Blake backs 33/1 Starlust for Nunthorpe Stakes on Ebor Festival day three
Sky Sports Racing expert Kevin Blake has identified a long-shot in the Group 1 sprint and an Aidan O’Brien-trained contender in the maiden stakes for Friday’s card at York.
The third day of the York Ebor Festival, which marks the halfway stage of the meeting, is headlined by the Coolmore City Of Troy Nunthorpe Stakes. Sky Sports Racing expert Kevin Blake has released two selections for the Knavesmire card, placing particular emphasis on the Group 1 sprint scheduled for 3:35 pm.
Blake’s primary pick is Starlust, a five-year-old trained by Ralph Beckett, who is offered at 33/1. The selection is based on the horse’s recent form and a demonstrated affinity for the York track. Blake noted that while the sprinting division has seen a surge in big-priced winners in recent years, the arrival of rain prior to the race increases the scope for an unexpected result.
Starlust’s profile is described as quirky, having been a top five-furlong performer two years ago. The horse finished third in the Nunthorpe Stakes and won the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar before being retired to stud in Australia. Due to fertility concerns, his connections returned him to training with Beckett. Although his return to action at Carlisle and the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot were not successful, he showed promise in a Listed race at York last time out.
Blake acknowledged that such career revivals do not always succeed but suggested that Starlust’s progression indicates he is building towards a significant run. The expert highlighted that the horse has shown a particular liking for York in the past, including when there was ease in the ground, making this a potential day to chance him at a very big price.
The second selection is Oklahoma, trained by Aidan O’Brien, in the British Stallion Farms EBF Convivial Maiden Stakes at 4:45 pm. This race is considered one of the most valuable maidens on the calendar and has attracted a strong field. Oklahoma is a son of Wootton Bassett out of Hydrangea, who finished second to Giant Sequoia on debut.
Despite a third-place finish in a recent maiden at Killarney, Blake expects Oklahoma to be tough to beat. The addition of cheekpieces and the larger track at York are expected to assist the horse, with the expert noting that one of the unexposed runners would need to be very good to overcome him.
