Kevin Blake of Sky Sports Racing has laid out three standout selections as the Ebor Festival at York moves into its second day on Thursday. While the headline races will undoubtedly deliver top‑class action, Blake points out that the true betting value often lies in the supporting card, where the odds can be more generous and the form less obvious. First up is the Sir Kevin Sinfield 7‑In‑7 Grand Finale Handicap, scheduled for a 3:00 p.m.
start. This race is another classic example of a brutally tough handicap that tests the skill of both trainer and punter. Blake believes the answer may be found in the form of BULLET POINT, a five‑year‑old who triumphed in this same contest last year when carrying a weight of 100 pounds. At that time, the horse enjoyed a smooth trip from a favourable draw and secured a decisive win.
Since that victory, however, the horse’s trajectory has not followed the upward curve many expected. A venture to Australia ended in disappointment, and a subsequent six‑month spell away from the track further stalled progress. Upon returning, it would not be surprising if the connections have been carefully plotting a route back to the winner’s circle, using this race as a stepping stone. The horse has shown a hint of promise in two valuable handicap outings earlier in the season, and after another 12‑week break, it ran a respectable race at the Shergar Cup, only being denied by a competitor who drifted off the lead.
Now, with a weight of 101 pounds, the draw may not be as advantageous as it was last year, but the horse still appears to possess the stamina and class to contest the lead. The second selection Blake highlights is the Mews Hotel Ossett EBF Stallions Nursery, slated for a 4:45 p.m.
start. Three weeks prior, Blake’s column featured the Hugo Palmer‑trained MIA FANTASIA in a valuable nursery at Glorious Goodwood. Describing that run as “troubled” would be an understatement; the horse struggled to find a rhythm and ultimately finished well down the field, despite showing a much better underlying performance than the raw result suggested. That narrative remains relevant today.
MIA FANTASIA proved his mettle on debut at Carlisle, winning in impressive fashion, but then fell short in a highly competitive novice race at Ascot, which was eventually claimed by the future Vintage Stakes winner Dr Rascal. A weight of 79 pounds seems a fair assessment of his current ability, and the experience gained at Goodwood should have added valuable racecraft. Blake expects the horse to be in contention for a big win, especially given the relatively modest weight and the opportunity to exploit a familiar distance. Finally, Blake turns his attention to the British EBF Fillies’ Handicap, set for a 5:20 p.m.
start. This race, like the others, offers a plethora of potential winners, but Blake chooses to focus on the lower end of the weight spectrum, backing the Ed Walker‑trained SECRET HISTORY.
The three‑year‑old filly has already secured three victories this year, the most notable being a valuable seven‑furlong handicap at Newmarket in July, where she carried an extra four pounds. Her connections then opted to drop her back to six furlongs for a valuable fillies’ handicap at Glorious Goodwood. Although she ran creditably and finished third, the race appeared to be a touch too sharp for her, suggesting that a return to her preferred distance would be beneficial. By stepping back up to seven furlongs, Blake believes SECRET HISTORY will be well‑placed to exploit her proven stamina and class, making her a strong contender for the top spot.
In summary, Blake’s three picks—BULLET POINT in the Sir Kevin Sinfield 7‑In‑7 Grand Finale Handicap, MIA FANTASIA in the Mews Hotel Ossett EBF Stallions Nursery, and SECRET HISTORY in the British EBF Fillies’ Handicap—represent the most promising betting opportunities on the second day of the Ebor Festival. While the headline races will capture most of the spotlight, these supporting contests provide fertile ground for value hunters. Keep an eye on the weight assignments, recent form, and any changes in training patterns, as they can offer crucial clues in these tightly contested handicaps. For the latest racing news, interviews, and feature stories, stay tuned to Sky Sports Racing’s platforms, where you can follow all the action from the Ebor Festival and beyond.