Kevin Blake's York Insights: Day Two Selections for the Ebor Festival

Kevin Blake of Sky Sports Racing shares his top three selections as the Ebor Festival at York moves into its second day on Thursday. While the headline races will undoubtedly deliver world‑class competition, Blake points out that the true betting value often lies in the supporting card, where savvy punters can find lucrative opportunities. The first race to watch is the Sir Kevin Sinfield 7‑In‑7 Grand Finale Handicap at 3:00 p.m. This contest is another classic, brutally tough handicap that challenges even the most experienced tipsters.

Blake believes the answer may lie with William Haggas’s five‑year‑old, BULLET POINT. The colt captured this race last year from a rating of 100, benefitting from a favourable draw and delivering a decisive, authoritative win. Since that triumph, however, his form has been erratic.

A venture to Australia ended in disappointment, and a subsequent six‑month lay‑off further stalled his progress. Upon his return, it would not be surprising if his connections have been carefully targeting this specific race as a springboard back to top‑class form. In his two outings earlier in the season, the horse showed a glimmer of promise in valuable handicaps, then after another 12‑week break he contested the Shergar Cup, where he ran creditably but was beaten by a rival who drifted off the pace.

He now carries a rating of 101, slightly higher than last year, and although his draw this season isn’t as advantageous as the one that helped him win previously, Blake still sees him as a leading contender. The combination of his proven ability at this level, the experience gained from his recent runs, and the tactical acumen of trainer Haggas makes BULLET POINT a compelling pick for punters looking for a solid return. The next race of interest is the Mews Hotel Ossett EBF Stallions Nursery at 4:45 p.m. Three weeks prior, Blake’s column highlighted Hugo Palmer’s MIA FANTASIA in a valuable nursery at Glorious Goodwood.

That run was a classic case of a horse being denied a fair chance: the runner struggled to find a rhythm, yet his underlying form was far stronger than the raw result suggested. Since then, MIA FANTASIA has continued to develop. He debuted with a convincing win at Carlisle, demonstrating maturity beyond his years.

Although he was not quite up to the pace in a highly competitive novice race at Ascot – a race ultimately won by the future Vintage Stakes champion Dr Rascal – his performance was still respectable. Now entered in the Ossett Nursery with a rating of 79, Blake feels the horse is well‑placed. The experience at Goodwood, despite the setback, has likely sharpened his racing intellect and stamina. The nursery at York offers a familiar track surface and a distance that suits his running style, giving him a genuine chance to deliver a strong performance.

For bettors, the horse presents a value proposition: a modest rating, a trainer who knows how to get the best out of a young horse, and a recent record that suggests he is ready to step up. Finally, the day’s last race to watch is the British EBF Fillies’ Handicap at 5:20 p.m., another demanding handicap where weight assignments can dramatically influence the outcome. Blake acknowledges that many horses could be justified as picks, but he leans toward the lower‑weight end of the scale, favouring Ed Walker’s SECRET HISTORY.

SECRET HISTORY, a three‑year‑old filly, has already secured three victories this season. Her most notable win came in a valuable seven‑furlong handicap at Newmarket in July, where she carried an extra four pounds and still prevailed. Encouraged by that success, her connections tried her over six furlongs in a high‑profile fillies’ handicap at Glorious Goodwood. She ran admirably, finishing third, but the race appeared to stretch her beyond her optimal distance, hinting that the shorter trip was a touch sharp for her stamina.

Returning to the seven‑furlong trip at York should play to her strengths. The filly’s turn of foot, combined with a lighter weight assignment, positions her as a strong contender. Moreover, the EBF Fillies’ Handicap often rewards horses that have demonstrated consistency and the ability to handle varying ground conditions – both of which SECRET HISTORY has shown throughout the season.

In summary, Blake’s three picks for Day Two of the Ebor Festival are: 1. **BULLET POINT** in the Sir Kevin Sinfield 7‑In‑7 Grand Finale Handicap – a proven winner at this level with a trainer keen to restore his form.

2. **MIA FANTASIA** in the Mews Hotel Ossett EBF Stallions Nursery – a promising youngster with a solid rating and recent experience that should translate into a strong run.

3. **SECRET HISTORY** in the British EBF Fillies’ Handicap – a versatile filly with a proven record, lighter weight, and a distance that suits her best. These selections combine proven ability, tactical placement, and favorable weightings, offering bettors a balanced mix of confidence and value across the day’s supporting card. Keep an eye on the race cards, watch the draws, and consider the form nuances highlighted by Blake to maximise your chances of success at York’s prestigious Ebor Festival.