York races tips, racecard, declarations and preview for the racing live on ITV TODAY
It's Juddmonte International day this Wednesday and we've got everything you need here whether you're at York or on your sofa
ARGUABLY the race of the season takes place at York on Wednesday as the big guns collide in a mouthwatering Juddmonte International.
We've been studying the form long and hard and have previewed each race on the card below.
Race 1 - 1.55pm Sky Bet And Symphony Group Handicap
The opening race of the Ebor Festival is about as competitive as you could hope for but is a bookmakers dream as they'll fill their coffers ready for the short-priced favourites through the week.
Saying that, if you can find the winner you'll be well rewarded and the consistent El Astronaute gets the vote.
His form figures at the track read 4-2-1-4-15-2 and he won off 98 here at the beginning of the season. He's steadily slipped down to 101 and has the capable Rossa Ryan taking 3lbs off.
At a slightly bigger price Tanasoq is a horse I like and this race should suit better than the Ascot race he ran well in.
Hopefully filling the places will be Gracious John who is suited down to the ground by races like this and he looks well treated.
VERDICT - 1. El Astronaute 2. Tanasoq 3. Gracious John
RACECARDS Get all the information you need and place your bets through our new racecards
Race 2 - 2.25pm Tattersalls Acomb Stakes (Group 3)
The first Group race of the meeting can fall the way of Aidan O'Brien's Broome.
A few will raise an eyebrow at the form of the O'Brien stable - rightly so - but the juveniles have on the whole been running well enough.
Broome won a competitive maiden at Galway with the second being well thought of and the front pair pulling miles clear of the rest. I think Watan is vulnerable at a short price.
Pogo would prefer some cut in the ground but I still believe he'll go close at a big price.
Also at juicy odds I like Karl Burke's Swissterious. He hacked up at Doncaster last time in taking fashion and looks overpriced here.
VERDICT - 1. Broome 2. Pogo 3. Swissterious
LATEST IN HORSE RACING
Race 3 - 3.00pm Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes (Group 2)
Cross Counter is the deserving favourite in this and should take all the beating. His Goodwood run is questionable on paper, but was backed up by the clock and they have big aspirations for this gelding.
He's officially the best horse in the race and still looks the type to improve. If he's a cup horse he should be taking this.
Kew Gardens shoulders a penalty for winning a weak Group 1 and that combined with the O'Brien factor is enough to put me off. Plus I think he's at his best over further.
Old Persian shouldn't be forgotten at a nicer price. His form reads well and he could improve for this step up in trip.
I'd be sweet on Sevenna Star if he had his ground but will give The Pentagon a shout as an each way bet with that considered.
VERDICT - 1. Cross Counter (NAP) 2. Old Persian 3. The Pentagon
Race 4 - 3.35pm Juddmonte International Stakes (Group 1)
As a racing fan, if you can't get excited by this race then you're in the wrong sport.
Despite the three-year-olds getting plenty of weight it's hard to look past King George and Prince Of Wales's winner Poet's Word.
Yes the price isn't intriguing, but to me he's still improving and hasn't put a foot wrong all season.
Roaring Lion is a horse I've liked through the spring and into the summer and although he hasn't won as much as liked, he's been consistent and races again at his ideal trip here.
If there's little pace on, it could play into this three-year-old's hands who doesn't lack for a turn of foot.
With the field being as strong as it is, it's easy to make a case for much of the field. I'll give a tentative nod to Without Parole who has a point to prove, to fill the places.
VERDICT - 1. Poet's Word 2. Roaring Lion 3. Without Parole
Race 5 - 4.15pm Sky Bet Handicap
A wide open staying handicap and not one to go wild in but I fancy Bedrock to run a big race for Iain Jardine.
He ran a stonker at the Galway Festival and has been progressive enough on the flat to suggest he's got a race in him off this mark.
Graceland is a tricky horse but goes well at the track and if on a going day should be right in the mix.
Higher up the betting I fancy Speedo Boy to run a big race under James Doyle as well.
VERDICT - 1. Bedrock 2. Graceland 3. Speedo Boy
LATEST IN HORSE RACING
Race 6 - 4.50pm Sky Bet Nursery Handicap
The key to a nursery handicap is finding those juveniles on the way up and yet to be tested by the handicapper. Of course, that's easier said than done.
It's not a race to go mad on but the Richard Hannon stable are in tip-top shape and Moyassar has run in some strong novice heats, and makes his handicap debut here.
A lot was expected at Haydock last time but he was beaten by a Dascombe front-runner and I'd take that run with a pinch of salt. 88 is no gimme', but I'd be surprised if he's not rated closer to 100 at the end of the season.
Ginger Nut is exposed as they come for a two-year-old now but keeps performing above expectations and I also like Evie Speed.
VERDICT - 1. Moyassar 2. Ginger Nut 3. Evie Speed