Kevin Blake, the resident pundit for Sky Sports Racing, has unveiled his three top selections as the Ebor Festival at York moves into its second day on Thursday. While the headline races will undoubtedly deliver world‑class spectacle, Blake points out that the true value for punters often lies in the supporting card, where the odds can be more generous and the form less predictable. The first race Blake highlights is the Sir Kevin Sinfield 7‑In‑7 Grand Finale Handicap, scheduled for a 3:00 pm start. This contest is another classic, brutally competitive handicap that tests the skill of both trainer and jockey.
Blake believes that William Haggas may have the answer in the form of the five‑year‑old BULLET POINT. Last year, BULLET POINT triumphed in this very race from a rating of 100, benefitting from a favourable draw and cruising to a decisive victory. Since that win, however, his trajectory has been less straightforward.
A foray to Australia ended in disappointment, and a subsequent six‑month spell away from the track left him a little rustier than expected. Since returning, the connections have likely been building his preparation back up to this race. He has shown subtle promise in two valuable handicap outings earlier in the season and, after another 12‑week break, produced a respectable run at the Shergar Cup, only losing out to a horse that drifted off the lead. For Thursday’s contest he will be carrying a rating of 101, slightly higher than last year, and although his draw may not be as advantageous as the previous season, Blake still sees him as a genuine contender for the lead.
The second pick Blake discusses is the Mews Hotel Ossett EBF Stallions Nursery, slated for a 4:45 pm start. Three weeks ago, Blake’s column featured the Hugo Palmer‑trained MIA FANTASIA in a valuable nursery at Glorious Goodwood.
Describing that run as “troubled” would be an understatement – the horse struggled to find a rhythm and the final placing did not reflect the effort he displayed. Nevertheless, the underlying case for the colt remains strong. He debuted with a stylish win at Carlisle, then stepped up to a high‑quality novice race at Ascot, where he finished just short of the winner, a horse that later claimed the Vintage Stakes. A rating of 79 appears fair, and the experience gained at Goodwood should have sharpened his racecraft.
Blake expects MIA FANTASIA to be well‑placed to deliver a big performance in the nursery. Finally, Blake turns his attention to the British EBF Fillies’ Handicap, which will run at 5:20 pm. This race is another demanding handicap, and while there are many plausible choices, Blake opts for a long‑shot from the lower weight range: the Ed Walker‑trained SECRET HISTORY.
The three‑year‑old filly has already secured three victories this season, the most notable being a valuable seven‑furlong handicap at Newmarket in July, where she carried an extra four pounds. Her connections then tried her over six furlongs in a valuable fillies’ handicap at Glorious Goodwood; she ran well to finish third but appeared to be stretched beyond her optimal distance.
Returning to the seven‑furlong trip should suit her perfectly, and Blake believes she has strong prospects of adding another win to her record. Blake’s analysis underscores a broader theme for day two of the Ebor Festival: the importance of looking beyond the headline races and focusing on the nuanced form and conditions of the supporting card. Handicaps, in particular, can provide fertile ground for value bets, especially when a horse’s rating does not fully reflect its recent improvement or when a trainer has carefully targeted a specific race after a spell or a change in distance.
For punters, Blake suggests paying close attention to the following factors when evaluating these selections: 1. **Recent Form After a Break** – Both BULLET POINT and SECRET HISTORY have returned from spells and shown promising signs, indicating that a well‑timed return can reignite a horse’s performance.
2. **Weight and Rating** – In handicaps, a modest increase in rating can still leave a horse competitively weighted, especially if the draw or ground conditions are favourable. 3. **Trainer Insight** – Trainers like William Haggas and Ed Walker have a track record of spotting the right race conditions for their horses, and their placement decisions often hint at confidence.
4. **Ground and Distance Suitability** – SECRET HISTORY’s best performances have come over seven furlongs; keeping her at that distance maximises her chances.
5. **Draw Impact** – While BULLET POINT’s draw may not be as advantageous as last year’s, a good early position can still be pivotal in a tightly contested handicap. In addition to these tactical considerations, Blake encourages fans to stay updated with the latest racing news, interviews, and features via the Sky Sports Racing app, ensuring they have all the information needed to make informed betting decisions. Overall, day two of the Ebor Festival promises a blend of high‑quality racing and intriguing betting opportunities.
Whether you are backing a seasoned handicapper like BULLET POINT, a rising star such as MIA FANTASIA, or an under‑dog with proven class like SECRET HISTORY, Blake’s picks provide a solid foundation for navigating the day’s card and potentially securing some rewarding returns.