Dave Nevison's York tips: three best bets on day one
By Dave Nevison
Last Updated: Tue 18 Aug 2026
Top tipster Dave Nevison marks your card for day one of the 2026 Sky Bet Ebor Festival on Wednesday, all live on Racing TV!
1.50 York: Air Force One (e/w)
This is possibly the tightest sprint handicap of the season so far, but I doubt whether many tipsters are going to select anything drawn out of single-figure stalls.
All the contenders with strong recent form have been drawn in a cluster in what are nearly always the favoured low number stalls, and while I may not get the winner, I will be very disappointed if Air Force One does not fill one of the (extra) places.
Geoff Oldroyd's sprinter was third in this race last year when beaten just over half a length, and won a similar big-field handicap over course and distance earlier last season.
He possibly didn’t settle early on when finishing a good third over six furlongs here on his latest start, and while he definitely showed that he stayed the trip, I think the drop back to five furlongs will be ideal.
There has always been an indication that better is still to come from the selection, and Air Force One has the perfect opportunity to show that here.
Featured offers
Bet £10 get £30 in Free Bets with BallyBetT&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £40 in free bets + Money back 2nd to SP fav with BOYLE SportsT&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Get 50% back up to £50 with QuinnBetT&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £40 in free bets with KwiffT&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets with LiveScoreBetT&Cs Apply
Claim Now
3.35 York: Item (e/w)
This contest is not my usual betting vehicle, and it's certainly an enthralling event even without financial interest.
However, I do believe the course and distance performances of Item may have been underrated, and he looks to be clear third best, plus could possibly shake-up the two superstars in front of him in the market.
The Aidan O’Brien pacemakers could well help Item at least as much as Constitution River, and with the course clearly suiting him very well, I don’t anticipate losing money backing him each-way.
4.10 York: Boatswain (e/w)
Any punters who backed Small Fry at Goodwood will rightly be wanting to get their money back in this race, and if he gets any sort of decent run through, he must go very close this time as he endured a nightmare last time out.
However, bookies are taking no chances at all with that five-year-old, and I am happy to look elsewhere at much bigger odds than 3-1.
The Crisford team have their string in good form (four of their past ten runners have won, at the time of writing) and I think Boatswain might still be leniently treated, despite having been raised 6lb for his recent win.
The four-year-old won a non event by 13 lengths at Southwell when last seen, but the handicapper was still entitled to be more severe, and Boatswain has definitely proved that two miles is well within his compass.
I believe connections have waited too long to step Boatswain up to this sort of trip, and I think he could be highly competitive over this distance.
Racing TV encourages responsible gambling - to find out more click here to head to our dedicated website page.
Related posts
Peter Naughton: my best bets for the Ebor Festival
Dave Nevison's Tuesday tips: "he looks set to get an uncontested lead"
2026 Juddmonte International: runner-by-runner guide and tip
Ombudsman v Constitution River: the ten vital factors
The Data Detective: clues and tips for York on Wednesday
Featured offers
Bet £20 and Get £40 in Free Bets with Unibet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £40 in free bets + Money back 2nd to SP fav with BOYLE Sports
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £30 in Free Bets with BallyBet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £30 in Free Bets with talkSPORT BET
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £40 in free bets with Kwiff
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved