The three‑man panel – Kate Tracey, Sam Boswell and Declan Rix – turned their focus to York’s marquee race, the Sky Bet Ebor Handicap, as they prepared their pre‑race analysis. The event, which caps the field at 22 runners, presents a tempting target for trainer Willie Mullins, who is eyeing a third victory in four years. His contenders, Love Me Tender and Mr Hollywood, are both looking to emulate the recent triumph of Ethical Diamond, the Breeders’ Cup Turf champion, by securing the coveted York win. "I wasn’t necessarily after a classic hold‑up runner because last year’s edition turned into a tactical affair and was ultimately claimed by a horse that later won at the Breeders’ Cup," one of the pundits explained.
"What struck me was how well the front‑runners performed, so I wanted a horse that would give us a similar type of race." The discussion then shifted to Spinning Wheel, a horse that has spent most of its career racing prominently. "He was dropped back almost to the rear in his last outing, and to be honest, I’m not sure the connections were even aiming for the win," the analyst admitted. "The silver lining is that he came back in great shape.
He’ll carry a penalty for that performance, but even with the extra weight he is officially only one pound over the handicap mark. On top of that, Mason Paetel will be taking an additional five pounds off his back." Physical attributes were also examined.
"Spinning Wheel moves low to the ground and has a slight knee action, which tends to suit this kind of yielding ground better than many other profiles. Moreover, the Crisford stable is firing on all cylinders – they’re operating at a 31 percent strike‑rate, their horses are fit, and they’re clearly thriving in the current season," the commentator added.
The panel reminded listeners that they can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and feature pieces by following the service on their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a story from the world of horse racing. When the conversation turned to Love Me Tender, the tone shifted. "This is the exact opposite of the type of profile I’d normally gravitate towards, and I had to question myself while preparing for this race," one panelist confessed. "But I’m being drawn to Love Me Tender.
He’s a big, rangy galloper and this race demands a horse with a turn of foot and battle‑hardened experience. While you could argue he lacks a traditional record, Willie Mullins’ runners never appear raw – they’re simply trained to be tough.
Love Me Tender fetched €180,000 at auction, which tells you something about his perceived potential." The horse is still relatively untested at the highest level, and William Buick has been booked to ride him. "I like his draw in post 15, and Mullins has already won two of the last three Ebors, so that adds a layer of confidence," the expert noted.
The analysts also highlighted the growing prestige of the race. "The Ebor has become more and more compelling in recent years," one commentator observed. "If you look at the trends, backing a Willie Mullins horse is a sensible move because he knows how to target and win this contest.
I didn’t pick either of his runners solely because I couldn’t make a strong enough case for the German form, though I have great respect for his operation." Attention then turned to the Irish contingent, particularly the partnership of Joseph O’Brien and Ryan Moore aboard Emit. "I thought Joseph O’Brien and Ryan Moore could be the answer here," the panelist said.
"Emit is an intriguing runner; I’ve watched his fourth at Royal Ascot and think there’s more to come. He’s a genuinely nice type, battle‑hardened, which is exactly what you need for the Ebor, and stepping up in distance should suit him well." The confidence in the jockey‑trainer duo was evident. "He’s got the right man on the reins in Ryan Moore, and Joseph O’Brien can’t seem to make a mistake at the moment," the analyst concluded, expressing anticipation for how Emit will fare on the day. Overall, the panel’s discussion painted a vivid picture of a race that blends seasoned talent, emerging prospects, and tactical nuance.
With Mullins’ proven record, the promising yet untested Love Me Tender, the resilient Spinning Wheel, and the seasoned Irish pair of Emit, the Sky Bet Ebor Handicap promises a thrilling contest that could shape the rest of the season’s narrative. Fans are encouraged to follow the live coverage, absorb the expert insights, and enjoy what many consider one of the most exciting handicaps on the British racing calendar.