It’s Mission possible for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore on day three of the York Ebor festival

TO Bacio or not to Bacio? That is the question. What a week it has been at York with big-race drama and surprises. Bacio was unreal at Royal Ascot under jockey Juan Hernandez – but I’m taking them on to repeat the feat at York Credit: PA Today it’s all about speed and the unknown quantity called Bacio, who bids to land the feature Group 1 Coolmore City of Troy Nunthorpe Stakes on the back of a facile handicap success at Royal Ascot. The US raider, trained by Welsey Ward, blitzed his field at Royal Ascot in the Palace of Holyroodhouse. But having been rated just 100 on that occasion, can he now see off mainly seasoned Group performers having been upped to a rating of 114? The answer, of course, is yes he can. But I suspect it won’t be easy as he will face a ferocious battle for the lead. Added to all that, he was very much on a favoured part of the Berkshire track back in June. I’m siding with MISSION CENTRAL, who I feel might just be overpriced for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore. The Group 1 King Charles III winner flopped last time in the July Cup, but that was 6f and maybe he just wants to close in over the minimum distance. Most read in Horse Racing The son of No Nay Never didn’t look happy at all in the closing stages at Newmarket and it’s a case of just forgetting the run. He’s got loads of talent when on song and should enjoy running at an electric pace. Let’s hope he’s in the mood. Day three of the Ebor Festival – once again live on ITV – gets under way with a handicap for three-year-olds over 1m. JEDDAAL is interesting for Kieran Shoemark and Ed Walker. It’s the Almaqam team all over again. The improving three-year-old has looked like a strong stayer at this trip this season so there was no surprise when he was ridden prominently in a very competitive race against older horses at Thirsk last time. He didn’t quite see it out there and I think positioned with a little bit more restraint he can be bang in the mix. An each-way play. The Group 2 Weatherbys Lonsdale Cup is over an extended 2m. MOUNT ATLAS shouldn’t be good enough for a race like this but it’s not a strong renewal and he has each-way claims. Andrew Balding’s runner loves this track and there is a chance he can improve a little more over this trip. He stayed on strongly at this course last time to deny Tabletalk over 1m6f and he should be in the mix. PJ McDonald is on top. Next up is the Group 2 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes for juvenile colts and geldings over 6f. ARAPAHO GOLD looks the real deal after his win at Newbury last time in the Rose Bowl. I was reporting at the track that day and he was very impressive in maintaining his unbeaten record. He did so despite taking a bump or two and he showed a good attitude. A big runner for Connor Beasley and Michael Dods. Finally, a handicap over 1m4f. ZANNDABAD is a funny old thing, and he can’t be backed with any confidence. That all said, he will be dropped out the back by Jamie Spencer and if they go hard he might just pick up a few pieces. Tony Martin’s boy is down to a mark of 89, the lowest he’s ever been in a Flat handicap and he wasn’t disgraced at Newcastle last time. On paper he needs further but I’ll risk a few quid each-way and pray! 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