York Update Ebor 1st & 2nd advised @ 8/1 & 25/1

Following slim pickings on Friday with both selections running poorly in the Nunthorpe Stakes and Zghara failing to fire in the ten furlongs fillies' handicap, it was important to finish the York Ebor Festival on a positive note on Saturday. Thankfully, Ethical Diamond (advised @ 8/1) and compatriot Ascending (advised @ 25/1) dominated the finish in the Sky Bet Ebor with the former pulling clear to win hard held by two and a half lengths. Given a beauitful ride by William Buick, Willie Mullins' Royal Ascot winner was kept on the outside from his wide draw early on before creeping into contention early in the homestraight. It opened up on the stands rail and the five year old didn't need a second invitation powering to the front before stretching away. The Awtaad gelding was scoring off a mark of 104 and looks set to tackle Pattern company next time. There was a concern beforehand whether he would settle over this longer trip but Buick did a fine job and the result never looked in doubt. Ascending, who was only raised three pounds for his win in the Ascot Stakes, ran a cracker in second. He, too, was given a superb ride by Seamie Heffernan - the six year old was always well positioned and struck for home inside the final quarter of a mile. There were no excuses - he couldn't match the winner's turn of foot. It was a splendid run. Thank you to those clients who emailed afterwards, it was much appreciated.

In terms of the other selections on Saturday, Pocklington (advised @ 10/1) ran well to finish a close third in the Constantine Handicap. Similar to his performance in the Sky Bet Dash over the same C&D last month, Geoff Oldroyd's charge hit a flat spot before staying on strongly and was gaining hand over fist late on. A higher draw may have seen him go even closer but he was beaten by a better horse. Sea of Kings ran a solid race when finishing fourth in the Melrose Handicap. Danny Tudhope deputised for James Doyle and rode him handy and held every chance in the homestraight. Outstayed inside the final two furlongs, he was beaten around five lengths by the progressive Tarriance. I am not convinced he improved for the step up in distance.

In conclusion, there were three winners over the four days - Ombudmsan (advised @ 15/8), Stellar Sunrise (100/30) and Ethical Diamond (advised @ 8/1), plus Cerulean Bay (advised @ 40/1) and Ascending (advised @ 25/1) finished second and rewarded each-way support. In addition, we have a handy ante-post voucher for the Ayr Gold Cup and I suggest taking the advice re the Cambridgeshire on page 5. 

It's now time to concentrate on One Jump Ahead.......