'He's been smashed up' - bookmakers reveal their Ebor festival fears

All eyes will be on York from Wednesday as the Sky Bet Ebor festival kicks off with some top-class action. Punters will be eager to bash the bookmakers and several leading firms have revealed who they fear the most . . .

'We're fearful of Stradivarius'

Michael Shinners, Sky Bet

"Baaeed is a bad result in the Juddmonte International (3.35 Wednesday) as he opened up at 9-2 in April, but is now 2-5 favourite and we'll be hoping Mishriff can get the better of him. Mill Stream has been strongly supported in the Acomb Stakes (2.25 Wednesday) and is 3-1 (from 7).

"On Friday, we'll be fearful of popular stayer Stradivarius in the Londsale Cup (2.25). Punters having certainly favoured him in recent weeks and he's evens (from 5-4), with old rival Trueshan weak at 9-4 (from 15-8).

"For the Ebor (3.35) on Saturday, we've seen support for the Jessica Harrington-trained Ever Present, who is 12-1 (from 16). Punters are also backing the William Haggas pair Candleford and Gaassee – the trainer loves a winner on the Knavesmire."

'Royal Aclaim would be our biggest loser'

Paul Binfield, Paddy Power

"Baaeed has been well backed for the Juddmonte (3.35) since he opened up at 2-1, but from a sporting point of view it would be marvellous to see him continue his winning streak.

Royal Aclaim: a course-and-distance winner having landed the City Walls StakesCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"Royal Aclaim is also a big-race favourite in the Nunthorpe on Friday (3.35) and has been very well supported since her impressive victory in the City Walls Stakes. She would be our biggest loser of the week.

"The Ebor on Saturday (3.35) is a Yorkshire institution and one of the big betting races of the season with Okita Soushi, John Leeper and Ajero already possessing fancy price dockets."

'Irish horses are proving very popular'

Nicola McGeady, Ladbrokes

"We hope to see a good spread of business and hopefully don't face any massive liabilities. It's easier said than done with Stradivarius, who's constantly in the headlines and still very much a public horse. He'll be the main attraction of the week in the Lonsdale Cup (2.25) as he heads there with an unbeaten record at the track.

"Royal Aclaim is one punters have got stuck into early doors for the Nunthorpe (3.35) and is still popular this morning at 6-4. She is one we'd like to see beaten.

Licence: has been backed into 16-1 with Ladbrokes (from 50) for the Ebor on SaturdayCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

"The Irish horses are proving very popular in the Ebor (3.35) after they claimed the race last year with Sonnyboyliston. Earl Of Tyrone is the latest to come in for money this morning and is 7-1 (from 8), while Licence has been smashed up over the last week and is 16-1 (from 50)."

'Our concern is a winning combination'

Barry Orr, Betfair

"Our sportsbook wouldn't have any significant single liabilities at present but our potential main concern, as it always is at major festivals, is a winning combination of certain jockeys and or trainers on any given day.

"A winning multiple for Frankie Dettori, Hollie Doyle or William Haggas would do damage on any given day but that liability grows exponentially during a major Flat festival such as York, so that would set alarm bells ringing."

2022 Ebor festival offers

• Paddy Power are giving away free bets to new and existing customers, and all you need is an account. Sign up here.
• Sky Bet are offering new customers free bets when they sign up. You can get them, along with money-back specials and extra places, here.
• Betfair have lots of offers, extra places and money-back offers. Sign up for a new account here.
• To get a free bet from Ladbrokes today, simply sign up to a new account here.
• Don't have a Coral account? They have an offer for new customers here.
• bet365 have a new customer offer available. Sign up here.
• New William Hill customers can claim free bets here and benefit from their money-back offers here.
• If you're a new customer, Tote will give you a free bet. Sign up here to claim.

Read more on York's Ebor festival:

Boom or bust? Four hot favourites to back or avoid at York this week

I'm taking on Baaeed - and here's why this horse can give him a proper fight

Who wins the 2022 Juddmonte International at York based on previous trends?

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