Kevin Blake's Ebor Festival Day Two Selections: Top Picks for York Races

Sky Sports Racing expert Kevin Blake shares his top three selections for the second day of the Ebor Festival at York on Thursday. While the feature races promise world-class competition, the supporting card may present the most promising betting opportunities.

Sir Kevin Sinfield 7 In 7 Grand Finale Handicap (3:00 PM)

The Sir Kevin Sinfield 7 In 7 Grand Finale Handicap is a challenging race, but William Haggas's charge, BULLET POINT, is a strong contender. This five-year-old won the same race last year from a handicap mark of 100, benefiting from a favorable draw and a smooth run. Although his subsequent career hasn't progressed as expected, including a disappointing trip to Australia and a six-month layoff, his connections may have strategically prepared him for this event. He has shown promise in recent valuable handicaps, and his latest run at the Shergar Cup, where he finished second after a 12-week break, indicates good form. Running off the same mark of 101, and despite a slightly less advantageous draw this year, Bullet Point remains a leading prospect.

Mews Hotel Ossett EBF Stallions Nursery (4:45 PM)

In the Mews Hotel Ossett EBF Stallions Nursery, the Hugo Palmer-trained MIA FANTASIA is highlighted. Previously tipped for a valuable nursery at Glorious Goodwood, Mia Fantasia faced significant trouble in running, making his performance better than the final result suggests. His earlier win at Carlisle on debut, after overcoming inexperience, and a competitive showing in a smart novice contest at Ascot (won by the subsequent Vintage Stakes winner Dr Rascal) demonstrate his potential. A handicap mark of 79 appears very fair, and the experience gained at Goodwood should prove beneficial, positioning him for a strong performance.

British EBF Fillies' Handicap (5:20 PM)

For the British EBF Fillies' Handicap, another highly competitive event, attention turns to the lower end of the weights with the Ed Walker-trained SECRET HISTORY. This three-year-old has already secured three victories this year, including a significant win in a valuable seven-furlong handicap at Newmarket in July. Despite a 4lb rise and a subsequent attempt at a shorter six-furlong trip in a valuable fillies' handicap at Glorious Goodwood, where she finished a well-beaten third, she showed promise, suggesting the shorter distance was not ideal. A return to this trip is expected to suit her perfectly, making her a strong contender with excellent prospects.