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ACRush leads Ebor charge
Mad Rush tops the weights as a staggering 62 horses remain in the totesport Ebor at York on Wednesday following the confirmation stage.
The Old Newton Cup winner is one of three horses prominent in the ante-post betting, along with Bauer and Sanbuch, trained by Luca Cumani.
The Newmarket-based handler has captured the 210,000 Heritage Handicap three times in the last 10 years with Purple Moon (2007), Mephisto (2004) and Vicious Circle (1999).
Young Mick, third two years ago, would be strongly-fancied to go two places better for his trainer George Margarson as long as conditions are not testing.
Jane Chapple-Hyam, who won the 2006 renewal with 100-1 shot Mudawin, has left in Yellowstone.
The former Aidan O'Brien inmate won over the course and distance last month, but she has also given the four-year-old an entry in the Weatherbys Insurance Lonsdale Cup on the same card.
"He's in excellent form. I've put him in the Lonsdale as well and then I'll let the owners make the decision,'' said the Upper Lambourn trainer.
"He's going to be nearly top weight in the Ebor, but if he's in the Lonsdale he's on level weights.
"I've got to see what goes on soft ground as well because he won the Silver Cup on a soft track over one mile and six, so I just have to go through the form over the weekend.
"I'll have to go through everything and we'll make a decision on Sunday.''
With only 20 horses allowed to go to post there is plenty of competition for places and Sir Mark Prescott's Wicked Daze is one of the favourites, but is not guaranteed a run.
There will be two reserves who can replace one of the top 20 should any be declared non-runners by 10.30am on Tuesday following Monday's final declaration stage.
Tom Tate has left in Laterly, but the Tadcaster trainer does not expect the gelding to get in and will give him an alternative entry in the Sky Bet Melrose Stakes, confined to three-year-olds over the same trip on Friday.
"We've left him in, but I think he's going to go for the Melrose,'' said Tate.
"We'll have a look and see what the pack looks like in the Ebor, but I think it looks a bit remote.''
Tom Dascombe is under no illusions as to the task facing Marine Boy in the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Gimcrack Stakes at York next week.
The son of One Cool Cat was a hugely impressive winner on his debut at Newbury earlier this month, putting his rivals to the sword by seven lengths and more.
Fledgling trainer Dascombe, who has already struck in Group company with juveniles Classic Blade and Firth Of Fifth this term, rates this two-year-old highly and is looking forward to seeing how he fares next Wednesday.
"He's in really good shape and we have been very happy with him since Newbury,'' said Dascombe.
"He was very impressive that day and I have made no secret of that fact that I think he is the best horse I've got, but we'll see next week.
"I think he will have to be better than Classic Blade and Firth Of Fifth as this looks a very hot race, but I'm looking forward to it.''
Coventry Stakes hero Art Connoisseur could attempt to regain the winning thread having been outpointed by Mastercraftsman in the Phoenix Stakes last time.
Richard Fahey is currently double-handed with Deadly Secret and Master Noverre, while Jeremy Noseda may saddle Parisian Art.
Mark Johnston has supplemented Weatherstaff for the Group Two contest while Spin Cycle and Prolific are also among the 22 possibles at this stage.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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