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'If you win the Ebor you're a bloody legend!' - key quotes as 20 go for glory

Euchen Glen -Paul Mulrennan wins from the fieldThe Davies Insurance Services Gala Stakes (Listed Race)Sandown Park 2.7.21©mark cranhamphoto.com
Euchen Glen: represents Jim Goldie in the EborCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Saturday: 3.35 York
Sky Bet Ebor Handicap | 1m6f | 4yo+ | ITV/RTV

According to the handicapper, the best horse in the Ebor field is Euchen Glen. There is little doubt there could be no more popular winner of the race, either.

Since finishing fifth in the Ebor 12 months ago, owner William Johnstone's veteran has shown he is getting better with age, his performances including wins in a trio of Group 3s.

Aside from a rare flop at Haydock two weeks ago, the eight-year-old has been consistently delighting his fans, on three occasions running to a Racing Post Rating of 119, including when landing the Brigadier Gerard Stakes. That meant a lot to trainer Jim Goldie and jockey Paul Mulrennan. Both are sure this would mean more.

"I'm buzzing about it," said Goldie. "Paul and I are really excited and we would both love him to win. Group races are fine but if you win the Ebor you're a bloody legend!"

Assessing Euchen Glen's prospects, Goldie added: "Some folk say it's impossible for him to win. I think I must have entered him by accident because even the owner thinks he can't win from a stone higher in the ratings than last year.

"Last time at Haydock we gave them a start but Paul looked after him when it was obvious he couldn't win. I might also have run him back too quick that day but he was hardly blowing when he was just touched off the time before at Goodwood. We've got stall one so we'll be going the shortest route, and he's already won a John Smith's Cup at the track.

"He has consistently run to a very good rating and on his day I think he is a 120-horse. Some of his performances do beggar belief and I don't even think we have seen the best of him yet — maybe we will on Saturday."


What they say

Roger Varian, trainer of Fujaira Prince
He's in great form. It's a big ask off his weight and any rain will help him.

William Haggas, trainer of Ilaraab, Pablo Escobarr and Roberto Escobarr
Ilaraab will run and will love the ground if it rains, whereas Roberto probably won't like it if it rains as he's more of a top-of-the-ground horse, but he's a good stayer and goes well at the track. Pablo is Pablo, he ran a solid race last weekend and Tom felt he was a bit too 'on it' in the blinkers so we've gone to cheekpieces. He'll run well.

Last year's winner Fujaira Prince is trying to become only the second horse to win the Ebor twice
Last year's winner Fujaira Prince is trying to become only the second horse to win the Ebor twiceCredit: Edward Whitaker

Ismail Mohammed, trainer of Away He Goes
He has a very big chance. There was a race in France for him, and there won't be many runners in it, but the ground is soft there and he doesn't like it, so I thought it would be wasting our time running there. He was cruising for a long way at Goodwood and I thought he was going to win. He is a quality horse with a long stride and after the Ebor he'll be going to Australia for the Melbourne Cup.

David Menuisier, trainer of Blue Cup
It's a bit of a punt but it's worth having a go because of the prize-money. He was running over 7f in France but there is stamina on his dam's side and when he relaxes he travels sweetly and quickens. He would only run if the rain comes. He ran well on good to firm at Ascot, but then didn't go a yard on it last time at Newbury.

Johnny Murtagh, trainer of Sonnyboyliston and Mirann
Everything has gone smoothly in terms of their preparations and this race has been the plan. They've both got plenty of weight and it's a very competitive race but hopefully they go there with good, solid chances.

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Sonnyboyliston, pictured after taking Listed honours at Limerick in JuneCredit: Patrick McCann

John Gosden, joint-trainer of Humanitarian
He doesn't run often as he's quite a delicate horse but he has been training nicely and he fits quite well into the race. He needs cover, which no doubt he'll get in a field of 22.

Willie Mullins, trainer of Mt Leinster
We skipped Galway to run here and he will love this trip and ground. He hasn't got a great draw but he's in terrific form and must have a fantastic each-way chance.

Mt Leinster is attempting to give Willie Mullins his second Ebor triumph
Mt Leinster is attempting to give Willie Mullins his second Ebor triumphCredit: Patrick McCann

Jeff Smith, owner of Tribal Craft
The style of the Ebor could suit her very well as they go a great gallop and she loves to come from well off the pace.

Hughie Morrison, trainer of Quickthorn
He's got every right to be there and he won what I would consider to be one of the major trials for the race. I think we'll try and forget about his run at York the other day. He seems in good form but he would appreciate some rain.


Saturday's race previews:

1.50 York: fast-improving Real World out to continue march towards Group 1s in Strensall

2.05 Sandown: will the Queen's Reach For The Moon be another winning Solario favourite?

2.25 York: can King Of The Castle lay one more ghost to rest for late sire Galileo?

3.00 York: Walker hoping things fall right again for exciting Primo Bacio on Knavesmire

Big-race analysis: do you need a Group horse for the Ebor? Keith Melrose is not convinced (Members' Club)


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Lee MottersheadSenior writer

Published on 20 August 2021inPreviews

Last updated 14:43, 21 August 2021

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