Ebtikaar faces big test

Connections of Ebtikaar hope the deteriorating conditions at Doncaster do not hinder his chances in the totesport November Stakes.

The going on Town Moor is currently soft but further excessive rainfall before the race could make life more difficult for John Dunlop’s three-year-old.

“Any more rain makes it a different game altogether,” said Angus Gold, racing manager to owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum.

“Soft ground would not be too bad but my one hope for everyone is that it’s not desperate.”

Ebtikaar has enjoyed a progressive autumn and looks well primed for a big display in the final big race of the turf Flat season.

Sufficient evidence of his current well-being was provided at Newmarket three weeks ago where he handled the soft ground well and stayed on strongly to win a competitive handicap.

And despite prospect of testing conditions in the 12-furlong event this time, Gold is hopeful the Darshaan colt can defy a 3lb rise in the weights.

“We are hoping everything’s in order and we are happy with him,” added Gold.

“He’s had a good autumn. He’s tough, he stays, so fingers crossed he’ll continue to go the right way.

“It was a very competitive race he won at Newmarket and he seems to be still making a transition upwards.”