ITV Racing Tips for Thursday: Today's York Ebor Festival Best Bets

It’s another cracking day on the Knavesmire as ITV Racing brings us five races from York, headlined by the Group 1 Yorkshire Oaks. The undercard has a nice blend of quality and competitive handicaps, and I’ve got two bets that stand out from the pack.

13:50 York - Lowther Stakes

I’ve gone back and forth on this because the Lowther can make a mug of you if you fall in love with early-season flash. That said, the filly who keeps pulling me back is AMERICA QUEEN. I know, I know — it’s easy to be seduced by a visually bonkers debut, but when one wins by daylight and still has her ears pricked, you mark the card. The pure power she showed through the middle part of the race is the bit I keep replaying: she didn’t need the race to fall apart, she made it happen. Crucially, she looked balanced doing it. York’s straight six on good to firm can find a 2yo out if they’re all revs and no gears; America Queen looks to have both. The draw shouldn’t bother her, Moore won’t overcomplicate it, and if she travels like she did first time, they’ll be on the stretch before the dip in the last furlong.

Of the dangers, there are fillies with raw speed who’ll try to turn it into a burn-up, but I don’t think she needs the lead — in fact, a tow could help her switch off and strike. The Lowther often rewards the one who can quicken and sustain, not just ping for a furlong and hope. I’m prepared to accept she’s taking a jump in class, but the engine looks proper and the yard have not hidden her — which tells you plenty. I’m with America Queen to stamp herself the real deal.

15:00 York - Clipper Handicap

Now this is a classic York race — a heritage handicap where half the field arrives with some sort of case and the other half will probably be punted by 'shrewd money'. You need a horse with tactical speed for York’s seven, because if you get shuffled back and need luck, you’re in bother. That’s why I’ve warmed strongly to NORTHERN EXPRESS. He’s been around the block here more times than most, loves the Knavesmire, and crucially he knows how to angle out and grab daylight when it matters. His run style isn’t flashy — he travels well, picks up steadily, and often looks beaten before finding plenty in the last 150 yards — but that’s exactly the kind of horse that wins these wars of attrition.

Form-wise, there’s nothing wrong with his recent runs. He chased home some proper Group horses in lesser company and has been campaigned like this was the summer target. The handicapper has nudged him but not hammered him, and he’s drawn in a spot where he won’t be marooned. I’ve looked at the market leaders and I’m not convinced any of them are particularly well-in; a lot need luck in running or a career best to figure. Northern Express, on the other hand, just needs to run his race. With York form worth its weight in gold, I’ll take him to grind it out late.