Weekend Winners: Kate, Sam, and Declan Share Their Ebor Picks

The panel, consisting of Kate Tracey, Sam Boswell, and Declan Rix, focused their attention on York's premier event, the Sky Bet Ebor Handicap. With a full field of 22 horses competing, trainer Willie Mullins is aiming for his third Ebor victory in four years. His contenders, Love Me Tender and Mr Hollywood, are hoping to emulate the success of Ethical Diamond, who went on to win the Breeders' Cup Turf after triumphing in the York feature.

Declan Rix's Pick: Spinning Wheel

Declan Rix of Attheraces.com initially preferred horses that race prominently, recalling how the tactical nature of last year's Ebor favored such types, leading to a Breeders' Cup Turf winner. He believes horses that can maintain a forward position are well-suited to the conditions.

Rix highlights Spinning Wheel, noting that while the horse has typically been ridden with a forward plan, a recent change to a more withdrawn ride might not have been intended to win but has left the horse in excellent condition. Despite carrying a penalty for that last performance, Spinning Wheel is still considered £1 'well-in' according to official ratings, a figure further reduced by jockey Mason Paetel's 5lb claim. Rix also points to the horse's low, knee-action movement as beneficial for the ground conditions and the current strong form of trainers Crisfords, who are operating at a 31% strike rate.

Kate Tracey's Pick: Love Me Tender

Host Kate Tracey admits that Love Me Tender goes against her usual preferences, but she finds herself drawn to the horse for this race. She describes him as a large, scopey galloper who possesses the turn of foot and battle-hardened qualities needed for the Ebor. While acknowledging he might not appear overtly experienced, she trusts Willie Mullins' ability to prepare his horses to be incredibly hardy. The fact that Love Me Tender was acquired for €180,000 and remains relatively unexposed is a significant plus. The booking of William Buick, a favorable draw in stall 15, and Mullins' two previous Ebor wins solidify Tracey's selection.

Sam Boswell's Pick: Emit

Sam Boswell of BetVictor observes that the Ebor Handicap has seen an increase in quality in recent years. He notes that betting on a Willie Mullins horse is often a sound strategy for this race, and both of Mullins' entrants are compelling. However, Boswell couldn't strongly endorse them due to reservations about the German form. Instead, he leans towards Emit, trained by Joseph O'Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore. Boswell is particularly impressed by Emit's fourth-place finish at Royal Ascot and believes the horse has more potential. He sees the return to a longer trip as beneficial and praises Emit's battle-hardened nature, which is crucial for this demanding race. He also commends the partnership of O'Brien and Moore, noting their current strong form.