UK RACING TIPS: 2023 York Ebor Festival day 4

YORK EBOR FESTIVAL – DAY 4

Race 1 – NOSTRUM 83/100

Sir Michael Stoute should be on the mark in the opening Sky Bet And Symphony Group Strensall Stakes with NOSTRUM.

The Kingman colt was sent off at skinny odds at Goodwood after winning a Newmarket Listed contest in fine style on his return from injury, but he failed to show his best on what was very testing ground at the Sussex track.

His length defeat by Epictetus was certainly not a disgrace, but Nostrum should fare better on quicker ground at York.

Race 2 – MIDDLE EARTH 13/2

However, MIDDLE EARTH appeals as a highly-progressive stayer and this step up in trip can bring about further improvement from this son of Roaring Lion.

The in-form Lordship is a prime contender for a yard that has won two of the last four renewals, while Denmark has a lofty reputation and is high on the shortlist as he looks to lay his St Leger credentials on the line.

Similar applies to Davideo, who got better the further he went at Newmarket last month but he has gone up 7lb for that success.

Race 3 – KINROSS 18/10

KINROSS can retain his Sky Bet City of York Stakes title.

Ralph Beckett’s six-year-old is a Group One winner over six furlongs, but he really excels over the seven that he faces in this richly-endowed contest.

After a creditable Royal Ascot return on ground that was too quick, he deserved plenty of credit for his July Cup third – a run which set him up perfectly for the Lennox Stakes at Goodwood.

The reopposing Isaac Shelby was beaten a neck, but Kinross was always just doing enough and is actually marginally better off at the weights this time, making it hard to envisage a reversal of that form.

Kinross is ideally suited by a good ease in the ground, but as he showed in winning this race last year, he can handle quicker conditions, too, and there are not many chinks in his armour.

Race 4 – REAL DREAM 8/1

Stoute has not saddled an Ebor winner since 1996 but REAL DREAM is fancied to end that near 30-year wait for another winner of the Sky Bet-sponsored handicap highlight.

Real Dream is pretty unexposed ahead of this assignment, having had just six runs to date, winning three of those starts.

He registered one victory at three before a prolonged lay off, returning to win on the all weather at Kempton in May before posting a fine third behind Scampi over 12 furlongs at the Dante meeting on the Knavesmire.

Upped to a mile and six furlongs at Ascot last month, Real Dream delivered an impressive performance in winning by just over four lengths and while the form has not worked out particularly well so far, Stoute’s runner was certainly not required to engage top gear that day.

The handicapper has hiked him 8lb for that performance, but this Lope De Vega gelding looks quite progressive and can defy that substantial rise.

Bet minimum £20+ cash on any runner in the race and if the SP of the winner of 15:35 is 8/1 or less earn a £5 free bet for every £20+ cash bet, or a £20 free bet for every £100+ cash bet (t&cs apply)

Race 5 – MR WAGYU 17/2

Aberama Gold arrives here seeking a hat-trick after wins over course and distance and most recently over 6f at Glorious Goodwood and he can offer another bold bid today, but having been raised a further 5lb, he may be susceptible to some better treated rivals, such as MR WAGYU.

John Quinn’s charge is 5lb better off with that rival today and he can avenge that two and a half length defeat.

Last year’s winner Summerghand looks sure to go close, while The Green Man is also noted.