Ebor Festival SmartPlays: Thursday August 22

Richmond third Thunder Strike is entitled to plenty of respect in the opener at 13:55, whilst it would be foolish to ignore the claims of both Oasis Town and Rufford, but the one we most want on side is the William Haggas-trained Nezar. The winner of a Windsor maiden last month, the juvenile was only narrowly denied from a wide draw at Newbury on his nursery bow, racing on the outside of the field and receiving no cover. Stall seven should enable William Buick to cover him up in the midfield today, and he seems sure to run a big race in what is an admittedly competitive affair. 

Wentworth and Queensberry Rules, two improving three-year-old's, look the pair to focus on here with the verdict narrowly given to the former. The Richard Hannon-trained colt was a big eye-catcher on his first two outings this term and finally realised his true potential when scoring impressively at Goodwood last time, beating a decent field with something in hand. With further progress likely he remains one to keep firmly on side, and a 7 lb rise for the aforementioned success may not be enough to prevent him from following up.

Say has been running consistently well of late and just about sets the standard in the Galtres Stakes but the vote goes to the unexposed Songbird, trained by Lady Cecil. The four-year-old lost nothing in defeat when beaten by the exciting Seal Of Approval last time and connections have opted to run in this race rather than the Yorkshire Oaks, which appeals as being a wise move. Songbird remains open to further progress and it certainly wouldn't be a shock were she to triumph here. 

Timeform SmartPlays:
All at York
Back Nezar @ 10.519/2 in the 13:55
Back Wentworth @ 5.59/2 in the 15:05 (NON-RUNNER, 10:40)
Back Songbird @ 6.05/1 in the 16:20

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