My Juddmonte tip with ‘too much class’ for the others and an 8-1 each-way pick on day one of York Ebor festival

THIS is big. HUGE. The Juddmonte International was officially the best race in the world in 2014, 2020 and 2024, and it might just be once again in 2026 as we anticipate an absolute belter at York on Wednesday. Ombudsman vs Constitution River is the tastiest of tasty clashes to savour. Two top class horses trained by geniuses (John & Thady Gosden and Aidan O’Brien), ridden by champions (William Buick and Ryan Moore) and owned by two of the planet’s most important owner-breeders (Godolphin and Coolmore) who both enjoy beating each other. You have a true corker when you throw in a supporting cast of a Group 1 winner in Almaqam, a one-time big Derby hope in Item, a course specialist in Pride of Arras and a French raider in Zaydann handled by a man in Francis-Henri Graffard that can never be dismissed. That’s not to mention Hawk Mountain and Action, who may or may not be pacemakers but who were once first and second in the Group 1 Futurity at Doncaster. I could write a thousand words on this race, but my gut feeling is that defending champion OMBUDSMAN will have too much class for the others. He is, after all, rated 132 and is currently considered the joint most talented horse on the planet. Of course Constitution River (gets 7lb from his main rival) is a Classic hero and he’s considered special. But he will have to be. If the ground is no faster than good, and he comes out the stalls quicker than he did last time, I’d expect a big each-way effort from Almaqam. Most read in Horse Racing His Tattersalls Gold Cup success was something special for Ed Walker and he remains a lightly raced beast. The International is live on ITV, and the channel shows five races each day, starting with a handicap for older horses over an extended 5f. THE MAN is a very well handicapped horse and has a good draw in stall three. He won at this track in 2025 off a mark of 84 and was second in this race to re-opposing Trefor off 92 but now goes off 89. A major each-way chance and David Egan rides for Richard Spencer Up in class for the Group 3 Acomb Stakes for juveniles over 7f. Hard to get away from HAFFNER who was a good winner at Newmarket in a maiden before chasing home Dr Rascal in the Group 2 Vintage Stakes at Goodwood. He’s a talented animal and an outside draw might not be a bad thing in this race. He can make the running if need be and Ryan Moore rides for Aidan O’Brien. The Group 2 Great Voltigeur Stakes for three-year-olds is over 1m4f and often seen as a St Leger trial. A fascinating renewal. Maltese Cross is one of my favourite horses, but I don’t think CHRISTMAS DAY has got much love for his Derby victory and he’s the selection. He did this column a huge favour at Epsom and his second in the Irish Derby proved he was a top class colt. Obviously, he would prefer deep ground, but it was good at the Curragh, and he won the Ballysax on good to yielding so he doesn’t have to have mud. Moore and O’Brien again. ITV end with a handicap over an extended 2m. SHRIMP SHADY is improving with every run and followed up a win at Newbury (from Team Player and Ride the Thunder) with a decent enough defeat in the Shergar Cup for which he’s up another 1lb. An each-way chance for Rob Hornby and Andrew Balding. Good luck! FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here. Comment now