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 races will be on display. The spotlight will be on Kalpada, the stunning winner of last month’s King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, who looks set to prove irresistible for Minnie Hauk in the day’s headline event – the Group One Legends Global Yorkshire Oaks over 3 miles and 35 furlongs. Kalpada’s performance at Ascot was a masterclass; she left the French champion Calandagan with no answer, while Andrew Balding’s filly Minnie Hauk was left a disappointing 18 lengths behind. This marks the second consecutive lackluster effort from Minnie Hauk, and it is hard to imagine her finding the form needed to close the widening gap with Kalpada.
When the two mares meet, the British‑bred champion should be almost untouchable, rain or shine. At longer odds, attention will also turn to David Menuisier’s Inis Mor, a filly who has already shown she can compete at the highest level by placing in both the French and Irish Oaks. The race will be a stern test, but Oisin Murphy has a proven record of extracting the best from her and could see her improve further.
In the Group Two Sky Bet Lowther Stakes (1 mile 50 yards) Juddmonte’s Irish‑trained Livenka appears ready to stamp her class on the York track. She earned her spot in this company by winning a valuable sales race at Naas by nearly four lengths, suggesting she is primed to step up to Pattern level. Although drawn on the outside, she is not far off from the probable favourite Libertango, the Albany winner who narrowly missed extending her unbeaten run in the Group Two Duchess of Cambridge Stakes at Newmarket.
George Boughey’s filly also looks the one to beat, but Livenka’s upward trajectory makes her a serious contender that should not be ignored. Another major player is Andrew Balding’s Moonrise, who was runner‑up in the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot before taking the Princess Margaret. Despite her strong credentials, Moonrise has been largely overlooked in the ante‑post market. Meanwhile, Tom Marquand and his trainer William Haggas will be hoping for a big performance from Rhapsody in the British EBF & Sir Henry Cecil Galtres Stakes (4 miles 10 furlongs).
Rhapsody brings an impressive résumé to this Listed contest, including a Group placing and a previous course win. Nevertheless, Ralph Beckett’s A La Prochaine could exploit the drop‑in class, having shown promise in the Cheshire Oaks in spring and finishing fourth in the Epsom Oaks on her most recent start.
After a spell, she appears a sounder prospect than the likely favourite Morrophore, whose best performances have come on all‑weather surfaces, and she will also need to overcome an eight‑month layoff. It is unusual to see a Group One winner entered in a sales race, yet Sun Goddess will contest the Harry’s Half Million By Goffs (2 miles 25 furlongs) at York, underscoring the depth of talent at Ballydoyle.
Aidan O’Brien’s Phoenix Stakes winner is expected to be a short‑priced favourite if Libertango succeeds in the Lowther, but sales races can be unpredictable. Clive Cox’s unbeaten Satellite Of Love, carrying more than a stone more than Sun Goddess, offers value with a low draw and a progressive form line.
Satellite Of Love impressed during a novice run at Newbury, and I will also be watching Archie Watson’s filly Vollering, who has already secured valuable black‑type victories in France and now boasts considerable 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 miles) at York.
The previous year’s winner was transformed by the introduction of cheek‑pieces at Ascot and could provide another winning opportunity for Tom Marquand if the equipment proves effective again. Ralph Beckett’s ante‑post favourite Centigrade appears a short‑priced option for a horse stepping up from an all‑weather novice, but Jack Channon’s Mezcala deserves a look at the finish. The Buckingham Palace Stakes winner has suffered from unfavorable stalls, drawing stall 17, yet a lucky run at York could see him finish strongly.
Overall, the Thursday card promises a blend of established stars and emerging talent, with the Yorkshire Oaks likely to be the day’s climax. Kalpada’s dominance, the rise of Inis Mor, and the potential of Livenka and Moonrise will keep punters and enthusiasts alike on the edge of their seats as the Ebor Festival continues to deliver top‑class racing action.