Debt owes Carr nothing but big local win would be 'pretty special'

Another fantastic Ebor meeting comes to an end with a card headlined by the famous handicap itself. From start to finish there is much to enjoy...

1.55 York: Betfred Mobile Strensall Stakes

The Ebor meeting's final day opens with a Group 3 that could have an extremely popular local winner, that horse being the North Yorkshire-based Sovereign Debt, who pops over to the Knavesmire having already pocketed three valuable wins for trainer Ruth Carr.

The eight-year-old, who struck in Doha for the late David Nicholls in February, has subsequently scored at Lingfield, Sandown and Epsom, but must concede weight to all his rivals, including last year's Arlington Million winner Mondialiste, Master The World and Mustashry.

"It would be pretty special for us to win a race on the big Saturday of the Ebor meeting," said Carr, who is nevertheless playing down the prospects of that happening.

"He's been a superstar for us this year but it's hard for him now he has a Group 2 penalty.

"Nothing panned out right last time at Ascot. He was stuck out wide and it became a bit disappointing. However, the winner that day [Mutakayyef] left the course injured, which put things for us into perspective.

"He's racing against younger, up and coming horses, so will need to be at his best, but he's in good form and has been out in the paddock enjoying himself in the sun."

Skelton: Qaviy Cash has plenty of talent

2.25 York: Betfred Melrose Handicap

The furious fight for places makes it desperately hard for a three-year-old to get into the Ebor, but the Melrose provides the younger generation with a valuable compensation prize.

Among the 20 hopefuls is a rare Flat runner for Dan Skelton, who as well as setting a fierce pace in the jumps trainers' championship could collect this £105,000 handicap with Qaviy Cash, bought for 85,000gns last month.

"We're well aware of how competitive this race is," said Skelton. "Qaviy Cash has plenty of talent and a run in a race like this will tell us where to go next."

The hat-trick-seeking Intellect is an obvious contender for Sir Michael Stoute, but also worthy of note is the William Haggas-trained The Grand Visir.

Five years ago Haggas won the Melrose with Guarantee, who went on to run in the St Leger. Also entered in the Doncaster Classic is The Grand Visir, successful in a four-runner affair at Newmarket last time.

"He’s improving," said Haggas. "It’s a step up in class, but he’s done everything right so far and is getting better. We’re putting cheekpieces back on to help him in a big field."

Carroll hoping for change in fortune with Abel

4.10 York: Julia Graves Roses Stakes

There would be no more popular winner of this Listed juveniles' dash than Abel Handy, on the basis he represents trainer Declan Carroll, whose stable star Santry, a Royal Ascot second in June, suffered a fatal gallops injury last week. The York winner was being trained to run in the Gimcrack Stakes on this card.

"It's been terrible," said Carroll. "We're gutted but have to keep our chins up.

"Losing him would have been a big blow to any yard. He was a smashing horse, out of the top drawer, and had a big future."

Of Abel Handy, a Thirsk winner three weeks ago, Carroll said: "He's in good form but would need to run a personal best to win. We do like him but he's going to be a nicer three-year-old than two-year-old."

Carroll is also represented in the following 1m2f handicap, and said of Save The Bees: "He's never run off such a light weight before and likes to scrap. He has a sporting chance."

McNamara: Copper Knight is the class horse

5.15 York: Betfred Apprentice Handicap

The festival finishes with Britain's richest race restricted to apprentices.

On this day last year Adam McNamara bagged an even more valuable cheque when steering Heartbreak City to Ebor Handicap glory.

Even so, winning this sprint on the Tim Easterby-trained Copper Knight would equate to a very nice day's work.

Adam McNamara is one of the apprentices competing in the £70,000 York finaleCredit: Grossick Racing Photography 0771

"This is a big stage on a big day for apprentices, so it's great York puts on the race and everyone with a ride is delighted," said McNamara.

"I'd say Copper Knight has a good chance. He's the class horse in the race and I've been booked to ride him for about a week."

Read exclusive previews of the final day of the Ebor festival from 6pm tonight daily on racingpost.com