Can Delacroix confirm the form with Ombudsman? Ryan Moore assesses his big-race rides on day one of York's Ebor festival

Ryan Moore is lining up for the first day of the Ebor festival with a hat-trick of big-race rides; Italy in the Acomb Stakes (2.25), Lambourn in the Great Voltigeur Stakes (3.00) and in the showdown of the day he will be on Delacroix in the Juddmonte International Stakes (3.35). Here, speaking on his World Pool blog, he assesses his day one chances . . .

Italy

Tattersalls Acomb Stakes (2.25)

Odds: 7-4

Spotlight comment: Lots of big-race entries; 4-9 when getting on top close home in maiden at Leopardstown (7f, good) in May, beating the subsequent Chesham runner-up (who was later beaten by Rochfortbridge); built on that when 4-6 in Group 2 at Newmarket (7f, good to firm) eight weeks later, which was not enough to keep tabs on a Charlie Appleby-trained winner but he kept on into second of seven; big form chance and should improve again.

Italy: Acomb Stakes contenderCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

What Moore says: "Italy is a really nice colt. He’s a big, strong son of Wootton Bassett who won impressively on debut, beating a horse that’s gone on to win at Listed level since. He was beaten at Newmarket, but I wouldn’t look into that piece of form too much as it was a messy race. He’ll improve for that, York will suit and I’m expecting a big run from him. The Godolphin horse, Distant Storm, won a maiden that’s worked out well and looks the main danger."

Italy14:25 York

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Jky: Ryan Moore Tnr: A P O'Brien

Lambourn

Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes (3.00)

Odds: 10-11

Spotlight comment: Set the pace when winning the Derby at Epsom by nearly 4l, never seriously threatened, and helped to set it when he had to dig deep to follow up in Irish Derby at the Curragh (again 1m4f on good; unraced on firmer) later in June; a more testing 1m4f (or further) would seem ideal but, even with his penalty, he has clearly the best chance on form.

Lambourn: double Derby winnerCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

What Moore says: "Lambourn returns after a little break since the Irish Derby. The track and trip will suit, and I don’t think quick ground will be an issue for him either, so I’m looking forward to riding him. It’s an interesting race with Carmers who won the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot lining up. He’s unbeaten in three starts, so has to be respected."

Lambourn15:00 York

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Jky: Ryan Moore Tnr: A P O'Brien

Delacroix

Juddmonte International Stakes (3.35)

Odds: 2-1

Spotlight comment: Won two Derby trials this spring and bounced back from Derby disappointment to win the Group 1 Eclipse at Sandown (1m2f, good to firm) last month; he deserves immense credit for overhauling Ombudsman late on last time having found trouble in running in the straight and got behind, and it was a performance that suggests he could take plenty of beating today.

Delacroix: bidding to confirm the form with OmbudsmanCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

What Moore says: "Delacroix looked good prior to the Derby at Epsom where it all went wrong for him. He showed an extraordinary turn of foot to win the Eclipse at Sandown, and I think York will suit him well. Ombudsman reopposes and was a good winner at Royal Ascot. He’s still got lots of potential, looks like going off favourite and is a tough horse to beat.

"Danon Decile is a Japanese Derby winner who was very impressive in the Sheema Classic when beating Calandagan. York on quick ground over ten furlongs should be fine for him and I’d say he’d possibly be favourite if he was on home soil.

"See The Fire is a threat too, having run so well at York before and being out of Arabian Queen who beat Golden Horn in this race ten years ago."

Delacroix15:35 York

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Jky: Ryan Moore Tnr: A P O'Brien

Read more on the Ebor Festival:

Harry Wilson fired in three winners in his last column - he returns with tips for every race on day one at York's Ebor meeting 

Delacroix or Ombudsman? Racing's newest rivalry is renewed as York's Ebor festival explodes into life with the juiciest of Juddmontes 

York Ebor Festival day one updates 

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