2026 Yorkshire Oaks Tips & Odds: Ed Quigley's Best Bets for York Ebor Day 2

It’s a high-level clash of Fillies and Mares, and we look to have a crackerjack of an encounter on the Knavesmire for Day 2 of the 2026 Ebor Meeting at York. Here, I break down my Ebor Day 2 best bets, with a focus on Yorkshire Oaks tips and odds.

As is often the case in this contest, we have an intriguing dust-up between the older individuals and the Classic generation in what looks like a race to savour. Star Mare, Kalpana looks the one to beat, but there are a whole host of class acts queuing up to challenge her, so who will come out on top?

You can visit the best horse racing betting sites to place your wagers.

Group 1: Yorkshire Oaks Tips (3.35 at York on Thursday, 20 August)

Kalpana will take a lot of stopping here, as she has a stacked CV, 1m4f suits perfectly, and she has three Group 1 wins to her name, including the King George.

In truth, her best form is superb, and the others may struggle to reach it, but the fact that this isn’t at her beloved Ascot leaves the door ajar for others to really serve it up to her. On an additional note, any rain that arrives won’t be an issue for Kalpana, and the Andrew Balding and Colin Keane combination will be looking for more top-level glory.

Can Minnie Hauk Repeat?

Minnie Hauk was a star in 2025 and landed this race 12 months ago. She hasn’t quite looked to have the same zest this season and produced an underwhelming run in the King George behind Kalpana last time out, which means she arrives here under a bit of a cloud.

If she got back in the sort of form which saw her finish second to Ombudsman at Royal Ascot on her penultimate start, then she would be a major player here.

Ryan Moore takes the ride, and it would be daft to rule her out, for all that she isn’t one to trust implicitly.

Johanna Walsh Trending Up

Johanna Walsh is very exciting. She looks like a filly really on an upward curve, and this unexposed 3-year-old hacked up by four lengths in the Irish Oaks last time out, and looks to have a terrific chance.

This daughter of Sea The Stars appeared to benefit from a slightly more restrained ride at the Curragh last time out, whereas when she was second at Royal Ascot behind Earth Shot, she was doing a lot of the donkey work and got mugged. I think this track and ground should be spot on for the Joseph O’Brien runner.

Earth Shot is a Value Pick

I mentioned Earth Shot, who got the better of Johanna Walsh at Ascot, before finishing a well-beaten sixth behind her last time out, albeit slightly hampered (when beaten).

She wouldn’t be a million miles away if she reproduced her Royal Ascot performance, and an each-way case can be made for the Wathan Racing runner, who is a massive price for the upset with James Doyle in the saddle.

Ed Quigley’s Yorkshire Oaks Trifecta Tips

• First: Johanna Walsh 5.50, bet365
• Second: Kalpana 2.20, bet365
• Third: Minnie Hauk 4.50, bet365

All odds via bet365.

Best Bets for Day 2 of Ebor Meet

There was something about the performance of Star Of State at Leopardstown which really had the X-Factor feel about it, and I think she could give favourite Libertango plenty to think about. Her raw form naturally leaves her with a bit to find, but I think she looks to have gears to burn and looks just the type who could land the Lowther at 1.50.

Ed’s York Picks for Thursday

• Race 1 winner (1.50) – Star Of State 3.25, bet365
• Race 2 winner (2.25) – Sun Goddess 2.00, bet365
• Race 3 winner (3.00) – Blue Brother 9.50, bet365
• Race 4 winner (3.35) – Johanna Walsh 5.50, bet365
• Race 5 winner (4.10) – Rhapsody 7.00, bet365
• Race 6 winner (4.45) – Weleyff 6.50, bet365
• Race 7 winner (5.20) – Starlight Lass 3.75, bet365

Discover additional horse betting tips today.