Put your Ebor faith on golden Pondus

WITH the uncertainty over European horses running in the Melbourne Cup, connections of Pondus have found a back-up plan to celebrate in today’s Sky Bet Ebor at York.

Before joining Joseph O’Brien’s yard in Ireland, PONDUS (3.40, treble) was a smart performer for James Fanshawe before his owner Lloyd Williams bought the gelding.

Williams celebrated his record sixth victory in the Melbourne Cup with the O’Brien-trained Rekindling in 2017 and will be hoping Pondus can follow in his footsteps, if allowed to run.

This season Pondus won at Roscommon and was a useful fourth in a Group Three behind Nicklejack Cave at Leopardstown.

Today he runs off a pound lower mark and his first try at 14 furlongs will be right up his street.

William Haggas was denied the chance of running his Ebor favourite Hamish due to injury but has two super substitutes in Pablo Escobar and Monica Sherriff.

Both showed they have a touch of class by winning Group races. Of the pair, Monica Sherriff appeals most off her attractive handicap mark.

Haggas has the answer in the Sky Bet City Of York Stakes with ONE MASTER (3.00). Despite the unfavourable fast ground at Goodwood, she proved too strong for Valeria Messalina. With rain forecast, she will be hard to catch.

With a recent run under his belt, ZABEEL PRINCE (1.50) will be ready to take the opener. This Group One winner at Longchamp last season will relish the drop in grade.

After numerous solid performances in defeat, KIPPS (2.25, nb) can now be rewarded. His best performance came when chasing home Hukum, a smart winner since, at Royal Ascot in June.

In the finale, classy SUNDAY SOVEREIGN (5.10, nap) can defy his top weight. He put in some outstanding performance in Ireland last year and this a big drop in grade.

Lightly raced BALZAC (2.05) can add to his recent success at Newbury by taking the Betway Handicap at Sandown.

After two dismal runs when they were valid excuses, REPAUPO (2.40) is now on his winning mark.

Martin Dwyer, enjoying high-profile success in the twilight of his career, is set for more rewards with RAAEQ (3.15). His victory over Establish at Newbury last term is rock-solid form.