Our correspondent returns to York on Thursday to set the scene for the second day of the Ebor Festival, where a mix of Group, Handicap and Listed contests will be on display. The spotlight falls on Kalpada, the brilliant filly who captured the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes last month, and who appears destined to outshine Minnie Hauk in the festival's marquee race, the Group One Legends Global Yorkshire Oaks (3.35).
Kalpada’s dominance was evident at Ascot when she faced Andrew Balding’s mare Calandagan, a highly regarded French runner. Calandagan could not match Kalpada’s turn of foot, finishing a disappointing eighteen lengths behind the Irish‑trained star.
That performance marked the second consecutive lackluster effort for Minnie Hauk, and it is hard to imagine her finding the form needed to close the widening gap. When the two fillies meet again, Kalpada will be the clear favourite, even if a bout of rain adds a splash of uncertainty to the going.
At longer odds, David Menuisier’s Inis Mor offers an intriguing subplot. The filly has already shown the ability to place in both the French and Irish Oaks, and while the Yorkshire Oaks will be a sterner test, jockey Oisin Murphy knows how to extract the best from her. If she can maintain her upward trajectory, she could prove a valuable outsider. Turning to the Group Two Sky Bet Lowther Stakes (1.50), Juddmonte’s Irish‑bred Livenka looks primed to stamp her class on the York track.
Livenka earned her ticket to this race by winning a valuable sales contest at Naas by nearly four lengths, signalling that she is ready to step up into Pattern company. Although she draws a high post, she is not far off from the probable favourite Libertango, the Albany Stakes winner who narrowly missed extending her unbeaten record in the Group Two Duchess of Cambridge Stakes at Newmarket. George Boughey’s filly also merits attention; she has been on a steady improvement curve and appears too sharp to ignore.
Likewise, Andrew Balding’s Moonrise, a runner who was second in the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot before taking the Princess Margaret Stakes, has been largely overlooked by the ante‑post market but could prove a serious threat. In the British EBF & Sir Henry Cecil Galtres Stakes (4.10), Tom Marquand’s mount Rhapsody is expected to deliver a strong performance.
Rhapsody brings a solid résumé to this Listed event, including a Group placing and a previous win at the same course. However, Ralph Beckett’s A La Prochaine may be the one to watch, as she will be dropping down in class and could capitalize on the opportunity.
A La Prochaine, still lightly raced, ran creditably in the Cheshire Oaks earlier in the season and then finished fourth in the Epsom Oaks. Since that run she has been refreshed and appears a more sound proposition than the likely favourite Morrophore, whose best form has come on all‑weather surfaces and who must also overcome an eight‑month layoff. The presence of Sun Goddess in the Harry’s Half Million By Goffs (2.25) at York is a reminder of the depth of talent emanating from Ballydoyle.
Aidan O’Brien’s Phoenix Stakes winner is entered at very short odds and will likely be the market favourite if Libertango succeeds in the Lowther. Yet big‑field sales races are notoriously unpredictable, and there is value to be found in Clive Cox’s unbeaten Satellite Of Love, who carries over a stone more than Sun Goddess, enjoys a low draw, and has shown a progressive form pattern. Satellite Of Love impressed during her novice campaign at Newbury, and I am also keeping an eye on Archie Watson’s filly Vollering, who has already secured valuable black‑type wins in France and now boasts a solid amount of experience.
Bullet Point, who returned to form in this month’s Shergar Cup, could improve further in the Sir Kevin Sinfield 7‑In‑7 Grand Finale Handicap (3.00) at York. Last year’s winner benefitted from the introduction of cheekpieces at Ascot, and if the headgear proves effective again, Tom Marquand could have another winning opportunity. Ralph Beckett’s ante‑post favourite Centigrade appears to be a short‑priced option for a horse stepping up from an all‑weather novice campaign, but I would also like to see Jack Channon’s Mezcala contest the finish.
The Buckingham Palace Stakes winner has not enjoyed the most advantageous stalls, drawing stall 17, yet a bit of luck could see him thrive at York. Overall, the second day of the Ebor Festival promises a blend of proven Group performers, rising prospects, and seasoned campaigners looking to add another accolade to their records.
Hollie Doyle’s insights, captured in a recent interview with Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft, underscore the excitement surrounding the Yorkshire Oaks and the broader meeting. The field is deep, the stakes are high, and the Yorkshire weather will add its own twist to an already compelling day of racing.