Juddmonte International Tips 2026: The Runners, Odds, and Our Predictions

Written By Ed Quigley | Published at August 19, 2026

The jockey on horseback finishes during horse races

On what looks a belting card on the opening day of the 2026 Ebor Festival at York Racecourse, Pierre Bonnard looks to have strong claims at the weights of putting up a big performance in the Group 2 Great Voltigeur Stakes at 3.00.

Pierre Bonnard was one of the smartest 2-year-olds around but hasn’t quite kicked on this term. However, he is in receipt of 5lb from the big two players in the line-up, and trip, track, and ground should all suit. He can go well with Wayne Lordan in the saddle.

Check out Ed Quigley's 2026 Juddmonte International tips, plus picks for each race before you place your wagers at the best horse racing betting sites today.

2026 Ebor Festival Tips for Wednesday, 19 August

All odds are courtesy of bet365.

1.50 - Stratusnine (11.00)
2.25 - Gentle Hurricane (6.50)
3.00 - Pierre Bonnard (4.00)
3.35 - Ombudsman (2.10)
4.10 - Kirchner (5.50)
4.45 - Naana’s Shadow (5.50)
5.20 - Ruler’s Pride (10.00)

Juddmonte International Tips: 3.35 at York Racecourse

It’s the big clash on the Knavesmire on Wednesday, as Group 1 action heads to York on the opening day of the 2026 Ebor Meeting. The undoubted highlight of the day is Juddmonte International, which sees some of the heavyweights of the equine world having a dust-up in what promises to be a cracking encounter. Ombudsman vs Constitution River … which side are you on?

Check out the Juddmonte International odds and analysis for the top runners.

Can Ombudsman Handle Soft Conditions?

If you had asked me who would win this a week ago, I would have said that Ombudsman (2.10) would have annihilated his rivals, but we have seen substantial rainfall in the northeast of England, which has naturally softened underfoot conditions. It’s jumping ground or anything like that, but the one thing that Ombudsman has is terrific acceleration on a quick surface so the ground is a slight worry, for all that he is an elite racehorse and so narrowly gets the verdict from me.

He was impressive 12 months ago, and the defending champion still remains the one to beat for the William Buick and John & Thady Gosden combination, and can make it four consecutive wins on the spin for the Godolphin runner.

Constitution River in Fantastic Form

Constitution River (2.50) is the clear danger on paper, and the Ballydoyle team will be confident that their 3-year-old, in receipt of weight, has all the tools required to land the spoils. He arrives on the back of a smart success at the highest level when scooping the Eclipse at Sandown last time out and looks more than capable of making Ombudsman sweat at least.

Recent rainfall will have inconvenienced others more than it will have wrecked his chances as the colt looks to try and make it six wins from seven starts. He clearly is in scintillating form, and it will be fascinating tactically if Ryan Moore tries to run the sting out of Ombudsman and tries to blunt his main rival’s turn of foot by making it a real test from the front.

Item Brings Impressive Record to Juddmonte

Item (8.50) looks like the horse that each-way backers will get involved with. He has a great record at the track, and 10f is his trip. Judging on how he coped with rain-softened ground at Epsom, when well beaten in The Derby, rain clouds will be a negative for Andrew Balding’s runner, who enjoys a lively surface and is a strong traveler at the trip.

Price of Arras Poised to Compete

Of those at higher prices, Pride of Arras (41.00) isn’t a forlorn hope to hit the frame and is perhaps one for the place markets. Ralph Beckett’s charge adores York and always seems to raise his game here, but on paper has a bit to find in figures in order to give the protagonists plenty to think about.