Kevin Blake's Nunthorpe Pick
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Kevin Blake’s 33/1 Nunthorpe pick: York day three tips
As the Ebor Festival at York reaches its halfway mark, the action on and off the track has been a microcosm for the very essence of the racing industry. Big-priced winners continue to defy expectations, leaving punters bewildered and scratching their heads. The arrival of rain has only added to the unpredictability, making this year’s event an even more intriguing spectacle.
The Coolmore City Of Troy Nunthorpe Stakes, the main event of day three, is shaping up to be a thrilling contest. With surprise winners having plagued the sprinting division in Europe over the past few years, this year’s contenders have their work cut out for them. Amidst the chaos, one outsider has caught the eye of Sky Sports Racing expert Kevin Blake: Starlust, trained by Ralph Beckett.
Starlust is an enigmatic five-year-old with a chequered career to say the least. After finishing third in this very race two years ago, he was retired to stud in Australia, where he sired 70 mares. However, his connections were less than satisfied with his fertility rate and made the unorthodox decision to return him to training with Beckett.
Starlust’s recent progression suggests he is indeed building towards a big run. His never-nearer fourth in a Listed race over this course and distance last time out was particularly promising. Moreover, he has shown an affinity for York in the past, including when conditions were far from ideal – a fact that adds to his appeal.
While some may view Starlust’s chances as a long shot, there is method to Kevin Blake’s selection. His decision to seek out an outsider with potential rather than sticking with more obvious contenders speaks to a deeper understanding of the sport. This approach is a testament to the unpredictability that makes racing so captivating – anything can happen on any given day.
In stark contrast to Starlust’s underdog status, Aidan O’Brien-trained Oklahoma looks like a strong contender in the British Stallion Farms EBF Convivial Maiden Stakes. Out of Hydrangea and making a promising debut when second to Giant Sequoia, he has the looks of a potential winner.
The unpredictable nature of racing is its greatest charm. As we witness the drama unfold on the Knavesmire, it’s clear that this year’s Ebor Festival will be no exception – and perhaps more than ever before. The action on day three at York promises to be just as thrilling, with Starlust set to take center stage in the Nunthorpe Stakes. Will he prove to be the surprise winner many are predicting, or will Oklahoma live up to his promise? Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain – the Ebor Festival has already delivered a week of unforgettable racing moments, and there’s still plenty more to come.
Reader Views
- JHJess H. · thru-hiker
While I agree with Kevin Blake's assessment of Starlust as a potential dark horse, I'm not convinced his pedigree is as irrelevant as some might suggest. His stint in Australia may have been less than stellar from a breeding perspective, but the fact that he was sent back to Beckett for re-training implies there's more to him than meets the eye. What's really interesting is how Starlust's form has held up in varying conditions - including those less than ideal for sprinters like himself. Does that adaptability count for something?
- MTMarko T. · expedition guide
While I applaud Kevin Blake's willingness to think outside the box with Starlust, I still have some reservations about this selection. The Nunthorpe is notoriously unpredictable, and in a field of proven sprinters, it's hard to see how an unproven horse like Starlust will factor into the mix. Beckett has certainly worked wonders with his charge, but I worry that he'll be too keen out of the gate and burn himself out. A spot on the board might not be out of the question, but winning at 33/1? That's a long shot even by my book.
- TTThe Trail Desk · editorial
While Kevin Blake's selection of Starlust may seem like a speculative punt on paper, those familiar with Beckett's training methods will appreciate the underlying logic. The yard has a history of coaxing improved performances from older horses with a change of environment and a fresh approach to their preparation. With York's unpredictable weather conditions likely to test the mettle of even the most seasoned sprinters, it's possible that Starlust's experience on this track and Beckett's tactical nous could prove the decisive factors in what promises to be an intriguing Nunthorpe Stakes.