Kevin Blake of Sky Sports Racing has laid out his top three choices as the Ebor Festival at York draws to a close on the fourth day, a Saturday that promises another fiercely contested card. The weather has not been kind to York this week, with the ground softening and adding an extra layer of difficulty for the runners. Nevertheless, Blake remains optimistic that the festival can end on a high note, and he has highlighted three horses that he believes could deliver strong performances despite the testing conditions.
The first race Blake points to 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. Blake recalls that Archivist was his pick for the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot earlier in the season. Although the horse did not manage to deliver on that occasion, he rebounded spectacularly in his very next start, overcoming a daunting post position of 20 in the Golden Mile at Glorious Goodwood.
Not only did Archivist navigate the unfavorable draw, but he also finished with a comfortable margin, a performance that signalled his readiness to compete at stakes level. The Strensall Stakes, run over a similar distance on a course that should suit his running style, offers a perfect platform for him to continue his upward trajectory.
While the soft ground may pose a minor inconvenience, Blake believes it will not hinder Archivist’s chances. He acknowledges that the horse has drawn a slightly wider gate than ideal, but given the generous odds, a strong run from Archivist would not be surprising at all. The second selection comes from the Sky Bet Constantine Handicap, which kicks off at 4:10 p.m.
This race is another highly competitive sprint handicap, and Blake has his sights set on Dance In The Storm, trained by Andrew Balding. The betting market has shown a great deal of confidence in this filly, as evidenced by her strong support across her four starts this season.
Blake interprets this backing as an indication that she may be operating above the typical handicap level. Although Dance In The Storm has claimed two victories out of four starts over seven furlongs, her recent performances suggest she is developing the kind of speed and versatility that could translate well to a shorter distance.
The step down in trip could unlock further improvement, allowing her to showcase her acceleration and tactical speed. Blake notes that while she will need to overcome a career‑high weight assignment, the change in distance could be the catalyst that propels her to a winning effort. He describes her as a compelling contender whose form merits serious consideration from punters looking for value.
The final pick for the day is the Sky Bet Dav Reid Finale Handicap, slated for a 5:20 p.m. start.
Here Blake backs Diego El Queso, a four‑year‑old trained by Ger Lyons. Diego El Queso has shown a clear progression over the season, beginning with a confident handicap win at Leopardstown in April. Following that victory, the horse enjoyed a 12‑week spell, which Blake believes was a strategic lay‑off designed to bring the horse back fresher and stronger.
Upon returning to the track, Diego El Queso delivered an impressive second‑place finish to Thread Of Gold in a valuable Leopardstown handicap, a performance that has been highlighted by the winning horse’s subsequent successes. Although he was well‑fancied for a similar race at Glorious Goodwood, the race did not unfold in his favour, yet he still managed a respectable sixth‑place finish, indicating his underlying ability.
Blake argues that Diego El Queso possesses the class to outperform that result, especially given the combination of the York course, the distance, and the forgiving ground conditions, all of which align with his strengths. He expects the horse to mount a bold challenge for the win and provide a satisfying conclusion to the festival.
Overall, Blake’s three selections reflect a blend of proven form, strategic placement, and the capacity to adapt to the softer going that has characterised York’s tracks this week. Archivist offers a value bet with a proven ability to overcome challenging draws; Dance In The Storm presents a versatile sprinter whose recent development suggests she could thrive over a shorter trip; and Diego El Queso embodies a rising talent primed to capitalize on favorable conditions. As the Ebor Festival reaches its finale, Blake’s insights give punters a roadmap to navigate the complexities of the day’s races, offering both confidence and excitement for the final outcomes.