William Haggas readying four-strong squad in search of elusive first Ebor

William Haggas loves nothing more than a winner at York and will ready a four-strong attack in his bid for a first victory in the showpiece Sky Bet Ebor Handicap on Saturday.

Ilaraab and Hamish boast 2-2 course records and are the shortest-priced of the Haggas-trained four at 14-1, while Roberto Escobarr, another dual course winner, is 16-1 and Pablo Escobarr is available at 25-1.

Ilaraab finished eighth in the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot on his last outing while Hamish, owned and bred by Haggas's father Brian, arrives off a 428-day layoff.

Hamish won the Melrose Handicap at this meeting in 2019 and finished fourth in the Hardwicke on his sole start last year – but needs rain in the lead-up to take his chance.

3.35 York Saturday: Ebor Handicap racecard and betting

Faylaq and Favorite Moon are other Haggas-trained runners in the £500,000 handicap but are unlikely to make the cut, with 58 remaining entries at the five day-stage and a maximum field of 22 runners.

Haggas, who operated at a 35 per cent strike-rate in the past fortnight prior to Monday evening's racing, said: "Two of them won't get in, they were left in with the intention of getting our money back if they don't get a run, but the other four are all intended runners, but they're ground dependant.

"Hamish needs some rain, and so does Ilaraab really although he might run anyway. The two Escobarr's are definite runners unless it's a quagmire, in which case Roberto won't run but the other two will.

"It's very possible if it's good ground all four of them will run. Hamish has been off the track a long time and he's a good horse who has trained well, so he's ready to roll but won't be risked on the firm."

Saeed bin Suroor landed the Ebor with All The Good in 2008 and Willing Foe in 2012 and trains ante-post favourite Live Your Dream, who heads the betting at 7-1.

The Johnny Murtagh-trained Sonnyboyliston was backed into 8-1 second favourite (from 12) on Monday. He finished two places behind Roberto Escobarr when sixth in the John Smith's Silver Cup at the track in July.

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