York Ebor meeting: day two

The Ebor meeting continues today, when the main event is the Ebor Handicap itself, Europe´s richest flat handicap, run over 1 13/4 miles at16.25 CET. This is always a ferociously difficult race, and is particularly tough for 3yo´s, but the likely favourite is the only 3yo in the field of 20, Aidan O´Brien´s Changingoftheguard (Johnny Murtagh), an improving sort who has won his last two races very easily.

Sir Michael Stoute´s Warringah (Ryan Moore) has top-weight and it will be a tremendous performance to win off this rating. More interesting could be Red Merlin (Clive Cox/ Philip Robinson), who will apparently win one lucky punter two million pounds if he scores here; he has won his last three races but has gone up sharply in the weights. Apart from Aidan O´Brien´s candidate, there are several more Irish runners, including Willie Mullins´ pair Deutschland (Mick Kinane) and Sesenta (Gary Carroll- the latest apprentice sensation), both of whom in good form both on the flat and over jumps, but they would possibly prefer easier ground. In a really tough race, we suggest Desert Sea (David Arbuthnot/ Seb Sanders), winner of a listed race at Sandown last time, as an each-way alternative to the favourites. There are also two group races on the card, the Lonsdale Cup over 2 miles at 15.15 and the Gimcrack Stakes for 2yo´s over 6 furlongs at 15.50. The former has a very substandard loo k; Enroller (Willie Muir/ Richard Hughes) and Royal and Regal (Michael Jarvis/ Neil Callan) both disappointed last time out, but are the highest-rated and could fight out the finish.

The most interesting runner in the Gimcrack is clearly Richard Hannon´s Monsieur Chevalier (Hughes), who has won 6 of his 7 starts, showing specacular finishing speed. H has never run beyond 5 furlongs, but is so relaxed that he should get today´s trip without problem. Showcasing (John Gosden/ Jimmy Fortune) and Orpen Grey (Tom Dascombe/ Richard Kingsote) look the main dangers.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Class Is Class - Yes Mr President - Whispering Gallery
2. Race: Royal And Regal - Enroller - Drill Sergeant
3. Race: Orpen Grey - Monsieur Chevalier - Showcasing
4. Race: Changingoftheguard - Red Merlin - Warringah
5. Race: Mister Manannan - Love Lockdown - Archers Road
6. Race: Full Of Love - Shamwari Lodge - Burgundy Ice