Ebor Festival 2026: Ben's Best Bets for Day 1

It's Day One of the Ebor Festival and BettingLounge's racing expert Ben has gone through some of his favourite bets for the day, putting them in one place for you.

So, let's just dive in.

🥇 Best Bet

Starting with my Day One NAP, I've gone for Small Fry in the fifth race of the day. Last time out, he finished a very strong second to Hopewell Rock and was largely unlucky not to get up in the final furlong, with him only beaten by a neck.

Back up in trip to two miles, the pace should be more in his favour here and he certainly can go a step further in Yorkshire.

He last ran over 16 and a 1/2 furlongs in May, finishing second by a length on good ground, and with the ground at York currently reported as the faster side of Good, the conditions should suit.

Joseph O'Brien's only entry on Day One of the festival, we're hoping that Small Fry can give us some big returns at 3/1.

🥈 Next Best

My Next Best of the day is Naana's Shadow, who could give us a lovely back to back in the 16:45.

Last seen at Goodwood earlier this month, the filly cruised home in the Class 3 Buccellati Handicap and although she steps up in class here, she's not in new territory.

Instead, she returns to the course where she last ran (and won) in a Class Two race - even if only by a short head - and I think the same can happen here.

She's recorded four wins in seven races this season, and it feels like she's still a little bit ahead of the handicapper, even if she's the top weight by some margin here.

9/2 with SBK could look like a gift come 17:00.

👀 Long Shot

I'm making you wait on Day One, with my long shot following in the next race. It's a big field with 22 runners declared, so we're taking advantage of Bet365's offering of six places here, even if it lowers our price.

My pick here is Havana Sprite, who lines up for the in form James Tate. With a 30% strike rate in the past 14 days, he comes into this race with a fantastic filly and the booking of Hector Crouch also appeals (40% SR in the last 14 days).

With three wins on the bounce (Class 4, Class 1 and most recently a Class 2 at Newmarket), she lines up in another Class 2 here at York and we're hopeful for the same result.

Drawn in stall five, there's a nice pace around her and this should suit, with the ground conditions also favourable.

At 8/1, there's profit in a place when betting Each Way (around 3/10, not favourable, I know, but profit is profit) and I'd be fairly confident of her hitting the frame at the very least.

Good luck with your picks, and let us know if you back any of our selections on X @BetLoungeTips!