Preview of the top class Group action on Day 1 of the York Ebor Festival Racing fans and punters relish drawing comparisons between today's star horses and those of the past. Thanks to his remarkable talent, Paddington, who is odds-on favourite for the Group 1 Juddmonte International at York, has been frequently compared to 2000 winner and ‘Iron Horse’ Giant’s Causeway, who was also trained by Aidan O'Brien. Paddington's tenacity, versatility and class are a few of the qualities he possesses that should see him record his fifth top-flight success this season. Enjoy the world-class action at York this week and get €30 in free bets with bet365 to wager on stakes races and supremely competitive handicaps. Juddmonte International (Group 1) 3:35 York Ireland's star three-year-old Paddington should take all the beating in this small but quality field. Aidan O'Brien’s charge has continued to progress this season since striking in the Irish 2,000 Guineas. The son of Siyouni has impressed over middle distances, winning the Eclipse at Sandown last month and looks likely to land a fifth Group 1 today. In the past ten years, his trainer has won this contest three times, most recently with Japan in 2019. Prince of Wales's Stakes winner, Mostahdaf, has stepped up considerably this year but as a five-year-old, he concedes 7lb to Paddington, which presents a major feat. Falmouth winner Nashwa deserves her place in the field as she seeks to build on her victory in the Nassau Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, while Dante winner The Foxes could be interesting back at the same course. Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes (Group 2) 3:00 York Gregory will be hard to beat in this contest for John and Thady Gosden. Unbeaten in three starts, the son of Golden Horn has improved with each run and looks to be a fine future prospect for his connections. He was an impressive winner of the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot in June and can land this prize before targeting bigger prizes this year. Considering the opposition, Continuous and Castle Way are both progressive types and could improve further, with the former encountering trouble in running at Royal Ascot last time. The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt could be the biggest danger here under Ryan Moore. Tattersalls Acomb Stakes (Group 3) 2:25 York Another small field for the Acomb Stakes, but it is certainly not lacking in quality with all six lining up harbouring chances. Ballymount Boy boasts the best form in the race following his second to subsequent Group 1 winner Vandeek in the Richmond Stakes at Glorious Goodwood and he is the pick stepping up from 6 furlongs to 7 furlongs for trainer Adrian Keatly. The Charlie Hills-trained Cogitate scored impressively on his sole run and a bold showing is expected although he is one of the least experienced in the field, while runaway Salisbury winner Hot Fuss could be worth an each-way wager at around 10-1. 18+ Please gamble responsibly. Begambleaware.org
