The trio of Kate Tracey, Sam Boswell and Declan Rix turned their attention to York’s marquee race, the Sky Bet Ebor Handicap, for a thorough analysis. With a maximum starting gate of 22 runners, trainer Willie Mullins was aiming to secure his third victory in four editions of the Ebor on Saturday. His two entries, Love Me Tender and Mr Hollywood, were both looking to emulate the recent success of Ethical Diamond, the horse that went on to win the Breeders’ Cup Turf after triumphing in the York feature. "I wasn’t necessarily looking for a classic hold‑up runner because last year’s race unfolded in a very tactical manner and was ultimately won by a horse that later captured a Breeders’ Cup title.
The horses that were on the pace performed admirably, and I wanted a contender that could replicate that kind of running style," one of the panelists explained. The discussion then shifted to Spinning Wheel, a horse that has spent most of its career racing prominently.
"In his last outing he was dropped almost to the rear, and honestly I’m not sure the plan was to win – it seemed more like a tactical move. The upside is that he returned in great shape. He will carry a penalty for that performance, but even with the added weight he is still officially just one pound under the handicap mark.
On top of that, Mason Paetel will be taking another five pounds off his burden. Physically, he rides low to the ground with a slight knee action, and horses with that kind of action tend to handle this type of ground better than most. Moreover, the Crisfords are in top form, boasting a 31 per cent strike‑rate, their string of horses are fit and thriving," the commentator added. The panel reminded listeners that they could stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and features on their mobile devices, encouraging them to explore further content.
When the conversation turned to Love Me Tender, another Mullins runner, the tone changed. "This is the opposite of a profile I would normally champion, and I had to question myself while preparing for this race, but I’m being drawn to Love Me Tender.
He’s a big, rangy galloper and this race demands a horse with a turn of foot and battle‑hardened experience. While you could argue he lacks a proven record, Mullins’ horses are never inexperienced – they are simply trained to be tough. He was purchased for €180,000, remains completely unexposed at this level, and William Buick will be aboard.
I like his draw in post 15, and Mullins has won two of the last three Ebors," the panelist continued. The hosts reminded the audience that Sky Sports Racing provides the latest horse‑racing news, interviews and feature stories, inviting fans to stay engaged. The discussion concluded with a broader view of the race’s evolving quality.
"The Ebor has improved dramatically in recent years. When you look at the trends, you’re inclined to back a Willie Mullins horse, and both of his entries are intriguing.
You have to respect his knack for targeting and winning this race. I didn’t select either of his runners solely because I couldn’t construct a compelling case for the German form, even though I have great respect for Mullins.
"I thought Joseph O’Brien and Ryan Moore might be the right connections for Emit, an interesting runner who has a strong fourth‑place finish at Royal Ascot. There’s still potential for more to emerge; he’s a solid type, battle‑hardened – exactly what you want in this contest – and stepping up in distance could be advantageous.
I’m eager to see how he performs. He has the right jockey in Ryan Moore, and Joseph O’Brien is currently on a roll," they concluded. Overall, the panel’s insights highlighted the strategic considerations surrounding the Sky Bet Ebor Handicap, from weight penalties and ground preferences to trainer form and jockey pairings, offering fans a comprehensive preview of one of York’s most anticipated events.