Friday is an absolute belter on the Knavesmire. The Group 1 Nunthorpe headlines proceedings, while the Lonsdale Cup and Gimcrack are massive Group 2 contests, while the Convivial Maiden invariably throws up a smart horse for the future.
My York Ebor Festival day three tips are made up of three bets across the card, including one at a juicy price in the Gimcrack. The York nap of the day is saved for the finale once again, and we can also grab some special deals supplied by Betfred.
Friday Quick View
Feature Race: Nunthorpe Stakes (3:35)
Best Bet: Silver Lake – 5:20 (Fillies’ Handicap)
Next Best: Eklleem – 1:50
No. of Races: 7
Going: Good to Soft
York Ebor Festival Day 3 Tips at a Glance
| Bet Type | Horse (Race) | Odds | Bookie |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Bet | Silver Lake (5:20) | 11/4 | William Hill |
| Next Best | Eklleem (1:50) | 7/1 | Betfred |
| Value Bet | Mrair (3:00) | 5/1 | Betfred |
Odds correct at 13:45 BST on 19/08/26. Odds subject to change.
My York Ebor Festival Friday tips feature three bets, and apparently, I’ve developed a thing for the getting-out stakes. The NAP comes in the final race once again, where Silver Lake looks very well treated and can hopefully send us home with considerably more than the bus fare.
There are some nice prices knocking around as well, with the best bets at York today priced up by Betfred and William Hill, two of our best horse racing betting sites. The full case for all three selections is below.
Betfred Offer – Turbo Boosted Odds and Money Back in Cash
I love these little extras from Betfred. Their Turbo Boosted odds are available every day of the York Ebor Festival from 10:00am, while Friday also brings a handy Betfred money-back offer. Opt in and, on Betfred’s selected race, you’ll get your stake returned in cash up to £10 if your horse finishes second or third.
No Expiry Date
York NAP of the Day
Silver Lake – 5:20 (Fillies’ Handicap)
I’m saving the best until last again, with lovely three-year-old grey filly Silver Lake my nap, the strongest of my York Ebor Festival betting tips on Friday.
William Haggas trains this well-bred filly for Wathnan Racing, while Saffie Osborne keeps the ride after the pair enjoyed a very easy success at Glorious Goodwood. There looked to be plenty left in the tank that day, and I’ll be disappointed if the handicapper has her measure just yet.
With her pedigree, Silver Lake should eventually be heading into Pattern company rather than spending too long messing around in handicaps. Hopefully she can prove that point here – preferably without giving my blood pressure too much of a workout.
Why I’m Backing Silver Lake
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By Night Of Thunder, second foal out of a very progressive race mare
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Easy winner last time out – ahead of the handicapper
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Should love it around York where her trainer does so well
York Ebor Festival Tips – My Next Best Bet
Eklleem – 1:50 (Mile Handicap)
There are plenty of likely lads in this one-mile Heritage Handicap, but Welbury and Eklleem stand out as two who could be ahead of the assessor. Welbury won easily last time, while Eklleem was equally comfortable in novice company and now makes his handicap debut.
He’s another for William Haggas, with William Buick taking over in the saddle, and as I’ve mentioned before, Buick is particularly good around the Knavesmire during the York Ebor Festival.
Eklleem barely had to get out of second gear last time, and an opening mark of 87 most definitely underestimates him. Even in a typically competitive opener, he’s one of my stronger horse racing tips today.
Why I’m Backing Eklleem
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Very good price given the circumstances
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Trainer and jockey both have fine records at this meeting
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Has been given plenty of time since his novice win
York Horse Racing Tips – My Value Bet
Mrair – 3:00 (Gimcrack Stakes)
The Gimcrack is a hugely important Group 2 over six furlongs for the juveniles, and Michael Dods’ unbeaten Arapaho Gold would be a very popular winner in these parts. Adaay Of Scarlett is another solid contender and isn't far behind in the betting, but Mrair looks the value to me.
He’s almost in danger of becoming the forgotten horse. The form of his debut second and subsequent novice win could hardly have worked out better, before he was unlucky in running when beaten only two lengths in the Coventry at Royal Ascot. That effort deserves an upgrade.
Providing he’s spot-on after a short break, I think Mrair should go very close and he completes my York horse racing tips for Friday.
That still leaves one rather large race still to tackle this week. Ebor Handicap tips will be available on my regular Saturday horse racing tips page. Don’t miss out on that!
Why I’m Backing Mrair
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Already gone close at Group 2 level (Coventry Stakes)
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Close form from his debut with 111-rated Al Hudaiba
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Beat 100-rated Final Objective very easily on second start
