Pearl Acclaim can lap up all of the praise on day three of York

The Nunthorpe Stakes is the big race of day three of York’s Ebor Festival, but there are two Group races also on the televised card.

Pearl Acclaim has strong claims in the first of these in the Gimcrack Stakes, while Side Glance can triumph in the Strensall Stakes.

14:00 York – Willie Wag Tail @ 5/1

This race looks to be between the two market leaders – three-year-old duo Silver Lime and Willie Wag Tail.

Silver Lime has improved with all four runs this season and when getting up on the line over 1m3f last time, it seemed that a step up an extra 1f would be no hindrance.

However, he has been raised 8lb for his latest win which may be steep even if he is open to improvement, while a high draw is less than ideal.

Willie Wag Tail is much better positioned in stall four and can be forgiven his latest performance, when never getting a run and staying on in an eye-catching manner late on past beaten horses.

At bigger prices, Tepmokea is worthy of each-way support, given that his last two successes have been over course and distance and he will have benefited from a short break having failed to make the Ebor field.

14:30 York – Pearl Acclaim @ 4/1

The representative of the Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes partnership, Pearl Acclaim’s only defeat in three racecourse starts was to talented stablemate Havana Gold on debut.

There are doubts about many of the other runners too.

Morawij brings the best form, but is not a definite to stay 6f and had the run of the race at Goodwood last time.

Heavy Metal carries a penalty and Cay Verde needs to improve.

Blaine is really unexposed but this a big task for a horse with only one start, which suggests that Lewisham may be the serious threat, if taking to the ground.

15:05 York – Side Glance @ 5/1

Side Glance was only beaten a neck by Group One winner Excelebration when chasing home Frankel two starts ago and a repeat of this performance must see him go close.

Meanwhile, he can be slightly forgiven his latest start when not truly staying 1m2f.

The same can be said for Dubai Prince, who is bidding to hand the Godolphin team a fifth win in this race since 2003.

He has won his two starts over 1m1f and must be respected.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.