The York Ebor Festival, often called the Royal Ascot of the North, starts on Wednesday with a strong card, headlined by the Juddmonte International. Daily Mirror Chief Tipster Newsboy, David Yates, offers his 1-2-3 selections for every race on day one.
Hong Kong Jockey Club World Pool Handicap
Newsboy picks The Man, who was edged out by Trefor in this race last year but is weighted to go one better. The Richard Spencer-trained son of Mehmas won a course-and-distance handicap in May 2025, then was absent through summer before finishing a head second at 15-2.
After a poor run at Southwell in September, The Man had three starts in Dubai, then was 11th at Newcastle's Gosforth Park Cup. His 13th at Glorious Goodwood, just over three lengths behind the winner, showed improvement. With cheekpieces and a tongue strap retained, The Man gets the vote off a mark 3lb lower than last August. Lexington Blitz, Trefor, and Air Force One are dangers.
Tattersalls Acomb Stakes
Haffner, a son of Justify, is the worthy favourite. He debuted at the Curragh in June, finishing a length and three-quarters behind stablemate Abraham Lincoln, then won a seven-furlong maiden at Newmarket's July Festival. In the Group 2 Vintage Stakes at Goodwood, he was second to unbeaten Dr Rascal by half a length. Dropping to Group 3 company, Haffner is poised to take advantage. Gentle Hurricane is feared most, ahead of Alfred Wallace and Stardom Glory.
Great Voltigeur Stakes
Pierre Bonnard is fancied to win for the first time in 2026 and book a St Leger spot. After winning the Zetland Stakes and Critérium de Saint-Cloud as a two-year-old, he was seventh in the Ballysax Stakes, then second in the Derby Trial. In the Derby itself, he was seventh behind Christmas Day, with Maltese Cross second, but reduced a 10-length deficit to a neck in the Irish Derby behind Benvenuto Cellini. With the market principals carrying 5lb penalties, Pierre Bonnard can turn the tables. Superior Choice is another to consider.
Juddmonte International
Item is capable of disrupting the clash between Ombudsman and Constitution River. After winning at Kempton and Bath as a two-year-old, Item won the Dante Stakes by two and three-quarter lengths, then was ninth in the Derby on soft ground. Back on quicker going in the York Stakes, he beat Pride Of Arras by the same margin. A strong gallop from Ombudsman's pacemaker should help Item. Ombudsman and Constitution River have won six Group 1s between them, but Item may have more to give.
Sky Bet Stayers' Handicap
Team Player, trained by Ewan Whillans, won the Queen's Cup at Musselburgh in April, beating Dancingwithmyself by a length and three-quarters. After a fifth in the Chester Cup and ninth in the Northumberland Plate, he was a nose second to Shrimp Shady at Newbury. A 2lb rise should not stop him. Shrimp Shady, second at the Shergar Cup, Ride The Thunder, and favourite Small Fry are threats.
Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Handicap
Underwriter, a £200,000 breeze-up purchase, won twice at Ayr for Archie Watson, but lost his way. Joined Michael Keady for 4,600 guineas in June, he was 11th on stable debut, then fourth of 13 at 100-1 at Ascot. With a clear run he would have placed. Naana's Shadow heads the dangers, with Manatee Mehmas and Poatan also considered.
Sky Bet Nursery Handicap
Havana Sprite, trained by James Tate, won at Bath in June, dead-heated in the Empress Fillies' Stakes, then won a handicap at Newmarket by half a length. Off a BHA rating of 92 after a 4lb rise, she keeps improving. Henley On Thames, Ruler's Pride, and Sovereign Glory are among the dangers.
