Sky Bet Race To The Ebor Grand Cup Stakes (Listed)

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 2m 58.21s

(3)

Al Qareem³⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 9-7| J: C Lee| T: K R Burke| OR: 112| C| D

9/2

Likeable type who scored again with another game display at Nottingham over this trip in April. Stuck to his task behind Illinois in the Ormonde at Chester 5 weeks ago and ran creditably behind Alsakib in the C&D Group 3 here last July. Has a penalty to carry but seems sure to go well.

Form: 114-312

(1)

Absurde³⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 9-2| J: D Tudhope| T: W P Mullins| OR: 109| CD

1/1

Admirable dual-purpose performer who took the 2023 Ebor here and added to his tally over hurdles at Plumpton in April. Chased home Al Qareem at Chester last month and gets another 2 lb off that one now. Obvious claims back at York.

Form: 17/415-3

(4)

Alsakib²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: James Doyle| T: A M Balding| OR: 110| CD

10/3

C&D Group 3 winner last summer, beating Al Qareem, and following a gelding operation/7 months off will be better for his return in muddling Yorkshire Cup. Should go well back down in class.

Form: 34178-4

(2)

El Cordobes²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 108

5/1

2 million son of Frankel who has been making up for lost time this year, producing a smart performance when wide-margin winner of Newmarket handicap at the Guineas meeting. Creditable run in Newbury Group 3 next time and could benefit from this longer trip now. One to consider.

Form: 17-2213

Non-Runners

(5)

Raja Raja²⁸

Weight: 9-2| Age: 4

T: D M Simcock J: David Probert

Forecasts

Absurde (1/1), Alsakib (10/3), Al Qareem (9/2), El Cordobes (5/1), Raja Raja (66/1)

2023 Ebor winner ABSURDE can make his turn of foot count and can land this trappy listed event. Alsakib should be much closer to form with his reappearance behind him, while his admirable old rival Al Qareem seems sure to give it a good go again. El Cordobes has fewer miles on the clock and may benefit from this longer trip.