British Spot Plays: York for Aug. 21, 2026

As a handicapper, Wednesday at York was one of those frustrating days I zigged when I should have zagged. When the dust settled on the three Group races, I had futilely tried to beat two solid favorites and added insult to injury by passing up the opportunity to grab 12-1 on a horse I had endorsed in the Epsom Derby (G1) in early June. It’s a humbling game.

I’ll get back in the saddle for Day 3 of the Ebor Festival on Friday. With the British bankroll resting at $1,147.75, my first 5% win play will be for $57.

Race 2: Lonsdale Cup (G2), 9:25 a.m. ET

The heavy hitters of the division, Scandinavia and the recently retired Trawlerman, are not here. That’s good for the field assembled and for us punters.

#4 Carmers (6-1) has the distinction of being the last horse to have beaten Scandinavia, in the Queen's Vase (G2) at Royal Ascot in June 2025. While Scandinavia has returned the favor several times since, including by a 12-length margin in the June 18 Gold Cup (G1), Carmers will likely be better suited to this two-mile trip and ran a good one here last season in the Great Voltigeur (G2) versus course specialist Pride of Arras.

Although a type so far to blow either hot or cold, Carmers is only four and is lightly raced with only eight prior starts. Doubt we’ve seen his career best yet.

Race 4: Nunthorpe (G1), 10:35 a.m. ET

Followers of this column the last few years perhaps have noticed my tendency to sidestep the major five- and six-furlong Group 1s for older horses. The reason, perhaps, is my insufficient answers to the eternal question of “Whose turn is it?”

#8 Rumstar (15-1), though, looks plausible at a price. Tossing his effort in the King Charles III (G1) at Royal Ascot, a race he didn’t run too well in last year, either, and Rumstar has been right there in his other three outings this term.

Rumstar showed some late interest in last year’s Nunthorpe, finishing fifth of 17, and perhaps can get an even faster pace this time with the Wesley Ward-trained Bacio likely to pressure Night Raider. On recent form, Rumstar looks a square price.