Today’s York Acomb Stakes betting preview: Latest runners, riders, odds and trainer quotes for the final field
An exciting field of eight are set for battle on the Knavesmire on Wednesday
THE first Group race of the Ebor Festival is the Acomb Stakes and Watan is all the rage after his Glorious Goodwood win.
But there's plenty of depth to the field and Aidan O'Brien could have a talented horse with Broome.
1. Broome - Aidan O'Brien/Ryan Moore
Broome was a typical Ballydoyle horse on debut but backed that up with a much-improved display to take a race at the Galway Festival.
He pulled clear with a well-backed Dermot Weld horse there and would have been aimed at this ever since.
The stable form is the obvious issue, but, on the whole the juveniles have been able to run to a decent level.
2. James Street - Hugo Palmer/James Doyle
Has two wins from three races and improved last time beating a well-regarded Charlie Hills horse.
Makes the step up to Group company here and hasn't had the longest of breaks.
But clearly likes the ground and Huge Palmer isn't one to throw his horses in Group races for the fun of it.
Hugo Palmer on James Street
"He's one of the more experienced horses in the race. He's done precious little wrong in his three starts and he seems in really good nick.
"He needs to improve for stepping up to seven furlongs, but everything he has done so far suggests that he will.
"It's just if it will be enough. We'll see."
3. Persian Moon - Mark Johnston/Silvestre De Sousa
Four runs in the book, with two wins, and is the highest rated of those with figures.
The only course and distance winner in the field but this is a big step up.
He won't lack for resolve but could be one that needs further in time.
Sam Hoskins on Persian Moon
"He's been progressive in his four starts and he won over the course and distance last time.
"He's been quite babyish and keeps learning more and more. I think he will keep on improving and he showed a good attitude last time.
"It looks quite an open renewal and he should, hopefully, have a decent chance.
"Seven furlongs suits him, but he is bound to get further in due course."
4. Phoenix Of Spain - Charlie Hills/Jamie Spencer
Completely unexposed after taking a low key novice event on his second start at Wolverhampton.
Did that in good fashion though and has seen money in the build up to this.
Should be plenty to come for this horse. Whether it's in this is hard to gauge.
5. Pogo - Charlie Hills/Callum Shepherd
Things clicked at Newmarket last time but he may want some cut in the ground and with rain missing York this looks a big ask.
More exposed than most after five outings but does include runs behind the likes of Advertise and Calyx.
Charlie Hills on Phoenix Of Spain and Pogo
Phoenix Of Spain
"He couldn't have done it any easier at Wolverhampton, following his very promising debut at Sandown.
"He's been going well at home since and if he's progressed again should have a good chance."
Pogo
"He won well at Newmarket last time, which will have done his confidence the world of good.
"He was second to Advertise first time out and to Main Edition second time, and we all know what they've gone on to do. He's not there to make up the numbers."
6. Swissterious - Karl Burke/PJ McDonald
Hacked up at Doncaster on his third start and that race has produced a number of winners.
Needs to find more but is definitely on the upgrade and Karl Burke often sends his better horses to this track.
A lively outsider and will enjoy conditions.
7. Ventura Ocean - Richard Fahey/Paul Hanagan
Form figures of 221 but in much quieter affairs. Will need to improve and is one of the outsiders for a reason.
Drawn nicely in the middle though and could be a pace angle in the race.
8. Watan - Richard Hannon/Oisin Murphy
Unbeaten after winning his only start in taking fashion at Glorious Goodwood.
This a lot tougher, but won well at Goodwood and was backed off the boards.
Has seen strong support through the week, but horses can come unstuck after winning on debut and this race has been a graveyard for favourites.
Richard Hannon on Watan
"I did mention the Morny, but I don't think he needs to be dropped into that level yet.
"He is still a shell of a horse to expand so we will take it easy with him.
"We've put him in a lot of nice races at the end of the year.
"I think he will get seven, but he has the speed for six. I think he is pretty good."