British Spot Plays: York for Aug. 22, 2026

The 2026 Ebor Festival at York concludes Saturday, and while British punters will show their love for historic handicaps like the Melrose and eponymous Ebor, I’ll take a final swing at the final two Group races of the fixture.

On Friday, my Lonsdale Cup (G2) selection Carmers was scratched in favor of Saturday’s Irish St Leger Trial (G3), while Rumstar could only be third to three-year-old Bacio in the Nunthorpe (G1). The latter marked the seventh post-time favorite to triumph in the last eight races spotlighted in this column. Undoubtedly a dubious distinction, but we soldier on.

The bankroll stands at $1,090.75, so the first win play will be for $55.

Race 1: Strensall (G3), 8:50 a.m. ET

Three-year-olds have won three of the last four runnings of this 1 1/8-mile test, and #11 Hankelow (6-1) should appreciate the step down in class.

A son of Night of Thunder, Hankelow kicked off his career last term with two wins in three starts, his lone defeat being by a nose. He ended the campaign with a win in the Autumn (G3) over a field that included recent Saratoga Derby (G1) winner Glacius.

In his season debut, Hankelow was beaten only a length in the French 2000 Guineas (G1) by Rayif, who last week captured the Prix Jacques le Marois (G1) over older rivals. But in his most recent outing, Hankelow ran far below par in the French Derby (G1), won by Constitution River. That effort should not be taken at face value, and guessing the class relief and affinity for a course he won his debut over makes him an intriguing prospect.

Race 3: City of York (G1), 10 a.m. ET

Reigning U.S. grass champion Notable Speech is the horse to beat, though he does have an annoying habit of disappointing at short odds on occasion, especially over courses he is unfamiliar with (this marks his York debut).

While three-year-olds haven’t really fired in this race during the 2020s, I suspect #14 Zavateri (5-1) can come on from his recent fifth in the Sussex (G1), in which he encountered a seemingly excessive amount of traffic and bumping. 

One of last season’s leading juveniles, Zavateri had been MIA since finishing second in the Greenham (G3) back in mid-April, and thus was undoubtedly in need of a race while facing such stellar foes as Bow Echo and Gstaad. Although outfinished by returning older rival Ten Bob Tony, the latter enjoyed a much cleaner trip than Zavateri, who might also appreciate the furlong cutback in trip.