Kevin Blake of Sky Sports Racing shares three of his top selections as the Ebor Festival at York moves into its second day on Thursday. While the headline races will undoubtedly deliver world‑class competition, Blake points out that the true value for punters often lies within the supporting card, where the odds can be more generous and the form less obvious. **Sir Kevin Sinfield 7‑In‑7 Grand Finale Handicap (3:00)** The Grand Finale Handicap at 3:00 p.m.
is another classic, brutally competitive handicap that tests the skill of both trainer and bettor. Blake believes William Haggas may have cracked the code with his five‑year‑old, BULLET POINT.
The colt captured this very race last year, carrying a modest rating of 100, benefitting from a favourable draw and cruising to a decisive victory. Since that triumph, however, his trajectory has been uneven.
A disappointing foray to Australia was followed by a six‑month spell away from the track. Upon his return, it would not be surprising if his connections have been tailoring his campaign specifically to this race. In the early part of the season, BULLET POINT displayed a hint of his former brilliance in two solid runs over valuable handicaps, suggesting that the talent is still there despite the interruptions.
After another twelve‑week break, he contested the Shergar Cup, where he ran admirably but was beaten by a horse that drifted off the lead and was ultimately too strong for him. For Thursday’s race, he will again be rated at 101, a figure that mirrors his previous winning mark. Although his post position this year isn’t as advantageous as it was last season, Blake sees him as a genuine contender for the lead, especially given his proven ability to handle the race’s pace and distance.
**Mews Hotel Ossett EBF Stallions Nursery (4:45)** The next race Blake highlights is the Mews Hotel Ossett EBF Stallions Nursery at 4:45 p.m. Three weeks ago, his column featured Hugo Palmer’s MIA FANTASIA in a valuable nursery at Glorious Goodwood. Describing that run as “troubled” would be generous; the filly struggled to find a rhythm and the final placing belied a much better performance than the raw result indicated.
The underlying case for her remains compelling. She debuted with a stylish win at Carlisle, showing early promise, but then faced a tougher novice contest at Ascot, where she was outclassed by the eventual Vintage Stakes winner, Dr Rascal. A rating of 79 appears generous, reflecting both her raw ability and the experience she gained from competing against higher‑class opposition. Since Goodwood, MIA FANTASIA has matured, gaining both stamina and tactical speed.
The nursery at York offers a familiar surface and a distance that suits her developing physique. Blake argues that the combination of her improved racecraft, the lessons learned from previous defeats, and a weight that should allow her to settle comfortably makes her a strong candidate for a big win on the day.
**British EBF Fillies’ Handicap (5:20)** The final selection Blake discusses is the British EBF Fillies’ Handicap at 5:20 p.m., another demanding handicap that often produces surprising outcomes. While many horses could be justified for a look, Blake leans toward the lighter end of the scale, backing Ed Walker’s SECRET HISTORY. The three‑year‑old filly has already secured three victories this year, the most notable being a valuable seven‑furlong handicap at Newmarket in July, where she carried an extra four pounds and still prevailed. Encouraged by that success, her connections tried her over six furlongs in a high‑profile fillies’ handicap at Glorious Goodwood.
She ran admirably, finishing third, but the race seemed to test her beyond her optimal distance, suggesting she was slightly out of her depth. Returning to the seven‑furlong trip at York should play to her strengths, allowing her to utilise her turn of foot without being stretched too thin. Blake notes that her pedigree and recent form indicate she is primed for a strong performance, especially when carrying a weight that reflects her proven ability without penalising her excessively.
Overall, Blake’s day‑two picks emphasize horses that have shown resilience after setbacks, those that are well‑handicapped for the conditions, and runners whose recent form suggests they are peaking at the right moment. For bettors looking to add value beyond the headline events, these selections offer a blend of proven talent and strategic placement that could translate into profitable outcomes.
Stay updated with the latest racing news, interviews, and feature stories on your mobile device to never miss a beat in the world of horse racing.