Our star columnist guides you through his runners

Richard Fahey York runners: Guide to Thursday team

By Richard Fahey

Horse Racing

Thu August 21, 2025 · 4M ago

Our columnist with a guide to his runners on the second day of the Sky Bet Ebor Festival.

Thursday

14:25 Cotai Belle

Cotai Belle³³

Age: 2| Weight: 8-11| J: Billy Garritty| T: R A Fahey| OR: 81| D

11/1

I was a little disappointed with her in the Weatherbys Super Sprint at Newbury last time but my worry going into that race was would she be quick enough for five furlongs there and she wasn’t.

She needs to step up clearly in this but there’s money down to tenth and all of my three will be looking to pick up some of it.

14:25 Boston Dan

Boston Dan¹⁹

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: O J Orr| T: R A Fahey| OR: 75

66/1

He’s in good order and Oisin Orr has chosen to ride him but he needs a career best – and by some way – to trouble some of those with bigger ratings. Again though there’s plenty of prize money on offer.

Racing Podcast: Sky Bet Ebor Festival preview

14:25 Cosmic Clarets

Cosmic Clarets^b1¹⁷

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: Cam Hardie| T: R A Fahey| OR: 73

80/1

I’ve stuck a pair of blinkers on him after he never raised a gallop in Ireland last time and he’s absolutely flown in them at home. I hope they have the same effect on the track because on what they do at Musley Bank he’d be the pick of my three but after that run at Naas I can see why Oisin has made the decision he did.

16:45 Advance Twentyfive

Advance Twentyfive³¹

Age: 2| Weight: 8-11| J: S A Gray| T: R A Fahey| OR: 78

28/1

It’s a big ask for him running in a nursery as competitive as this but he’s a lovely horse who we’ve always liked. He’s sure to win races down the line but it would be a bit of a pleasant surprise if he started with this one but we’ll give it a go.