Sky Bet Ebor Festival tips: Mark Rowntree's picks on day one
By Mark Rowntree
Last Updated: Wed 19 Aug 2026
Mark Rowntree has studied the formbook and pinpoints his four best bets across York on Wednesday, day one of the Sky Bet Ebor Festival, and Kempton. Enjoy every race from both fixtures live on Racing TV.
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1.50 York: Air Force One
Mark Rowntree
Finished: 1stSP: 13/2
York suits Air Force One. Geoff Oldroyd’s charge was a fast-finishing third in this last year and, while rated 7lb higher, remains in the form of his life.
The five-year-old is weighted to turn the tables on not only Corolla Point (from Newcastle), but also his last time course conqueror Stratusnine.
Perfectly drawn in stall five, he should have a significant role to play in a competitive opener.
2.25 York: Alfred Wallace
Mark Rowntree
Finished: 4thSP: 17/2
It’s all too easy to row in with the Vintage Stakes runner-up Haffner, but the Ascot Listed winner Alfred Wallace shouldn’t be three times his price.
Hold-up tactics (a change of approach) really suited Ed Walker’s charge at Ascot when last seen, and this beautifully bred juvenile – the second foal from the 2021 Falmouth Stakes winner Snow Lantern – could easily have more to offer back in Group company.
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4.10 York: Kirchner
Mark Rowntree
Finished: 6thSP: 4/1
On his first attempt over this 2m trip, and in tough conditions (a testing Tapeta surface), Kirchner produced a mighty effort when runner-up to Align The Stars in the Northumberland Plate.
He bettered that, confirming superiority over Synergism, when stretching nicely clear in the Brown Jack Handicap at Ascot.
Only four, and a relative newcomer to Newmarket handler James Owen, he has the potential to kick onto even better things. With Ryan Moore aboard, a 6lb rise can be overcome.
6.30 Kempton: Sonic Angel
Mark Rowntree
Finished: 1stSP: 7/4
Thunder Home is the proverbial ‘winner without a penalty,’ and there is no shortage of newcomers to consider in this 7f novice, but the debut winner Sonic Angel sets a rock-solid benchmark.
The Crisford horses are running at a 35% plus strike-rate (past fortnight) and their Dark Angel colt battled hard to fend off the 89-rated Acomb Stakes hopeful Siouxperb at Newcastle.
He should take this step up in trip in his stride – dam won over 7f – and can defy a 7lb penalty.
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