A FULL field of 22 runners makes the opening contest of the York Ebor Festival – the Symphony Group Handicap (1.50pm) over five and a half furlongs – a tantalising prospect.

One of the many runners who want to break a winless streak here is JM JUNGLE.

The sturdy four-year-old has yet to make it over the finish line this season but now stands at a fine mark of 88 and could return to one of his favourite tracks with a bang.

York has been a good hunting ground for John and Sean Quinn’s sprinter and I am particularly intrigued by his impressive third place in this contest last year, finishing just half a length behind the winner and weighing four pounds over his current mark.

The five-pound weight loss this season is due to runs that were better than the finishing positions suggest, including a seventh-place finish at this track in May.

With a suitable grade and no question marks on the track, he has a good chance in the win and placing markets in the World Pool.

Another aspect could be Geoff Oldroyd’s three-year-old son. POCKLINGTONwho makes his first appearance since his wind operation after Royal Ascot.

He ran well enough over four furlongs in the Commonwealth Cup and the wind surgery could be just what he needs to build on that performance.

Despite the 10th^th Of the 14 runners there, he still beat four horses rated 100 or higher and a rating of 96 should not be his limit here.

His form after three group winners at Newbury also cannot be ignored and the shorter distance compared to the easier five and a half rounds at York should help.

This inexperienced challenger has every chance to prove himself in a weaker field than he has faced so far this season, and I’m backing him in the World Pool win and finish markets as well.

Don’t forget Shagraan, either as someone who comes here with an impressive win under his belt and could be a nice third string to the squad.

He has been in the running this season and there is no reason to believe that this will not be the case again. Therefore, I recommend the combination JM JUNGLE, POCKLINGTON And SHAGRAN in a World Pool Quinella (pick the first two horses to finish in any order) or a Swinger (pick two horses to finish in the top three) to hopefully bring a win to the Ebor Festival.

NOTES WEDNESDAY

Jm Jungle (win and place) 13.50 York

Pocklington (win and place) 13:50 York

Jm Jungle, Pocklington, Shagraan

(Quinella/Swinger) 1.50pm York