Kevin Blake of Sky Sports Racing shares his three top picks as the Ebor Festival at York reaches its climax on the fourth day, a Saturday that promises another fiercely contested card. The meeting has been hampered by unsettled weather throughout the week, leaving the ground softer than usual and adding an extra layer of difficulty for both jockeys and trainers. Despite these challenges, Blake hopes the final day can deliver a strong finish to an otherwise tricky festival. The first race that catches Blake's eye is the Sky Bet Strensall Stakes, scheduled to start at 1:50 p.m.
Among the runners, the most attractively priced is Archivist, trained by Hamad Al Jehani. Long‑time followers of Blake will remember that he backed this horse in the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot. Although Archivist did not manage to deliver on that occasion, the horse rebounded spectacularly in his very next outing, conquering a daunting draw of 20 in the Golden Mile at Glorious Goodwood. Not only did he overcome the unfavorable barrier, he did so with a comfortable margin, a performance that signalled his readiness to compete at stakes level.
The Strensall Stakes, with its familiar course layout and distance, should suit Archivist nicely, and the softer ground is unlikely to be a major hindrance. While his post position is a little wider than ideal, the odds on offer are so generous that a bold, front‑running effort would not be surprising at all. Next up is the Sky Bet Constantine Handicap, slated for a 4:10 p.m.
start. This race is another highly competitive sprint handicap, but Blake is inclined to place his confidence in Dance In The Storm, trained by Andrew Balding. The betting market has been unusually enthusiastic about the filly, who has already contested four starts this season and has consistently attracted strong backing. Such market sentiment suggests that many observers believe she is operating above the typical handicap level.
Dance In The Storm has already secured two victories out of four starts over the seven‑furlong distance this year, but her recent form indicates she may be ready to step down in trip. The shorter distance could unlock a new level of acceleration for her, potentially allowing her to display a turn of foot that has yet to be fully tested. Although she will need to overcome a career‑high weight assignment, the change in distance might provide the stimulus needed for a further improvement in her performance. Blake finds her a compelling prospect and believes she merits serious consideration from punters looking for value.
The final recommendation of the day comes in the Sky Bet Dav Reid Finale Handicap, which will take place at 5:20 p.m. Blake singles out Diego El Queso, trained by Ger Lyons, as his pick. The four‑year‑old has shown a clear upward trajectory this season.
He began the year with a convincing win in a handicap at Leopardstown in April, then disappeared from the scene for roughly twelve weeks, a hiatus that likely involved a spell to allow him to mature and recover. Upon his return, Diego El Queso delivered an impressive second‑place finish to Thread Of Gold in a valuable Leopardstown handicap, a performance that has been highlighted by the winner’s subsequent successes.
He was also entered in a comparable race at Glorious Goodwood, where the race did not unfold in his favour, yet he still managed to finish a respectable sixth, catching the eye of observers. Blake believes that the combination of York’s flat, galloping track and the softer ground will play to Diego El Queso’s strengths, giving him the platform to make a bold bid for a winning effort.
His progressive form, combined with the suitability of the conditions, suggests that he could be poised to claim a valuable payday on the final day of the festival. Overall, Blake’s three selections reflect a blend of seasoned experience and emerging talent, each chosen for their ability to handle the softer ground and the unique demands of York’s course. Whether you are a seasoned punter or a casual fan, these picks offer a mix of value and potential upside as the Ebor Festival draws to a close.
Good luck, and may the final day provide a fitting climax to an event that has tested both horses and trainers in equal measure.