Kevin Blake returns to the Sky Sports Racing studio with a pair of selections for the third day of York’s Ebor Festival, highlighted by a daring 33‑to‑1 gamble on the Nunthorpe Stakes. By the time you’re reading this, the Ebor meeting will be roughly halfway through, and whether the action so far has treated you kindly or not, there’s still a wealth of high‑quality racing to enjoy. The headline race for the afternoon is the Coolmore City Of Troy Nunthorpe Stakes, slated for a 3:35 start. It needs little introduction: the European sprint division has been a whirlwind of upsets in recent years, with long‑odds winners emerging regularly and leaving bettors bewildered.
The added element of rain on the day only amplifies the likelihood of an unexpected result, as softer ground tends to level the playing field and reward the most adaptable runners. With that backdrop in mind, I turned my attention to the back‑markers in search of a genuinely intriguing outsider. My pick is the Ralph Beckett‑trained five‑year‑old STARLUST. To call his résumé quirky would be an understatement, but bear with me as I unpack why he could be the day’s most rewarding surprise.
A quick look back two seasons reveals that Starlust was once a leading five‑furlong contender. He ran a tight third in this very race two years ago, missed out on a winning chance in the Prix de l'Abbaye despite being in a prime position, and later captured his most prestigious victory in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar. Those performances marked him as a genuine Group‑level sprinter.
After a respectable fourth place in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot last year, Starlust was retired to a stud career in Australia, where he covered around 70 mares. Unfortunately, his fertility results fell short of expectations, prompting his owners to make the unconventional decision to bring him back to training under Ralph Beckett’s care. Reviving a racehorse after a stint at stud is far from guaranteed, but Starlust has shown enough promise in his comeback outings to suggest he is still capable of competing at the highest level.
He made his return at Carlisle, a race that did not go his way, but he quickly demonstrated improvement when he donned a visor for the first time, finishing a close fourth in a Listed event over the same distance and course. York has historically suited Starlust, especially when the ground offers a bit of give.
His previous successes there, combined with the current soft conditions, provide a compelling case for him to be competitive in a Group 1 sprint again. At 33‑to‑1, he represents a high‑payoff option for anyone looking to add a little excitement to their betting slip.
Turning to the British Stallion Farms EBF Convivial Maiden Stakes, scheduled for a 4:45 start, this race is one of the richest maiden contests on the calendar and has attracted a deep, high‑quality field. Among the entrants, the standout is the Aidan O'Brien‑trained colt OKLAHOMA, a son of Wootton Bassett out of the accomplished mare Hydrangea. Oklahoma impressed on debut, finishing a close second to the lively Giant Sequoia, a race that also produced several subsequent winners.
He entered a maiden at Killarney as a short‑priced favorite and was expected to secure a win, but he only managed third place in a race that ultimately proved to be a solid effort. The addition of cheekpieces for this outing, together with the larger track at York, should help him settle and find his stride. Given his pedigree and demonstrated ability to handle a strong pace, Oklahoma is likely to be a tough competitor even amid a field of seasoned maidens.
In summary, day three of the Ebor Festival offers a blend of proven Group talent and intriguing outsiders. Starlust’s unusual journey—from top‑level sprinter to stud and back to the track—makes him a fascinating 33‑to‑1 candidate for the Nunthorpe, especially on a rain‑softened surface that favors adaptable horses. Meanwhile, Oklahoma remains a strong contender in the Convivial Maiden, with his class and recent form suggesting he could dominate the younger rivals.
Bettors would do well to keep both horses in mind when shaping their selections for the remainder of the festival.