Our resident racing correspondent returns to York on Thursday to set the scene for the second day of the Ebor Festival, covering a mix of Group, Handicap and Listed contests. Fresh from her dazzling King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes win last month, Kalpada (spelled Kalpana in the original report) looks set to prove far too formidable for the talented filly Minnie Hauk in Thursday’s marquee event – the Group One Legends Global Yorkshire Oaks over a distance of 3 ½ furlongs. At Ascot earlier this season, the French‑bred Calandagan was unable to match the pace set by Andrew Balding’s mare, leaving Aidan O’Brien’s multiple Oaks champion trailing a disappointing eighteen lengths behind. That performance marked the second consecutive lacklustre run for Minnie Hauk, and it is hard to envision her recapturing the form that once placed her among the elite fillies.
When she lines up against her own sex, Kalpana appears simply irresistible, rain or shine. Among the longer‑odds contenders, I am eager to watch David Menuisier’s Inis Mor continue the upward trajectory that has already seen her contest the French and Irish Oaks. The race will be a stern test, but jockey Oisin Murphy has a proven record of coaxing the best out of her, and I expect a strong showing.
Turning to the Group Two Sky Bet Lowther Stakes (1 ½ miles), Juddmonte’s Irish‑trained filly Livenka looks poised to stamp her authority. Ger Lyons’ daughter of Bated Breath earned a valuable sales victory at Naas, winning by nearly four lengths and signalling that she is ready to step up into Pattern company. Although she draws a high post, she is not far behind the probable favourite Libertango – the Albany‑trained winner who narrowly missed extending her unbeaten record in the Group Two Duchess of Cambridge at Newmarket.
George Boughey’s filly sets a high benchmark, yet Livenka’s recent form suggests she is on an upward curve that cannot be ignored. Another major player is Andrew Balding’s Moonrise, who finished second in the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot before taking the Princess Margaret. Despite her solid credentials, Moonrise has been largely overlooked by the ante‑post market. My husband Tom (Marquand) and his trainer William Haggas can look forward to a strong run from Rhapsody in the British EBF & Sir Henry Cecil Galtres Stakes (4 10) at York – though she will have a specific rival to watch.
Rhapsody boasts an impressive résumé, including a Group placing and a course win, but I anticipate that Ralph Backett’s A La Prochaine will exploit the drop‑in class to her advantage. Although lightly raced, A La Prochaine performed admirably in the Cheshire Oaks this spring and then stepped up to finish fourth in the Epsom Oaks on her most recent start.
She has been given a spell since then and now appears a much sounder prospect than the likely favourite Morrophore, whose best performances have come on all‑weather surfaces. Morrophore also faces the challenge of returning after an eight‑month layoff. It is relatively rare to see a Group One winner entered in a sales race, yet Sun Goddess’s participation in the Harry’s Half Million By Goffs (2 25) at York underscores the depth of talent emanating from Ballydoyle.
Aidan O’Brien’s Phoenix Stakes heroine will likely go off as a very short‑priced favourite if Libertango, the Albany victor, also triumphs in the Lowther. Big‑field sales contests are notoriously unpredictable, which is why I see value in Clive Cox’s unbeaten Satellite Of Love.
She carries over a stone more than Sun Goddess, draws a low post, and possesses a progressive running style that could prove decisive. I was also impressed by Satellite Of Love’s performance in her Newbury novice, and I am keeping an eye on Archie Watson’s filly Vollering, who has already secured valuable black‑type in France and now brings a wealth of experience to the York meeting.
Bullet Point returned to form in a timely fashion during this month’s Shergar Cup and could improve further in the Sir Kevin Sinfield 7 In 7 Grand Finale Handicap (3 00) at York. Last year’s winner was clearly transformed by the introduction of cheekpieces at Ascot, and the same equipment could provide Tom (Marquand) with another winning opportunity if the headgear proves as effective a second time around. 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, but I would also like to see Jack Channon’s Mezcala contest the finish. The Buckingham Palace winner has not benefited from a favourable stall draw in his previous start (stall 17), yet a bit of luck could see him thrive at York.
Finally, Hollie Doyle was recently interviewed by Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft, offering her insights on the day’s prospects and the broader festival atmosphere. In summary, Thursday’s card promises a blend of proven Group talent, rising stars, and intriguing outsiders. Kalpana’s dominance, the potential resurgence of Inis Mor, the clash between Livenka and Libertango, and the ever‑entertaining sales races should provide plenty of excitement for racing enthusiasts and punters alike.