ITEM (3:35) is tipped to win the Juddmonte International Stakes on Day 1 of York's Ebor Festival, with nearly £7.5m in prize money up for grabs across the four-day meeting. Andrew Balding's horse, a son of Frankel, can confirm his status as a top-class performer in a typically strong renewal of the Group 1.
ITEM's rise to the top
ITEM was a well-backed 5-2 shot ahead of his debut at Kempton in September, where he showed huge potential by winning impressively from Devon Island on the all-weather. He improved on turf with an even more impressive defeat of Blue Courvoisier at Bath. After being given time to develop, he was pitched into the Group 2 Dante Stakes over the same course and distance, powering into the Derby picture with a decisive three-length victory over Action.
He was beaten at Epsom due to the undulating track, soft ground, and inexperience, but was revitalised on his return to York, caning Pride Of Arras in a Group 2. The Kingsclere challenger is clearly top-class and can upstage Ombusman and Constitution Hill.
Other selections on Day 1
GENTLE HURRICANE (2:25) can win the Acomb Stakes for Andrew Balding. The juvenile was a relatively overlooked 4-1 shot ahead of his debut at Salisbury last month, but oozed potential when powering home from Soldier Of The Sea over six furlongs. The colt should relish a step up to seven furlongs.
STRATUSNINE (1:50) can rise to the challenge for Hugo Palmer in the World Pool Handicap. The sprinter lost his way after thrashing Dubai Bling at Wolverhampton in December, but got back on track when chinned by Partisan Hero over course and distance in May. He didn't stay seven furlongs at Ascot, but dropped back to six furlongs with a close third to Dark Thirty at Chester, and excelled when cosily denying Dubai Bling in the Dash. His fine summer continued with a near-miss to Evening Saigon in the Stewards' Cup at Goodwood, and he can gain compensation down in trip.
MALTESE CROSS (3:00) can win the Great Voltigeur Stakes for William Haggas. The colt looked smart when opening his account from Del Maro at Newmarket, and confirmed that impression by outbattling My Love Is King on his return at Newbury. He entered the Epsom reckoning by beating Bay Of Brilliance, and only found Christmas Day too good in the Blue Riband. He landed a Group 1 by edging Ancient Egypt in the Grand Prix de Paris, and can set himself up for more big targets.
More tips on the card
SMALL FRY (4:10) can stand tall for Joseph O'Brien in the Sky Bet Stayers Handicap. The gelding flopped at the Curragh and Dundalk after a transfer, but showed signs of a revival when fourth on his return to hurdling at Down Royal. He was second to Gomez Addams in a strong maiden at Listowel, and ran well when sixth in the Ascot Stakes. He was narrowly denied by Hopewell Rock at Goodwood, and Tuesday's two-mile trip should be ideal.
MANATEE MEHMAS (4:45) can be the catch of the day in the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Handicap for David O'Meara. The gelding oozed potential when routing Time To Take Off on debut at Doncaster, but was fourth to Dickensian at Listed level and last of eight at Sandown. He hit back with a fine third to Naana's Shadow over course and distance, and was fourth to that rival at Goodwood. He can deny his old foe at this flatter venue.
HENLEY ON THAMES (5:20) can look ship-shape for Kevin Philippart De Foy in the Sky Bet Nursery. The juvenile made a respectable start when sixth at Sandown, stayed well when second to Roxa Love at Brighton, and was just held by Anchiano at Yarmouth. He welcomed tackling six furlongs when storming home from Thanks Harry at Hamilton, and can see off promising opponents.
Garry's selections for York: 1:50 STRATUSNINE, 2:25 GENTLE HURRICANE, 3:00 MALTESE CROSS, 3:35 ITEM (NAP), 4:10 SMALL FRY, 4:45 MANATEE MEHMAS, 5:20 HENLEY ON THAMES. Double: ITEM (NAP) and GENTLE HURRICANE.
