ITV Racing Tips: Two Friday Fancies At York's Ebor Meeting

Day Two of the Ebor Meeting is upon us and after a rain soaked Day One, there are sure to be plenty more action packed races to enjoy. After hitting the crossbar with his first tip yesterday, Billy Grimshaw is back for more and again has two York betting tips...

14:25 York - Lonsdale Cup

None of the standout stayers are here and as such, the market has a competitive look to it. It is almost unquestionable that Caballo De Mar is the class act in this field, but I would be in no rush to back him at 5/2 or shorter considering the manner in which he finished at Royal Ascot in the Gold Cup, looking thoroughly exhausted. His trainer George Scott reported he was suffering from heat stress in the aftermath and that'll make many put a line through the run but I don't like seeing a horse come back as a favourite after such a clearly tough outing.

The one I am fairly sweet on is the third favourite CARMERS for Paddy Twomey, who also ran in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot but had a much less tough race once it became evident he was set to be a  non stayer. Stepping back in trip here on rain softened ground should suit him to a tee and given he ran very well in last season's Great Voltigeur his course form is another tick in his box.

I am hoping Billy Lee is not quite so eager to make the running this time, as he will have Quickthorn to contend with here who has broken many rivals thar way around York. He looks a big price, in fact, at 33s but perhaps his best years are behind him, which is not what I'd say about Carmers who is a strong fancy in the Lonsdale.

15:00 York - Gimcrack Stakes

I wasn't expecting to have much of an opinion in this race, truth be told, as two year olds can improve at hugely differing rates and the presence of an Aidan O'Brien trained once raced maiden winner does mean we could potentially be playing for places here, however I did not expect to see Kevin Ryan's MATTEO available to back at 20/1 each-way when opening up the racecard. I'd venture anyone else who saw his Beverley win live last time out wouldn't, either.

Granted, that contest on paper looked nothing like as strong as this one, however given the amount Matteo did wrong yet still managed to win I would be immensely encouraged that this is an above average colt. He hit the front far too soon, idled as an inexperienced two year old is entitled to do, but really knuckled down to rally once he had been passed. This type of attitude is rare to see in such an unexposed horse and with that under his belt  I fancy he can outrun his odds here.

I don't mind his draw in eight as most of the pace - including himself - is around him but I am hopeful Kevin Stott holds onto him a touch more than he managed at Beverley. If he can harness that rallying kick he used at Beverley, he could be a fair tool and certainly spring a bit of a surprise by at least hitting the frame in this.