training fillies for the big days and his hugely talented Enbihaar looks a solid play in the Group 2 Lonsdale Cup on Friday. Following a below-par but fair return to action when fourth at Newmarket on her seasonal return, she defended her crown in the Group 2 Lillie Langtry at Goodwood last time and seems to be approaching her best form at just the right time.
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Can she beat off the boys in Cup test?
It will be no easy task for her taking on the boys here, with Nayef Road and Dashing Willoughby bringing some bright and sturdy form to the table. But Enbihaar has a big engine, proven class and can improve again to put up a career-best run, provided she is fresh and well following her Goodwood win.
Bank on Yazaman to serve it up in Gimcrack
Top Newmarket trainer William Haggas has won two of the last ten renewals of the Gimcrack Stakes and his Yamazan has the right blend of experience and quality to add to that tally. This consistent Kodiac colt has bumped into two very good juveniles on his last two outings, but he recorded rapid speed figures in defeat on both occasions and he looks to be the horse to beat on the numbers.
Marquand riding is icing on cake
Tom Marquand is a world class jockey waiting to happen and everything he rides on the big stage requires close attention. He’s ridden the horse on all of his career starts to date, so the pair get on well and you can be sure they’ll make their presence felt in the 2:45pm.
Naval Crown set to get off the mark in hot York maiden
The 3:45pm maiden over 7f is sure to throw up plenty of winners in the weeks and seasons to come, but it is Charlie Appleby’s Naval Crown who holds the aces on the form of his third third place runs to date. The son of Dubawi recorded a quick time when finishing strongly behind Youth Spirit on his debut at Newmarket, before improving nicely in a Listed event at Ascot last time out.
Godolphin youngster a classy prospect
Naval Crown is likely to develop into a smart performer and his experience to date means he should just be a little more along the path and streetwise for his rivals in this race. At the prices, you could argue that Richard Hannon’s Dingle is the each-way value, if that’s more your thing.