Stoute faces anxious wait over Ebor hope

Having watched Real Dream win at Ascot on Saturday, I backed him at 10/1 for next month's SkyBet Ebor Handicap (26th August). Sir Michael Stoute has won the York showpiece event on three occasions but not since 1996. Suggested as a potential Ebor type by a stable insider on page 137 of Ahead On The Flat, the four year old relished the step up to a mile and six at the weekend powering away to register a four and a quarter lengths win off a mark of 91. Raised eight pounds since, his connections now face an anxious wait as to whether the Lope De Vega gelding makes the cut. An official rating of 100 was necessary to ensure a place in the 2022 line up. Unexposed over staying trips and effective on any ground, Real Dream has the ideal profile for the race and, without any Ballydoyle entries, there is every chance Ryan Moore will be back on board on the Knavesmire. If he gets in, expect him to be considerably shorter on the day. It is a risk worth taking.