The trio of experts—Kate Tracey, Sam Boswell and Declan Rix—turned their attention to York’s marquee race, the Sky Bet Ebor Handicap, for their weekend analysis. With a maximum field of 22 runners allowed to start, trainer Willie Mullins is aiming for a third victory in four years at the Ebor, hoping that his entries Love Me Tender and Mr Hollywood can follow the path blazed by Breeders' Cup Turf champion Ethical Diamond. Kate began by explaining her tactical preferences.
"I wasn’t looking for a pure front‑runner this time because last year’s race unfolded in a very tactical manner and was ultimately won by a horse that later captured a Breeders' Cup title. I felt the pace‑setters performed well, so I wanted a horse that could replicate that kind of ride," she said. She then turned her focus to Spinning Wheel, a horse that has usually been placed prominently in races. "Spinning Wheel has spent most of his career near the lead, but in his last outing he was dropped almost to the rear.
To be honest, I don’t think the connections were aiming for a win on that run, but the result is that he is now in excellent condition," Kate noted. "He does carry a penalty for that performance, yet even with the extra weight he is still officially just one pound under the top weight, and that’s before we consider the five‑pound allowance his jockey, Mason Patton, will receive.
Physically, he rides low to the ground with a slight knee action, which tends to suit this type of going better than many other profiles. On top of that, the Crisford operation is firing on all cylinders, boasting a 31 percent strike‑rate, with fit horses that are thriving in the current season." Sam Boswell shifted the conversation to Love Me Tender, describing his impression of the colt.
"This is the opposite of a profile I would normally gravitate towards, and I had to question my instincts while preparing for this race, but I’m being drawn to Love Me Tender," he admitted. "He’s a big, rangy galloper, and this race rewards a horse with a sharp turn of foot and a battle‑hardened temperament. While you could argue about his experience, Willie Mullins’ horses never look lacking in toughness; they are simply trained to be resilient. Love Me Tender was purchased for €180,000 and remains essentially untapped.
William Buick has been booked to ride, and I like his draw in post 15. Mullins has already won two of the last three Ebors, which adds credibility to his chances." Declan Rix added his perspective on the evolving quality of the contest. "The Ebor has become increasingly competitive in recent years," he observed. "When you look at the trends, a Willie Mullins runner is always an attractive option, and both of his entries have interesting credentials.
You have to respect the fact that Mullins knows how to win this race and deliberately targets it. However, I didn’t back either of his horses because I couldn’t construct a compelling case for the German form, despite my respect for his achievements." He then highlighted alternative contenders, focusing on Emit.
"I thought Joseph O’Brien and Ryan Moore might be the pair to watch with Emit, an intriguing runner who performed admirably in his fourth start at Royal Ascot. There’s still a lot to discover about him; he’s a very nice type, battle‑hardened, which is exactly what you need for the Ebor.
Moving up in distance should suit him well, and I’m eager to see how he handles the trip. He has the right jockey in Ryan Moore, and Joseph O’Brien’s training record is flawless at the moment," Declan concluded. Overall, the panel emphasized the importance of assessing both form and the specific demands of York’s course. They noted that horses with a low‑to‑the‑ground action, a proven ability to handle a strong pace, and connections with a history of targeting the Ebor are likely to have an edge.
The discussion also underscored the value of jockey allowances and draw positions, especially in a race where tactical positioning can dictate the outcome. In addition to the expert commentary, the broadcast reminded viewers to stay connected for the latest racing news, interviews and features via their mobile devices, ensuring fans never miss a story from the world of horse racing.
The panel’s insights provide a comprehensive look at the field, the trainers’ strategies, and the nuanced factors—such as weight penalties, ground preferences, and jockey bookings—that could shape the outcome of this prestigious handicap. Whether you favor a Mullins‑trained contender, a rising star like Emit, or a seasoned campaigner such as Spinning Wheel, the Ebor promises an exciting showdown that will test stamina, speed, and tactical acumen on one of Britain’s most historic racecourses.