Kevin Blake of Sky Sports Racing has laid out his three top picks as the Ebor Festival at York reaches its final day on Saturday, promising another fiercely contested card. The week has been marked by unsettled weather at York, leaving the going softer than usual and adding an extra layer of difficulty for the runners. Assuming everything goes smoothly, Blake hopes the weekend can end on a positive note for punters and connections alike.
The first race that catches Blake's eye is the Sky Bet Strensall Stakes, scheduled to start at 1:50 p.m. Among the entries, the most attractively priced contender is Archivist, trained by Hamad Al Jehani. Long‑time followers of Blake will remember that he backed Archivist in the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot; although the horse fell short on that occasion, he quickly redeemed himself in his next start, conquering a daunting 20‑horse field in the Golden Mile at Glorious Goodwood.
Not only did he overcome the massive draw, he did so with room to spare, signalling that he is ready to compete at stakes level. The Strensall Stakes distance and the flat, yielding surface at York should suit his style, and while his draw isn’t ideal, the generous odds make a strong run from him a realistic prospect. The second selection comes in the Sky Bet Constantine Handicap, which kicks off at 4:10 p.m. This race is another highly competitive sprint handicap, but Blake is prepared to place a wager on Dance In The Storm, a filly trained by Andrew Balding.
The betting market has consistently shown confidence in her, backing her heavily in each of her four starts this season. Such support suggests that many view her as being above the typical handicap level. Although she has already claimed two victories over seven furlongs this year, her recent form indicates she may be improving and could respond positively to a shorter trip. The step down in distance could unlock a new level of performance, and Blake believes she presents a compelling value proposition for bettors seeking a fresh angle.
Finally, Blake turns his attention to the closing race of the day, the Sky Bet Dav Reid Finale Handicap, slated for a 5:20 p.m. start. His pick for this contest is Diego El Queso, a four‑year‑old trained by Ger Lyons.
Diego El Queso has shown a clear upward trajectory, having won a handicap at Leopardstown in April with a convincing effort before disappearing from the scene for twelve weeks – a spell that likely involved a spell or a minor setback. Upon his return, he produced a striking performance, finishing a close second to Thread Of Gold in a valuable Leopardstown handicap. That runner‑up finish was highlighted by the subsequent success of Thread Of Gold, underscoring the quality of Diego El Queso’s effort.
He was also well‑regarded for a similar race at Glorious Goodwood, where a mishap prevented him from delivering his best, yet he still managed a respectable sixth place, catching the eye of observers. Blake believes Diego El Queso possesses more ability than his recent results have fully displayed.
The combination of York’s forgiving ground, the race distance, and his proven ability to handle soft conditions all point toward a strong showing. With the added incentive of a generous payout on his odds, Blake expects the four‑year‑old to mount a serious challenge for a place, if not a win, and to provide a satisfying conclusion to the festival’s final day. Overall, Blake’s three selections reflect a blend of proven form, favorable conditions, and value odds. The softening ground at York has created a set of variables that could benefit horses with a proven ability to handle yielding surfaces, and each of his picks fits that profile in some way.
Whether you are a seasoned punter or a casual fan, Blake’s insights offer a useful framework for navigating the complexities of day four at the Ebor Festival. Good luck to all who place bets, and may the day end on a high note for both horses and their connections.