Ben Morgan’s Ebor York Festival – Day 1 tips – Lexington set to Blitz them on the Knavesmire

York 1.50 – Cowell improver still has plenty in hand

LEXINGTON BLITZ has no doubt improved hand over fist in the last 12 months and I don’t think he’s done yet.

He’s a remarkably quick horse and I was surprised that he was patiently ridden last time out at Goodwood as he is usually up with the pace.

Arguably, that cost him last time as he was a big eye catcher staying on from the back of the pack on the wrong side.

Seemingly on the right side here, according to the betting, he should go close to making amends as I don’t think he’s finished improving just yet. 

York 4.10 – Bramley to enhance credentials with new recruit

Faye Bramley is making a bit of a name for herself, rejuvenating once highly rated horses back to somewhere near their best.

She might be about to work her magic again with KILMEADEN in the 2m handicap today.

Bought from Donnacha O’Brien’s yard, by Galileo out of a well related mare, it’s fair to say previous connections were probably hoping for better than what he showed.

However, now with new connections who seem to acknowledge he needs a good stamina test to be seen to his best, I think he could be progressive.

He ran better than the result at Ascot last time and the presence of Clifford Lee in the saddle here will ensure he gets maximum assistance from the saddle.

5.20 – Progressive Champion set for deserved windfall 

Ben Haslam’s DUBAI CHAMPION was an unlucky second last time out at Goodwood when plenty went against him.

Despite defeat he seemed to announce himself as a progressive two year old and the fact Ryan Moore has kept the ride here suggests there is more to come.

The draw is the big question but I imagine plenty of pace on both sides will ensure the best horse wins. Although favourite 9/2 looks plenty fair enough to me. 

Don’t forget about CRYSTAL QUEEN at a much bigger price though as I think she should prove a lot better than what she showed at Ascot last time out.

She was poorly positioned in a race dominated from prominent racers but stuck to her task nicely and shaped as if the step up to 6f here would bring about plenty of improvement.

The fact she has been off the track since is a positive in my eyes and hoepfully she benefits from being on the same side as the warm favourite. 

READ MORE: York Ebor Festival Guide 2026: Dates, race times, TV schedule, dress code & ticket prices