Kevin Blake of Sky Sports Racing shares his three top selections as the Ebor Festival at York continues into its second day on Thursday. While the headline races will undoubtedly deliver world‑class competition, Blake points out that the real betting value often lies in the supporting card, where the odds can be more attractive and the form less predictable.
The first race Blake highlights is the Sir Kevin Sinfield 7‑In‑7 Grand Finale Handicap, scheduled for 3:00 p.m. This contest is another classic example of a brutally tough handicap, where the key to success is finding a horse that can overcome a high weight and still deliver a strong finish.
Blake believes William Haggas may have found that answer in the five‑year‑old BULLET POINT. BULLET POINT captured the race last year from a rating of 100, benefitting from a favourable draw and cruising to a decisive win. Since that victory, however, the horse’s trajectory has been less straightforward.
A disappointing trip to Australia and a subsequent six‑month layoff disrupted his progress, and his return to racing has been modest. In the current season, BULLET POINT has shown glimpses of his earlier ability, placing well in two valuable handicaps before a 12‑week break. He then returned to contest the Shergar Cup, where he ran a respectable race but was beaten by a horse that drifted off the lead and proved too strong for him.
Now, carrying a rating of 101, BULLET POINT will start from a draw that is not as advantageous as the one that helped him win last year, but Blake still sees a genuine chance for him to be among the leaders. The combination of his proven class, the experience gained from recent runs, and a weight that is not overly punitive suggests that he could be a solid pick for value.
The second race of interest is the Mews Hotel Ossett EBF Stallions Nursery, set for 4:45 p.m. Blake revisits a horse he previously featured in his column three weeks ago: MIA FANTASIA, trained by Hugo Palmer. At Glorious Goodwood, MIA FANTASIA endured a chaotic run that left his official placing unrepresentative of his true effort.
He was boxed in and struggled to find a clear run, yet his finishing stride indicated far more ability than the raw result suggested. That performance remains relevant because MIA FANTASIA has since shown steady improvement. He debuted at Carlisle with a convincing win, demonstrating that he can handle the pressure of a first start. Although he was outpaced at Ascot in a competitive novice race that was eventually won by the future Vintage Stakes champion Dr Rascal, he still displayed a respectable effort given his inexperience.
Blake assigns him a rating of 79 for this nursery, a figure he believes accurately reflects his current form and the experience he has amassed. The extra exposure at Goodwood, despite the troubled trip, should have sharpened his racecraft and boosted his confidence. Consequently, Blake expects MIA FANTASIA to be in contention for a big win in the Ossett Nursery, especially if he can secure a good draw and settle comfortably before being asked to accelerate. The final race Blake examines is the British EBF Fillies' Handicap at 5:20 p.m., another demanding handicap where the weight assignments can heavily influence the outcome.
Among the many candidates, Blake opts for a long‑shot on the lighter side of the scale: SECRET HISTORY, trained by Ed Walker. This three‑year‑old filly has already claimed three victories this year, the most notable being a valuable seven‑furlong handicap at Newmarket in July, where she carried an additional four pounds after that win. Following that success, her connections tried her over six furlongs in a high‑profile fillies' handicap at Glorious Goodwood.
Although she finished third, her performance suggested the distance was a touch sharp for her stamina profile. Returning to the seven‑furlong trip should suit her perfectly, allowing her to utilise her turn of foot while conserving enough energy for a strong finish. Blake notes that SECRET HISTORY’s pedigree and training regime indicate she thrives when given a moderate distance and a comfortable pace early on.
With a weight that places her near the bottom of the scale, she should have the advantage of carrying less burden than many of her rivals, enhancing her chances of securing a place or even taking the win. Overall, Blake’s day‑two picks focus on horses that have demonstrated resilience, have benefited from recent experience, or are well‑placed on the weight scale. He stresses that while the headline events will capture most of the media attention, the supporting races often present the most lucrative opportunities for punters willing to dig a little deeper into the form. By targeting a proven handicap performer like BULLET POINT, a developing colt such as MIA FANTASIA, and a lightly weighted filly in SECRET HISTORY, Blake believes bettors can find value across the spectrum of the day’s card.
For those who want to stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews, and feature stories, Sky Sports Racing offers a dedicated app that delivers breaking news and expert analysis straight to your mobile device. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a casual fan, the app ensures you never miss a beat during the festival. In summary, day two of the Ebor Festival promises a blend of high‑calibre main events and a supporting card rich with betting potential. Keep an eye on the Sir Kevin Sinfield 7‑In‑7 Grand Finale Handicap for a possible resurgence from BULLET POINT, watch the Mews Hotel Ossett EBF Stallions Nursery for a breakout performance by MIA FANTASIA, and consider the British EBF Fillies' Handicap as a prime opportunity to back the lightly weighted SECRET HISTORY.
With these selections, punters can enjoy both the excitement of top‑level racing and the satisfaction of spotting value where others might overlook it.