Love Me Tender makes Ebor cut as Mullins seeks York repeat

Well fancied Love Me Tender has crept in at the foot of the handicap after 22 declarations stood their ground for the most valuable handicap in Europe, the Sky Bet Ebor at York on Saturday.

Willie Mullins’s unexposed ex-German gelding, a winner twice from three runs for Arc-winning trainer Peter Schiergen, is owned by the HOS Syndicate who won the race last year with Ethical Diamond.

Like 12 months ago, Love Me Tender, who has been a springer in the market in recent days, will be ridden by William Buick.

Leading fancies Emit (Joseph O’Brien), Tarriance (Andrew Balding), Klassleader (William Haggas) all take their place in the field. O’Brien’s Royal Ascot winner Kizlyar was not declared.

Ian Williams’ Cesarewitch winner Beylerbeyi is another towards the front end of the betting, but his Alvechurch trainer will have to wait to see whether Dancing In Paris and Enemy make it in with the pair first and second reserves.

All the major fancies have stood their ground for the Group One Sky Bet City of York Stakes with Godolphin’s Notable Speech looking likely to head the market for the seven-furlong contest.

The five-year-old is bidding to bounce back from a disappointing Royal Ascot performance in the Queen Anne Stakes when he could manage only sixth to Ten Bob Tony as the 9-4 favourite.

Ed Walker’s admirable five-year-old throws his hat in the ring as he bids to back up a good run when fourth in the Sussex Stakes. Zavateri was behind him in fifth that day is another in single figures in the betting in the 14-strong field.

Lake Forest also ran in the Sussex Stakes, finishing seventh, but that race came a day after he had landed the Lennox Stakes over this trip.

Japanese raider Satono Reve is another intriguing entry stepping up from the six furlongs of the July Cup to this seven-furlong Group One, as is the seemingly rapidly improving Hunt Cup winner and Lennox runner-up Rogue Diplomat for James Owen.

Thirteen horses have been declared for the Group Three Sky Bet Strensall Stakes over nine furlongs which kicks of the Ebor day card, with John and Thady Gosden’s Damysus, Ger Lyons’ Gordon Stakes second Geryon and Richard Hannon’s Persica among the leading fancies.

A dozen horses have been declared for the Listed two-year-old Julia Graves Roses Stakes, led by Adonius, second in the Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood behind Pershaada.