Ground key to Saptapadi's Ebor raid

Brian Ellison has warned ante-post punters that Saptapadi will only take his chance in the Betfred Ebor at York if conditions are in his favour.

The five-year-old is towards the head of the betting for the Knavesmire handicap following a most encouraging fifth in Saturday’s Sky Bet York Stakes over a mile and a quarter.

The extra four furlongs in the Ebor on August 20 looks sure to suit, but Ellison will not let his charge run if the ground is too quick.

“He ran a good race and was probably a bit unlucky – he probably should have been second,” said Ellison.

“We’re delighted with the horse and the plan is to run in the Ebor, as long as the ground is not too firm. There is no way he’ll run if it’s firm.

“He’ll stay the Ebor trip all right, but the horse has got so much ability I think he could run over any trip down to a mile.

“He’s a class horse.”