The trio of Kate Tracey, Sam Boswell and Declan Rix turned their attention to York’s marquee contest, the Sky Bet Ebor Handicap, offering a deep‑dive into the form and tactics surrounding the race. With a maximum starting grid of 22 runners, trainer Willie Mullins is aiming to notch his third victory in four editions of the Ebor on Saturday. His hopefuls, Love Me Tender and Mr Hollywood, are set to follow in the footsteps of the previous year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf champion Ethical Diamond, hoping to replicate that high‑profile success on the York turf.
"I wasn’t necessarily looking for a classic hold‑up type horse because last year’s race unfolded in a very tactical manner and was ultimately won by a horse that later triumphed at the Breeders’ Cup," one of the panelists explained. "The horses that were prominent on the pace performed admirably, so I wanted a runner that could enjoy a similar style of ride." The discussion then shifted to Spinning Wheel, a horse that has spent much of its career racing prominently. "In his most recent outing he was dropped back to near the rear, and to be frank, I’m not convinced that was a winning strategy," the analyst admitted. "However, that change shows he is in good physical condition.
He will carry a penalty for that performance, but even with the added weight he is still officially only one pound under the allotted mark, and that’s before you factor in the five‑pound allowance his jockey, Mason Paetel, will receive." Physically, Spinning Wheel is described as a low‑to‑the‑ground mover with a slight knee action, traits that typically suit softer ground. "Those kinds of horses tend to handle this type of going better than most," the commentator added. "On top of that, the Crisford operation is firing on all cylinders – they’re operating at a 31 % strike‑rate, their horses are fit, and they’re thriving in the current environment." The panel also highlighted the importance of staying up‑to‑date with racing news, interviews and features via mobile platforms, urging listeners to never miss a story. Turning to Love Me Tender, the experts expressed mixed feelings.
"This is the opposite of the profile I would normally gravitate towards, and I had to question myself while preparing for this race," one panelist confessed. "Nevertheless, I’m being drawn to Love Me Tender.
He’s a big, rangy galloper, and for the Ebor you need a horse with a turn of foot and battle‑hardened experience – qualities he certainly possesses." Willie Mullins’ horses rarely appear lacking in experience; they are simply trained to be resilient. Love Me Tender was purchased for €180,000 and remains largely unexposed at the top level.
William Buick has been booked to ride, and the panelist praised his draw in post 15, noting that Mullins has won two of the last three Ebor runnings. The conversation then broadened to the overall improvement of the race in recent years. "The Ebor has become increasingly competitive," the analyst observed. "When you look at the trends, you’re inclined to back a Willie Mullins runner because his horses are consistently interesting.
He knows how to win this race and actively targets it, even though I didn’t select either of his entries this time because I couldn’t build a compelling case based on the German form, which I still respect." Alternative options were also discussed. "I thought Joseph O’Brien and Ryan Moore might be the pair to watch with Emit, an intriguing runner who has shown promise at Royal Ascot," another panelist said. "He’s a very nice type of horse – battle‑hardened, which is exactly what you need for the Ebor, and stepping up in distance should suit him well. I’m eager to see how he handles the trip.
He has the right jockey in Ryan Moore, and Joseph O’Brien is currently on a roll, so there’s little to criticize there." In summary, the panel underscored the strategic depth of the Ebor Handicap, noting the blend of seasoned trainers like Mullins, versatile horses such as Spinning Wheel and Love Me Tender, and the importance of jockey‑horse partnerships. They encouraged fans to follow the latest updates via Sky Sports Racing and stay engaged with the evolving narratives that make this York classic a highlight of the British racing calendar.