Our resident racing correspondent returns to York on Thursday to set the scene for the second day of the Ebor Festival, covering a full programme that includes Group, Handicap and Listed races. The focus will be on the headline clash – the Group One Legends Global Yorkshire Oaks (3.35) – where last month’s King George victor, Kalpana, is expected to prove irresistible for the Oaks hopeful Minnie Hauk. Kalpada, the brilliant filly who dazzled at Ascot by beating the French mare Calandagan, will now face a fresh test at York.
At Ascot, Aidan O'Brien’s multiple Oaks winner was left 18 lengths behind, a clear indication that Kalpana is operating at a level beyond her peers. This marks the second consecutive lackluster run for Minnie Hauk, and it is hard to imagine her regaining the form needed to close the substantial gap that has opened between her and the King George champion. Even a bout of rain, which is in the forecast, is unlikely to diminish Kalpana’s dominance when she is matched against her own sex. Among the other contenders, David Menuisier’s Inis Mor is worth a look.
She has shown steady improvement, having placed in both the French and Irish Oaks, and under the guidance of Oisin Murphy she could continue her upward trajectory. The race will be a stern test, but Murphy’s experience in extracting the best from a filly could prove decisive. Irish‑trained Juddmonte filly Livenka is also poised to make an impact in the Group Two Sky Bet Lowther Stakes (1.50) at York.
Trained by Ger Lyons, Livenka earned her spot by winning a valuable sales race at Naas by almost four lengths, signalling that she is ready to step up into Pattern company. Although she draws a wide stall, she is not far off from the market favourite Libertango, the Albany winner who narrowly missed extending her unbeaten record in the Group Two Duchess of Cambridge Stakes at Newmarket.
Another strong candidate is Andrew Balding’s Moonrise. The filly finished second in the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot before securing a win in the Princess Margaret Stakes, yet she has been largely overlooked by the ante‑post market.
Her recent form suggests she could be a serious threat in the Lowther, especially if the ground holds up and the pace suits her tactical style. Turning to the British EBF & Sir Henry Cecil Galtres Stakes (4.10), Tom Marquand’s mount Rhapsody, trained by William Haggas, is expected to deliver a solid performance. Rhapsody boasts a Group placing and a course win, but a key rival to watch is Ralph Beckett’s A La Prochaine. Although lightly raced, A La Prochaine impressed in the Cheshire Oaks earlier in the season and then finished fourth in the Epsom Oaks.
Since that run she has been freshened, making her a more sound proposition than the likely favourite Morrophore, whose best performances have come on all‑weather surfaces and who is returning from an eight‑month layoff. The presence of Sun Goddess in the Harry’s Half Million by Goffs (2.25) at York is a reminder of the depth of talent at Ballydoyle.
Aidan O'Brien’s Phoenix Stakes winner is expected to be a short‑priced favourite, especially if Libertango triumphs in the Lowther, which would reinforce the trainer’s dominance in top‑level sales races. Nevertheless, sales events are notoriously unpredictable, and Clive Cox’s unbeaten Satellite Of Love offers value. Carrying over a stone more than Sun Goddess, Satellite Of Love draws a low post and has shown a progressive profile that could translate into a surprise win. Another filly catching attention is Vollering, owned by Archie Watson.
She has already secured black‑type success in France and brings a wealth of experience to the York meeting. Her versatility and proven class make her a contender in any race she contests.
Bullet Point, who returned to form in this month’s Shergar Cup, is poised to improve further in the Sir Kevin Sinfield 7‑In‑7 Grand Finale Handicap (3.00). The previous year’s winner benefited from cheekpieces at Ascot, a piece of equipment that transformed his performance. If the headgear proves effective again, Tom Marquand could have another winning opportunity. Ralph Beckett’s ante‑post favourite Centigrade appears to be a short‑priced option for a horse stepping up from an all‑weather novice.
However, Jack Channon’s Mezcala, a Buckingham Palace Stakes winner, could be a dark horse. Though drawn from stall 17, a favorable draw and a bit of racing luck could see Mezcala thrive at York.
Overall, the second day of the Ebor Festival promises a blend of established Group talent and emerging prospects. Kalpana’s presence as the King George champion sets a high bar, but the depth of the field ensures that there will be plenty of intrigue and potential upsets across the programme. Hollie Doyle, speaking with Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft, highlighted the quality of the entries and the excitement surrounding the upcoming Oaks showdown, underscoring why York remains a focal point for British racing this autumn.