Kevin Blake of Sky Sports Racing has put forward three selections as the Ebor Festival at York moves into its second day on Thursday. While the headline races will undoubtedly deliver top‑class action, Blake argues that the true betting value often lies in the supporting contests. His first recommendation is the Sir Kevin Sinfield 7‑In‑7 Grand Finale Handicap, scheduled for 3:00 p.m. This race presents yet another challenging handicap puzzle, but Blake believes trainer William Haggas may have the solution in the form of BULLET POINT.
The five‑year‑old captured this event last year from a rating of 100, benefitting from a favourable draw and cruising home with authority. Since that triumph, the horse’s form has been uneven.
A venture to Australia ended disappointingly, followed by a six‑month spell away from the track. On his return, it would not be surprising if his connections have been plotting a comeback centred on this race. Early in the season he showed a hint of promise in two valuable handicap outings, then after another 12‑week break delivered a respectable, albeit losing, effort in the Shergar Cup, only being out‑finished by a loose runner who surged ahead at the front.
Now he is set to race again from a rating of 101. Although his post‑position draw this year is not as advantageous as it was last season, Blake feels the horse still possesses the speed and stamina to contest the lead. The next race highlighted by Blake is the Mews Hotel Ossett EBF Stallions Nursery at 4:45 p.m.
Three weeks prior, his column featured the Hugo Palmer‑trained MIA FANTASIA in a valuable nursery at Glorious Goodwood. Describing that run as "troubled" would be an understatement; the colt struggled to find a rhythm and his finishing position did not reflect the improvement he displayed during the race. The case for him remains compelling. He debuted with a stylish win at Carlisle, then proved competitive, though not quite sharp enough, in a strong novice contest at Ascot that was ultimately won by the future Vintage Stakes champion Dr Rascal.
A rating of 79 appears appropriate, and the experience gained at Goodwood should serve him well. Blake expects the colt to be well‑placed to deliver a strong performance in this nursery, potentially delivering a sizeable payout for those who back him. Finally, Blake turns his attention to the British EBF Fillies' Handicap at 5:20 p.m., another demanding handicap race. While many horses could be argued for, he leans toward the lower end of the weight spectrum, endorsing Ed Walker’s SECRET HISTORY.
The three‑year‑old filly has already secured three victories this season, the most notable being a valuable seven‑furlong handicap at Newmarket in July, for which she was penalised 4 lb. Her connections then tried a six‑furlong test at Glorious Goodwood, where she finished third but appeared to be stretched by the sharper distance. Returning to her preferred seven‑furlong trip should play to her strengths, and Blake believes she has excellent prospects of adding another win to her record.
Blake’s selections underscore a broader strategy for day two of the Ebor Festival: focus on the supporting card, where knowledgeable analysis of form, ratings, and race conditions can uncover value that the marquee races may obscure. By examining each horse’s recent performances, training patterns, and the impact of weight assignments, bettors can identify opportunities that offer attractive odds relative to the underlying probability of success.
For the Sir Kevin Sinfield 7‑In‑7 Grand Finale Handicap, the key factors include the horse’s previous victory at the same meeting, the trainer’s familiarity with the race conditions, and the modest improvement in rating from 100 to 101. Although the draw is less advantageous this year, the horse’s proven ability to handle the York track and the likely pace scenario should allow it to settle comfortably before making a decisive move. In the Mews Hotel Ossett EBF Stallions Nursery, the emphasis is on the colt’s developmental trajectory. Overcoming a sub‑par run at Goodwood, the colt has demonstrated resilience and an ability to learn from each outing.
The rating of 79 places him in a competitive yet manageable bracket, and the nursery conditions at York—typically firm ground and a straight mile—suit his running style, which favors a steady rhythm before accelerating in the final furlongs. For the British EBF Fillies' Handicap, SECRET HISTORY’s profile is compelling due to her consistent form and the strategic decision to drop back to a distance that suits her natural speed.
Her three wins this year illustrate a pattern of progression, and the weight advantage at the lower end of the handicap spectrum should give her the edge in a field likely to be tightly contested. Overall, Blake’s day‑two picks reflect a blend of statistical analysis and intuitive judgment, aiming to capitalize on races where the handicap system creates genuine betting opportunities. As the festival continues, keeping an eye on trainer trends, horse fitness, and the subtle nuances of each race will be essential for anyone looking to make informed wagers.
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