Kevin Blake of Sky Sports Racing returns to the Ebor Festival with two selections for the third day of action at York, one of which is a long‑shot at 33/1 in the Nunthorpe Stakes. By the time you read this, the festival will be roughly halfway through, and whether your tickets have been rewarding or not, there is still a wealth of high‑quality racing left to enjoy.
The headline race of the day is the Coolmore City Of Troy Nunthorpe Stakes, scheduled for a 3:35 start. It needs little introduction: the European sprint scene has been a roller‑coaster in recent seasons, with a string of unexpected, high‑odds winners baffling bettors and leaving many scratching their heads. The added factor of rain on the day only amplifies the potential for an upset, as softer ground often levels the playing field and can favour horses with atypical running styles. With that backdrop, I have scoured the form to pinpoint the most intriguing outsider, and my attention lands on the Ralph Beckett‑trained five‑year‑old, STARLUST.
Describing his career as "quirky" would be a generous understatement, but bear with me as I unpack why this colt could be the day’s biggest surprise. Two years ago, Starlust was among the top performers over five furlongs, finishing a close third to Bradsell in the very same Nunthorpe contest.
He later proved his class in the Prix de l'Abbaye, where he was left in a perfect position only to be denied the win, and he capped his early career with a marquee victory in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar. Those achievements established him as a genuine Group‑level sprinter.
After a respectable fourth place in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot last season, Starlust was retired to a breeding operation in Australia. There, he covered roughly 70 mares, but his fertility proved disappointing. Rather than accept a lackluster stud career, his owners made the unconventional choice to bring him back to the track under the guidance of trainer Ralph Beckett.
Reviving a racehorse after a stint at stud is far from guaranteed, yet Starlust’s recent performances suggest he is on an upward trajectory. His first run back at Carlisle was modest, and the King Charles III Stakes at Ascot did not suit him, but he displayed a marked improvement when fitted with a visor for the first time, finishing a near‑best fourth in a Listed event over the same distance and course. York appears to be a genuine haven for Starlust. He has previously shown a fondness for the track, especially when the going is generous.
If he can rediscover his top‑class form against Group 1 opposition, the Nunthorpe could present a perfect opportunity to snap a high‑price victory. Turning to the other selection on the card, the British Stallion Farms EBF Convivial Maiden Stakes at 4:45 is one of the richest maiden contests of the season, attracting a deep and talented field.
Among the runners, a newcomer or a relatively untested horse will need to be truly exceptional to outshine the Aidan O'Brien‑trained colt, OKLAHOMA. OKLAHOMA, a son of Wootton Bassett out of the mare Hydrangea, made a promising debut by finishing second to the impressive Giant Sequoia, a race that featured several future winners. He was subsequently sent off at very short odds in a maiden at Killarney, where he managed only a third‑place finish despite the race being well‑run.
The addition of cheekpieces and the larger, more forgiving track surface should play to his strengths, making him a tough competitor even in a strong maiden field. While he may not be the outright favorite, his pedigree and early form suggest he will be a serious contender for the win.
In summary, Blake’s day‑three picks focus on a potential upset in the Nunthorpe with the 33/1 outsider Starlust, a horse whose unusual career path and affinity for York could combine to produce a memorable victory. Meanwhile, the Convivial Maiden offers a solid chance for the O'Brien‑trained OKLAHOMA to capitalize on his improving form and secure a valuable win in a high‑stakes contest.
Both selections reflect the unpredictable nature of the Ebor Festival and the opportunities that arise when conditions and form align in unexpected ways.