Kevin Blake of Sky Sports Racing shares his top three selections as the Ebor Festival at York reaches its thrilling conclusion on the fourth day of racing, scheduled for Saturday. The meeting has been hampered by unsettled weather, leaving the turf softer than usual and presenting extra challenges for both jockeys and horses. Nonetheless, Blake hopes the final day will provide a strong finish to an otherwise demanding week. The first race to watch is the Sky Bet Strensall Stakes, slated for a 1:50 start.
Among the runners, the most tempting value appears to be the Hamad Al Jehani‑trained colt Archivist. Long‑time followers of Blake will recall that he previously tipped this horse in the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot.
Although Archivist did not deliver on that occasion, he rebounded spectacularly in his next outing, conquering a notoriously difficult draw of 20 in the Golden Mile at Glorious Goodwood. Not only did he overcome the extreme barrier, but he did so with a comfortable margin, signaling his readiness to compete at stakes level. The Strensall Stakes offers a course and distance that should suit Archivist perfectly, and the softer ground is unlikely to hinder his performance.
While his post position is a little farther out than ideal, the odds on offer are generous enough to make a wide draw acceptable. A strong, forward‑moving run from the colt would not be surprising at all, and Blake believes that this could be a prime opportunity for a profitable upset. The second pick comes in the Sky Bet Constantine Handicap, which kicks off at 4:10.
This race is another highly competitive sprint handicap, and Blake has his sights set on the Andrew Balding‑trained filly Dance In The Storm. The betting market has consistently rated her highly in each of her four starts this season, suggesting that she may be operating above the level of a typical handicapper. Dance In The Storm has already claimed two victories out of four attempts over seven furlongs this year, but her recent performances indicate she is adapting well to a shorter distance.
Although she faces a career‑high weight in this contest, the reduction in trip could unlock further improvement, allowing her to showcase her speed and agility more effectively. Blake finds her an intriguing prospect and feels she merits serious consideration from punters looking for value. The final recommendation of the day is for the Sky Bet Dav Reid Finale Handicap, scheduled for a 5:20 start. The Ger Lyons‑trained four‑year‑old Diego El Queso is Blake’s choice.
Diego El Queso has shown a steady upward trajectory, having secured a convincing handicap win at Leopardstown in April before a twelve‑week spell that likely served as a strategic lay‑off. Upon returning to the track, Diego El Queso produced an impressive performance, finishing a close second to Thread Of Gold in a valuable Leopardstown handicap. That runner‑up finish was further highlighted by the subsequent success of the winner, reinforcing the quality of Diego El Queso’s form. He was also well‑supported for a similar race at Glorious Goodwood, but an unfortunate race incident saw him finish sixth despite displaying the ability to compete at that level.
Blake believes that Diego El Queso possesses more ability than his Glorious Goodwood effort suggested. The combination of York’s course layout, the longer distance, and the forgiving ground conditions all appear to play to his strengths. Consequently, he anticipates a bold, confident run from the four‑year‑old, with the potential to secure a valuable payout. In summary, Blake’s three picks for the final day of the Ebor Festival are: 1.
Archivist in the Sky Bet Strensall Stakes – a value bet with a proven ability to overcome challenging draws and a suitable race profile. 2. Dance In The Storm in the Sky Bet Constantine Handicap – a well‑rated filly whose form hints at capability beyond her handicap rating, especially over a shortened sprint. 3.
Diego El Queso in the Sky Bet Dav Reid Finale Handicap – a progressing four‑year‑old who has demonstrated resilience and class, and whose attributes align perfectly with the day’s conditions. Racing enthusiasts are encouraged to keep an eye on these selections as the day unfolds, as each offers a distinct blend of form, suitability, and potential upside. Whether you are a seasoned bettor or a casual fan, Blake’s insights provide a solid framework for navigating the competitive landscape of York’s concluding Ebor Festival races.