Ben Morgan’s Saturday tips – York and Chester – Ian Williams’ Real Dream can strike Ebor gold

York Ebor Festival 2026

3.00 – Flora to set to bloom in hot Group 1 

The City Of York Stakes is a really good addition to this meeting and the number of runners here really confirms the need for such a race at the meeting.

The 7f trip here is unique and I’m not sure some the running style of some of the more fancied horses here is guaranteed to suit.

I can see a shock on the cards and horses like FLORA OF BERMUDA could relish the test.

Andrew Balding is enjoying one of the finer weeks of his career and his team are in top form.

This filly seemed to appreciate 7f around a bend at Goodwood last time which has opened up plenty of options for connections including this race.

She was impressive that day and I can see her outrunning odds of 20/1 here. 

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3.35 – Real Dream set to be realised on the Knavesmire

It looks as if last year’s fifth-place finisher REAL DREAM has had this race as his aim since he crossed the line last year.

Ian Williams is a very shrewd operator and there is arguably no one better at getting these quality handicappers ready for a big day.

His recent form is clearly nothing to shout about but he arrives here 7lb lower than last year and in my eyes that will be enough to see him go close again.

Odds of 50/1 are generous and he rates a strong each way play. 

Similar comments apply to FURTHUR who really would cap a brilliant week for Team Balding.

The soft ground will be music to his hooves as he hasn’t really had chance to run on his preferred surface all too often and like Real Dream, his recent form wouldn’t inspire you but you just know he has been trained to peak here and again odds of 33/1 for such a quality horse who has dropped in the weights look plenty big enough. 

5.20 – Gosden youngster could be thrown in Finale

ACCREDIT’s presence here is probably a clue in itself as to what connections are hoping he may produce.

Not seen since the back end of last season, an opening mark of 99 could be lenient based on what he did show as a two year old.

You would have to take fitness at face value but the fact John Gosden sends him all the way to York for a valuable handicap suggests they think he is fit enough. 

Chester

5.35 – St Mawes looks heavenly at Chester 

I was very sweet on ST MAWES last time out at Goodwood but he saw too much of the pace that day and probably didn’t stay the extended 2m 5f trip.

Back down to 2 miles here at Chester with Billy Loughnane in the saddle looks a wise move.

His rivals certainly aren’t as sharp as what he faced at Goodwood and a repeat of his earlier form will see him take this quite easily I think.

Anything above 5/2 is fair. 

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