Haggas confirms Ligne for Ebor

Two of the best-backed hopes for Wednesday's big handicap at York, the Ebor, were confirmed as runners yesterday. Forecast downpours missed the track at the end of last week but Newmarket trainer Willie Haggas said his mud-loving Ligne Gagnante would still line up, while Give The Slip, winner of the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot, was also given the go-ahead.

Two of the best-backed hopes for Wednesday's big handicap at York, the Ebor, were confirmed as runners yesterday. Forecast downpours missed the track at the end of last week but Newmarket trainer Willie Haggas said his mud-loving Ligne Gagnante would still line up, while Give The Slip, winner of the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot, was also given the go-ahead.

Haggas has booked talented apprentice Jamie Mackay to ride Ligne Gagnante, whose price has been cut to a general 10-1 after significant support in the expectation of softer ground. But John Smith, clerk of the course at York, said yesterday: "We've had no appreciable rain over the last few days. The going is still good, good to firm in places.''

Haggas said later: "Ligne Gagnante will run whatever the going. This race has been the aim all year. He's shown his best form with a bit of cut, but handles faster going.''

Amanda Perrett has booked Pat Eddery to resume his partnership with Give The Slip, cut to 10-1 from 14-1 by William Hill yesterday. Guy Harwood, the trainer's father, said: "York is a front-runner's course which suits horses that are handy. Give The Slip is in great form and he should run a good race."

Richard Quinn kept up his chase for the jockeys' title when reaching 100 winners this season on his way to completing a 168-1 treble at Pontefract yesterday. But Kevin Darley, who reached his century last Monday, hit back with an 18-1 double and he is now nine ahead of Quinn in the championship.

EBOR, LATEST ODDS (William Hill): 7-2 Boreas (from 4-1), 8-1 Temple Way, 10-1 Give The Slip (from 14-1), Ligne Gagnante, 12-1 Mowbray, Rada's Daughter (from 14-1), Alva Glen (from 12-1), Biennale, Inch Perfect, Kuwait Trooper, Romantic Affair, 16-1 others