The opening day of York’s Ebor Festival is headlined by S1-4, the Group 1 International Stakes over 2,051 metres. The major attraction is a head-to-head battle between two generations of elite middle-distance horses, with defending champion OMBUDSMAN taking on rising three-year-old star CONSTITUTIONRIVER.
OMBUDSMAN was already successful at York in this race last year and has continued in outstanding form this season, adding the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot to his record. He remains at the peak of his powers and, with William Buick in the saddle, brings proven course, distance and big-race credentials as he attempts to become one of the rare horses in recent decades to successfully defend the International Stakes.
His biggest threat is Aidan O’Brien-trained CONSTITUTION RIVER. The three-year-old has already captured both the Prix du Jockey Club and the Eclipse Stakes this season and arrives at York on a winning streak. Making his first appearance at the track, he will be partnered by Ryan Moore. Moore has indicated that York’s wide, galloping course and likely sounder ground should suit the colt well, and he is looking forward to seeing him test himself against OMBUDSMAN.
Elsewhere on the card, Ryan Moore’s mount in S1-2, the Acomb Stakes, is worth noting, while S1-7 contender ONE AND ONLY CITY also brings useful previous experience over the York course and distance. However, the main betting focus of the day remains S1-4: on one side stands the seasoned and reliable defending champion, and on the other a rapidly improving three-year-old star. The International Stakes promises to be a genuine clash of generations.