Kevin Blake of Sky Sports Racing shares his three top picks as the Ebor Festival at York reaches its climactic fourth day on Saturday. The meeting has been hampered by unsettled weather, leaving the turf softer than usual and adding an extra layer of difficulty for both horses and jockeys.
Nonetheless, Blake remains optimistic that the final day can deliver a strong finish to an otherwise challenging week. The first race Blake highlights is the Sky Bet Strensall Stakes, scheduled to start at 1:50 p.m. Among the runners, the most intriguing value bet appears to be the Hamad Al Jehani‑trained colt Archivist. Long‑time followers of Blake will recall that he backed Archivist in the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot; although the horse did not deliver on the day, he rebounded spectacularly in his next start, conquering a daunting draw of 20 in the Golden Mile at Glorious Goodwood.
That victory not only proved his resilience but also signalled that he was ready to compete at a higher, stakes‑level standard. The Strensall Stakes, with its similar course configuration and distance, should suit Archivist perfectly. The soft ground that has been a concern throughout the week is unlikely to hinder him, and while his post position is a little farther out than ideal, the odds on him are generous enough to make a big run a realistic expectation.
In short, Blake believes a decisive performance from Archivist would not be surprising at all. The second selection comes in the Sky Bet Constantine Handicap, which kicks off at 4:10 p.m.
This race is another fiercely contested sprint handicap, and Blake is inclined to place his confidence in the Andrew Balding‑trained mare Dance In The Storm. The betting market has consistently offered strong support for this filly across her four starts this season, suggesting that punters view her as being above the typical handicap level. Although she has recorded two wins out of four over seven furlongs, her recent form indicates she may be primed for a shorter trip. The reduction in distance could unlock a new level of speed, allowing her to capitalize on her natural acceleration.
While she will need to overcome a career‑high weight assignment, the change in trip could provide the catalyst for further improvement. Blake finds her an especially compelling contender and feels she merits backing. The final pick for the day is the Ger Lyons‑trained four‑year‑old Diego El Queso, entered in the Sky Bet Dav Reid Finale Handicap at 5:20 p.m. Diego El Queso has shown a clear upward trajectory this season.
He captured a handicap at Leopardstown in April with authority before disappearing for a twelve‑week spell, which likely served as a strategic lay‑off. Upon returning, he delivered an impressive second‑place finish to Thread Of Gold in a valuable handicap back at Leopardstown, a performance that has been highlighted by the winner’s subsequent successes.
He was also well‑regarded for a comparable race at Glorious Goodwood, but a mishap in that contest saw him finish sixth despite showing a glimpse of his true ability. Blake believes that the combination of the York track, the distance, and the forgiving ground conditions will play to Diego El Queso’s strengths, allowing him to mount a serious challenge for a winning payout. Overall, Blake’s three recommendations reflect a blend of value, form, and suitability to the day’s unique conditions. Archivist offers a long‑odds chance that could yield a substantial return if he replicates his Goodwood brilliance.
Dance In The Storm presents a well‑balanced option, with market confidence indicating she may be underrated in a sprint handicap. Finally, Diego El Queso appears poised to capitalize on a favorable setup after a period of rest, making him a strong contender for the finale.
Racing enthusiasts are encouraged to consider these insights when placing their bets, as the soft ground and competitive fields promise an exciting conclusion to the Ebor Festival.