ITV Racing Tips: Ward’s Fool can get the better of O’Brien’s Actress

Day two at the York Ebor Festival has an obvious star attraction with one of the most anticipated runners set to take to the starting stalls. 

Enable is the main draw on Thursday in the Darley Yorkshire Oaks, but there are still plenty of other options to mull over.

With three other races to choose from live on ITV, we’re here to guide you through the day’s card.

NAP – Happy Like A Fool – 14:25, York

If Wesley Ward has a runner in a UK race you sit up and take notice.

With Lady Aurelia set for the Nunthorpe on Friday, attention here turns to fellow sprinter Happy Like A Fool, making her second appearance on British soil.

After a second place finish in the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot last month the classy two-year-old is stepped up in trip to take on Actress, trained by Aidan O’Brien.

She’s managed the step-up before and a jump from 5f to 6f should be taken in her stride.

Foe O’Brien has never won this race, and with Frankie Dettori taking the reins on Happy Like A Fool, we think the American filly is well placed to land her first Group 2 prize.

NB – Hey Jonesy – 13:55, York

In a race where short-priced favourites rarely win we’re going for Hey Jonesy to hack up in the Premier Yearling Stakes.

The two-year-old has already tasted course and distance success last month and looks well placed to continue his progress in this one.

A drop of 2lb in the weights will only help the son of Excelebration, who is bidding for a third success in this race for trainer Kevin Ryan.

And if you need any more convincing, Ryan has enjoyed a 21% strike-rate coming into the festival.

Lively Longshot – Firmament – 15:00, York

A wide open field will contest this 1m handicap but we reckon Firmament has as good a chance as any.

David O’Meara’s five-year-old won this race last year and after a disappointing season largely spent at Group level will drop back down here.

The clincher?

Well, he likes York. In his two previous starts he’s finished second and first, while good-to-firm ground only adds to his claims.

With Daniel Tudhope in the saddle Firmament is certainly worth an each-way shout if nothing else.

ITV Racing Tips

13:55 York – Hey Jonesy

14:25 York – Happy Like A Fool

15:00 York – Firmament

15:35 York – Enable

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