Bankers or blowouts? Assessing the day one and day two favourites at York
By Alex Scott
Last Updated: Wed 19 Aug 2026
Alex Scott takes a close look at some of the Group race market leaders on days one and two at the Sky Bet Ebor Festival and assesses whether they are worth siding with or against at their current odds. Watch every race from the four-day meeting, plus all the expert analysis, live on Racing TV.
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HAFFNER
Race: Tattersalls Acomb Stakes.
Odds: 7-4.
There are plenty of other potential improvers in here but Haffner has the best form in the book and everything points to this return to a stiffer seven furlongs being in his favour.
Impressive at Newmarket in July when making all, he only found the unbeaten Dr Rascal too strong in the Vintage Stakes last month and the son of Justify may have more to give for his top connections.
Verdict: Banker.
MALTESE CROSS
Race: Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes.
Odds: 2-1.
Likeable performer who was impressive when making up late ground to win the Grand Prix de Paris, however that form is no stronger than the Irish Derby second and third produced by Christmas Day and Pierre Bonnard.
Preference is for the latter, who is in receipt of 5lb and officially rated 1lb superior to William Haggas’s colt.
Verdict: Blowout.
OMBUDSMAN
Race: Juddmonte International.
Odds: 5-4.
Constitution River and Item warrant respect, but Ombudsman was hugely impressive in this last year and he has only been beaten once since.
Three from three this season, his four-length demolition in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot in June was a career best and a similar performance can see him win again.
Verdict: Banker.
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LIBERTANGO
Race: Sky Bet Lowther Stakes.
Odds: 7-4.
George Boughey’s filly followed up her debut win with a one-length victory over Sun Goddess in the Albany, and Aidan O’Brien’s filly has won twice since.
That is obviously decent form, however, she was beaten by Queen Mary runner-up Senorita Bonita last time and the percentage call is to oppose, with stall 15 far from ideal and several later maturing fillies in here capable of progressing past the favourite.
Wild Blossom also makes appeal, who was unlucky at Royal Ascot and bounced back with an impressive win at Glorious Goodwood last month.
Verdict: Blowout.
KALPANA
Race: Legends Global Yorkshire Oaks.
Odds: 5-4.
She was hugely impressive in the King George last time, beating Calandagan by a length and a half, and a repeat performance from the highest rated mare in Europe should be enough to land this.
She has her ideal trip and ground, is back against her own sex, and her potent turn of foot could be hard to live with.
Verdict: Banker.
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