Our correspondent returns to York on Thursday to set the scene for the second day of the Ebor Festival, where a mix of Group, Handicap and Listed contests will unfold. The headline attraction is the Group One Legends Global Yorkshire Oaks (3.35), where last month’s King George winner Kalpada—renamed here as Kalpana—will take on the Oaks hopeful Minnie Hauk in what promises to be a scorching showdown. Kalpana’s performance at Ascot earlier this season left little doubt about her class.
When she faced Andrew Balding’s mare, the French‑bred Calandagan, she won decisively, leaving Aidan O'Brien’s multiple Oaks champion a distant 18 lengths behind. That dominance marks the second consecutive underwhelming effort from Minnie Hauk, and it is hard to imagine her recapturing her peak form quickly enough to close the widening gap. In a head‑to‑head against her own sex, Kalpana appears unstoppable, rain or shine.
At longer odds, David Menuisier’s Inis Mor could continue her upward trajectory. She has already shown she belongs in the upper echelons by placing in both the French and Irish Oaks.
Though the competition will be stiffer, Oisin Murphy has demonstrated an ability to extract the very best from her, making her a genuine contender. Another filly worth watching is Juddmonte’s Irish‑trained Livenka, who is slated for the Group Two Sky Bet Lowther Stakes (1.50) at York.
Livenka earned her spot in this elite company after a dominant four‑length victory in a valuable sales race at Naas, signalling she is ready to step up to Pattern level. She draws a high post, but the favorite Libertango—an Albany‑trained winner who narrowly missed an unbeaten record in the Group Two Duchess of Cambridge at Newmarket—will be nearby on the card. George Boughey’s filly has been setting the benchmark in recent form, yet Livenka’s upward curve suggests she should not be ignored.
Likewise, Andrew Balding’s Moonrise, a runner‑up in the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot who later claimed the Princess Margaret, has been largely overlooked by the ante‑post market but could prove a dark horse. Tom Marquand’s mount Rhapsody, trained by William Haggas, is expected to feature prominently in the British EBF & Sir Henry Cecil Galtres Stakes (4.10). Rhapsody brings an impressive résumé to this Listed race, including a Group placing and a previous course win. However, Ralph Beckett’s A La Prochaine may capitalize on the dip in class, especially after a solid showing in the Cheshire Oaks and a respectable fourth in the Epsom Oaks.
Freshened since that run, A La Prochaine appears a more sound prospect than the likely favorite Morrophore, whose best performances have come on all‑weather surfaces and who must also overcome an eight‑month layoff. The presence of Sun Goddess in the Harry’s Half Million By Goffs (2.25) underscores the depth of talent emanating from Ballydoyle.
Aidan O'Brien’s Phoenix Stakes winner is expected to go off as a short‑priced favourite, particularly if Libertango repeats her Lowther triumph. Nonetheless, big‑field sales races are notoriously unpredictable, offering value in long‑shot Clive Cox’s unbeaten Satellite Of Love. Despite carrying over a stone more than Sun Goddess, Satellite Of Love benefits from a low draw and a progressive form line. Another noteworthy runner is Archie Watson’s Vollering, a seasoned campaigner who has already secured black‑type success in France and brings a wealth of experience to the mix.
Bullet Point, fresh from a timely resurgence in this month’s Shergar Cup, could improve further in the Sir Kevin Sinfield 7‑In‑7 Grand Finale Handicap (3.00). The previous year’s winner was transformed by the introduction of cheekpieces at Ascot; if the headgear proves equally effective again, Tom Marquand could have another winning opportunity. Ralph Beckett’s ante‑post favourite Centigrade appears to be a short‑priced option for a horse stepping up from an all‑weather novice campaign. Yet Jack Channon’s Mezcala, a Buckingham Palace Stakes winner, deserves a mention despite an unfavorable stall 17 draw.
Should Mezcala catch a lucky break, York could be the stage for a surprise victory. Overall, the day promises a blend of established stars and emerging talent, with the Yorkshire Oaks serving as the marquee contest. Hollie Doyle, speaking with Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft, highlighted the quality of the field and the tactical nuances expected to play out over the course.
As the festival progresses, bettors and enthusiasts alike will be watching closely to see which horses rise to the occasion and which will fall short of expectations.