Racing: Endorsement gets bookies' approval

ENDORSEMENT has been installed as the ante-post favourite for the Ebor Handicap at York next month despite the fact that she will need over 30 horses above her in the weights to come out to avoid elimination from the pounds 170,000 handicap. Henry Cecil's filly has been set to carry just 7st 9lb and is a best-priced 6-1 with the race sponsors, the Tote.

Endorsement, who won Royal Ascot's Queen's Vase on her latest start, also holds an engagement in the St Leger and clearly has a touch of class.

Cecil, who won last year's Ebor with Tuning, a similarly promising filly, also has Eminence Grise (8st 1lb), War Cabinet (7st 4lb) and Sun Hat (7st 4lb) in the Knavesmire feature.

Aidan O'Brien has five of the 74 entries, including three-time Champion Hurdle runner-up Theatreworld, who is set to carry 9st. The other Ballydoyle representatives are Twickenham (9st 1lb), Yeoman's Point (8st 7lb), Genghis Khan (8st) and Moon Dragon (8st).

EBOR HANDICAP (York, 18 August):

Tote: 6-1 Endorsement, 9-1 Travelmate, 14-1 Opera King, Yeoman's Point, 16-1 Arabian Moon, Bluebelle, Genghis Khan, High And Mighty, Mardani, Pairumani Star, Prince Alex, Rainbow Ways, 20-1 others.

William Hill: 9-2 Endorsement, 10-1 Travelmate, 12-1 Arabian Moon, Prince Alex, 14-1 High And Mighty, Rainbow Ways, 16-1 Mardani, Opera King, Sausalito Bay, Yeoman's Point, 20-1 others.

Coral: 5-1 Endorsement, 10-1 Prince Alex, High And Mighty, Travelmate, 12-1 Opera King, 14-1 Rainbow Ways, Mardani, 16-1 Al Azhar, Twickenham, Yavana's Pace, Yeoman's Point, Genghis Khan, 20-1 others.