York Ebor Day 3 Tips & Odds: Best Bets for 2026 Nunthorpe Stakes

Written By Ed Quigley | Published at August 21, 2026

BEVERLEY RACECOURSE, EAST YORKSHIRE, UK : 21 April 2022 : The sight of racehorses finishing a race on The Westwood with St Marys Parish Church, Beverley in the background

Well, here we go! Day 3 of the 2026 Ebor Festival at York has arrived.

TheLines' horse racing expert, Ed Quigley, shares his Nunthorpe Stakes tips and best bets for each race on the card.

The annual Calvary charge is here, and it will be fast and furious on the Knavesmire as we see Group 1 action over the flying five furlongs, as the Nunthorpe rolls into town. We have added spice this time around with American raider and Royal Ascot winner Bacio making the gig, Raykeva for France, and Australian legend Asfoora potentially having her last run before retirement, so there is a strong international flavour in what looks like a terrific renewal of this encounter.

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Nunthorpe Stakes Tips: Group 1 at York (3.35 on Friday, 21 August)

A lot of eyes will naturally be on the aforementioned Wesley Ward-trained Bacio, who arrives here on a four-timer, with the most recent success coming in Handicap company at Royal Ascot, and has been going through the gears. However, this sees him in even deeper waters here, so he will have to up his game once again.

The biggest hindrance to his claims, however, could be the underfoot conditions at York. After weeks of little to no rainfall in the area, the last 72 hours have seen plenty of precipitation, resulting in the ground easing to Good to Soft all over, with the chance of more rain en route. Bacio likes to hear his hooves rattle, so whether he can be as effective on rain-softened ground is a big question mark.

The Last Dance for Asfoora?

Asfoora could be heading into retirement on the back of this. Last year’s winner has been a superstar for connections, but perhaps Father Time has finally caught up with the 8-year-old. She has looked like a shadow of her former self this campaign, for all that her best effort this summer came last time out when 4th in a Group 2 at Goodwood. It would be some send-off if she were to roll back the years here for the Henry Dwyer team with Oisin Murphy in the saddle.

A Rayevka vs. Mission Central showdown

French representative Rayevka was runner-up at Group 1 level at Royal Ascot, when just touched off by Mission Central, and these two will clash again. My preference will be for Mission Central to get the better of the argument once more, as I am prepared to put a line through the disappointing effort of Aidan O’Brien’s runner at Newmarket last time out, where, quite simply, I didn’t think 6f suited. He should be much happier in this scenario. If you are a fan of Rayevka, the boost is that the filly will not be inconvenienced by any rain that has arrived.

Starlust is the Nunthorpe Stakes Value Pick

If you are after one at a massive price, then Starlust could fit the bill. The Ralph Beckett team is flying at the moment, and the 5-year-old is a previous winner on the Knavesmire over trip and track. It wouldn’t be the biggest shock if he were to hit the frame at a high price, and he doesn’t have loads to find on ratings.

Ed’s Nunthorpe Stakes Trifecta Tips

First – Mission Central
Second – Rayevka
Third – Starlust

All odds are courtesy of bet365.

Ebor Day 3 Best Bets

The Stayers are in action at 2.25, and I think Carmers looks like the each-way play in the Group 2 Lonsdale Cup. The Ascot Gold Cup was probably a step too far in both distance and class, but this 2m event should be much more his bag. I think the Paddy Twomey representative won’t be far away. With a bold show here, he can set himself up for a potential rack at the Melbourne Cup.