Trainer views and verdicts of the key runners in the Ebor

William Haggas, trainer of Raheen House and Al Muffrih
The Ebor will be Raheen House's next race. He was raised 5lb for his neck defeat in the Silver Cup so the only thing I can guarantee is that he'll get in. He's very well and if we could just get a bit of rain on the day that would really accentuate his chances. Al Muffrih has an issue at the moment which is holding us up. My plan has always been to go to Goodwood and if he won to go for the Ebor, but I don't think he's going to make Goodwood. He needs another race firstly to get in, and also to get focused. But he’s a very talented horse and the Ebor would be right up his street.

Roger Charlton, trainer of Withhold
He's come out of the Marsh Cup very well, looks great and is very fresh. We're still thinking about whether to go for the Lonsdale or the Ebor. I don’t think there’s any need to make an immediate decision and we'll think about it nearer the time. He’s up to 113 which is quite a lot of lead to carry. I think things like the different trip and the potential for a poor draw have to be factored in. We know he stays well but it would be tough, as it should be for that sort of prize-money. It is a very big and tempting prize.

Charlie Johnston, assistant to Mark Johnston, trainer of Baghdad, King's Advice, Austrian School and Communique
Baghdad was a bit below-par at Newmarket in the Princess of Wales's Stakes but it was quite a muddling race and Communique controlled it from the front. I'd be hopeful he's better than he showed there and he's effective in big-field handicaps. King's Advice looked as good, if not better than ever, last time and has gone from a mark of 71 to 108. He was really impressive in that tough Newmarket handicap and could go to Goodwood first. We've had the Ebor in mind for Austrian School for quite a while, although he has been disappointing since Musselburgh and running well behind Dee Ex Bee at Sandown. Communique is not guaranteed to run despite the £1 million prize-money. He's won two Group 2s and should be targeted at winning a Group 1. He's the most unlikely runner of the squad.