Our first pick of the day comes in the Group 3 Acomb Stakes (14:30), in which The Grey Gatsby looks to make it two wins from two visits to York after winning on debut there in July. He finished strongly that day despite hanging slightly in the closing stages, and shaped well showing a good turn of foot to make ground after being held up early on. There was much to be taken with in his first outing on a racecourse and he will undoubtedly improve for the experience. He fits the same profile as last year's Gimcrack winner Blaine, another Kevin Ryan charge who came from a 6f maiden to win at this meeting, and the form of his July win has worked out well with both the second (re-opposes today) and third going on to score subsequently. Given the level of the race and the meeting there are obviously dangers in a competitive contest, with the once-raced First Flight most likely to give the grey something to think about.
The next SmartPlay comes in the feature Juddmonte International (15:40) which is due for its second mouth-watering renewal in as many years. We wouldn't decry anyone backing Al Kazeem, who has carried all before him around this trip in 2013, but the greater value probably lies with Toronado. He put up the best performance seen so far in Europe this year when finally taking down old rival Dawn Approach in the Sussex Stakes last time (Declaration of War, two lengths second to Al Kazeem in the Eclipse, was well held in third) and has a pedigree which promises that he'll get this 10-furlong trip. All other things being equal, Tornado would be a clear favourite, so if, like us, you believe Toronado will be fully effective at the distance he is a natural choice. Irish Derby winner Trading Leather merits a mention on the back of his consistent efforts thus far this season, while he is one of few candidates to take them along in the early stages.
Broxbourne is on something of a recovery mission in the two-mile handicap at 16:20. He slipped on the bend at Ascot in the Shergar Cup last time and was not seen to best effect as a result despite seeing out the race strongly. Prior to that he had been on a hat-trick after impressive wins at both Ascot and Glorious Goodwood, and he can get back to winning ways today. He is likely to get a strong pace in this contest which will certainly bring his stamina into play, while York is an easier track to negotiate than the undulations of Ascot. The unexposed Wyborne is probably the main danger, although as would be expected this is a highly-competitive contest.
Timeform Ebor Festival SmartPlays
All at York
Back The Grey Gatsby @ 2.546/4 in the 14:30
Back Toronado @ 2.8815/8 in the 15:40
Back Broxbourne @ 6.25/1 in the 16:20
