York Ebor festival: Best tips, key races and THE horses to follow for four-day summer racing bonanza

THE York Ebor Festival rolls into town for four days of a summer racing spectacular.

OK, so don't let the fact we're probably going to witness the first rainfall in what feels like forever dampen your spirits.

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There are a whole host of superstars on show during the week - not to mention the jockeys, trainers and, quite possibly, celebrities as well.

We've got the world's best horse in the world's best race, the (possible farewell) to a legend… and an iconic Ladies' Day.

Here, Sun Racing breaks down everything we can look forward to this week - and don't forget to check out the best betting offers to grab yourself a bargain.

Wednesday

Day one kicks off with a belting sprint handicap at 1.50 before the first Group 3, the Acomb Stakes, at 2.25.

The key players make their way to the track for the Voltigeur at 3.00 where Godolphin's Secret State looks the one to beat.

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But at 3.35 it's the real showstopper - the Juddmonte.

Can unbeaten Baaeed take another step to emulating the incredible Frankel, ten years after that iconic horse won the same race?

Matt Chapman thinks he can, although William Haggas' stable star will have some tough competition in the form of Mishriff.

John Gosden's globe-trotting sensation is a money-making machine, although word has it this could be his final year racing.

Templegate has gone through every runner and revealed his pick for the 4.10 Stayers' Handicap before two more handicap clashes end day one in style.

Thursday

Ladies Day!

And what better way to start one of the key fixtures of the calendar than with the Group 2 Lowther for fillies, where Dramatised is the heavy favourite.

Two handicaps follow before the Group 1 Darley Yorkshire Oaks where Arc hopeful Alpinista will look to make it seven on the bounce in the 3.35.

Punters can then get their teeth into three devilishly tricky handicaps to close out day two.

Friday

Will this be the last time we see Stradivarius?

The superstar stayer won't have Frankie Dettori in the saddle - but he is more than used to winning under stand-in rider Andrea Atzeni.

The legendary eight-year-old is strong favourite for the Group 2 Lonsdale Cup at 2.25, but old foe Trueshan could challenge should he get the rain he needs.

The Group 2 Gimcrack looks a beauty immediately after that, with 17 horses declared to thunder down the Knavesmire at break-neck speed over six furlongs.

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A whopping £300,000 will go to the winner of the Nunthorpe at 3.35, a hellacious test of speed over five furlongs.

James Tate's rocketball Royal Aclaim is favourite to win - wouldn't that be a fitting victory in Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee year?

Three more top class handicaps round out the day before we head to Saturday.

Saturday

The marquee race of the week takes place at 3.35 - so there's plenty of time to get studying.

Strap yourselves in for the eponymous Ebor Handicap - a blockbuster 1m6f contest.

A maximum of 22 runners and riders will line up for the showcase event of the week, won last year by Johnny Murtagh's Sonnyboyliston.

Could Joseph O'Brien bring the trophy back to Ireland?

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His four-year-old star Okita Soushi is 11-1 to triumph, but fellow Irish trainer Paddy Twomey's Earl Of Tyrone is the hotly fancied 7-1 favourite.

The final field will be announced at 10am on Thursday.

That's not the only race to get excited about, though, with the Strensall Stakes and City Of York Stakes providing top group action.

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And there's a whole whost of tricky handicaps to test your punting credentials.

Templegate will bring you his picks every day, a big guide to the big race on each day and Sun Racing will update you with our longshots and best each way fancies too.

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