Sky Bet Ebor Festival: five each-way plays at fancy prices

Race: Clipper Handicap – August 22 (3.00)

He might now be five, yet the suspicion remains we have not seen the best of this gelded son of Lope De Vega. 

Awaal has seemingly had his issues – he only returned to the fray in July – and can be lackadaisical from the stalls when in an insubordinate frame of mind. 

But when it does click, he has shown the potential to win a nice pot – as evidenced by frame finishes in last season’s Lincoln, Hunt Cup and Bunbury Cup. 

The Crisfords will also be suitably buoyed by an unsettled long-range forecast as Awaal will require a bit of dig on the Knavesmire to be fully effective. 

Race: Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes – August 23 (3.35)

Much has been made this season of the perceived lack of elite domestic sprinters – and arguably with just cause. 

Try to broach that subject with Ed Bethell, though, and it is unlikely to end well. 

Regional, after all, has been the gift that keeps on giving for Bethell.

He was a touch disappointing in the Hackwood last time, but he did not look in love with the Newbury terrain and also had to give a good chunk of weight to three very fast young horses. 

A staying-on fifth in this last year, he only has a length to make up with Asfoora on their Royal Ascot form. 

It is almost unthinkable that he will not come very close to troubling the judge. 

Race: City of York Stakes – August 24 (3.00)

It wouldn’t be the summer without the dear old seven-year-old rocking up a marquee meeting and upsetting the odds. 

Punters never quite know what to expect when they take the plunge on Tim Easterby’s grey. 

But Art Power has now scooped just shy of £850,000 in prize-money so he must be doing something right. 

He could bomb, especially if the ground is riding fast, but he could win in cigar-and-slipper mode at a massive price. 

For those with a zest for adventure, that’s part of the fun in backing this unique racehorse. 

Race:  Sky Bet Ebor – August 24 (3.35)

There is a growing conviction that the Ebor will once again be heading back to Ireland – but not necessarily to Closutton. 

Step forward Henry de Bromhead, who can once again work the oracle in a big Flat race in the UK. 

De Bromhead has done a grand job with this mare, who, one might recall, was fourth behind reigning Ebor winner Absurde in last season’s County Hurdle. 

Her Flat form is difficult to assess, but she looked the part at Fairyhouse last time. 

De Bromhead will know exactly what Magical Zoe still has to offer. The handicapper does not. 

Race: Sky Bet Ebor – August 24 (3.35)

One rather suspects Gavin Cromwell has the softest of soft spots for My Mate Mozzie. 

The likeable eight-year-old has, after all, danced every dance but has never made it count when it matters the most. 

That is simply because of the capricious nature of top-level horse racing rather than any significant chinks in his armour, and one of these days he will deliver on a grand stage. 

The Ebor might not be it, but he is teasingly weighted and should be miles fitter for a blow-out at Galway. 

He will also be unfazed by whatever Mother Nature throws at him.