Walker lining up powerful squad for Ebor meeting

Ed Walker is building up a strong team for the Ebor Festival at York later this month with two leading contenders for the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes in Celandine and Mgheera.

The Lambourn handler has a third entry in the Group One sprint in Balmoral Lady but she is only likely to take her chance if the ground is soft.

Celandine won the Lowther Stakes at the track last year while Mgheera had to settle for second in the Sapphire Stakes in Ireland last time out, having won her first two starts for Walker.

“I think it’s probably unlikely we’ll run all three. It will probably be Celandine and Mgheera – or Balmoral Lady. To be competitive at that level, I think Balmoral Lady needs softer ground,” said Walker.

“Celandine’s in great form. She’s definitely trained on. I’m adamant that she will be comfortable with the five furlongs. I feel she just about hangs on over six – like she did in the Lowther – and I’m really excited about seeing her in a strong five furlongs. She showed great speed in the Molecomb as a two-year-old. The owners are supportive, so I think we’re going to roll the dice in the Nunthorpe.

“Mgheera, it’s been the plan since the Temple Stakes. We thought we’d take in Ascot and that went terribly wrong (withdrawn at the start). Then we felt we needed a run in between the Temple Stakes and the Nunthorpe, so squeezed in Ireland. That was a big run in Ireland – very happy with her. I just think the very slick nature of York, flat track, hopefully fast ground is exactly what she wants.

“We’re really excited about her. Touch wood, she’s in good nick – she’s a definite runner as long as the ground stays good or faster and she’s been training really well.”

Qilin Queen bounced back to form to win a Group Two in France last time out and is a possible for the Pertemps Network Yorkshire Oaks.

“She went to France and put in a huge effort that day,” said Walker. “I’ve given her plenty of time to freshen up. She’s just starting to show a spring in her step. We’re not hellbent on the Yorkshire Oaks but if it’s fast ground and she’s bucking and squealing, then we’ll have a go.”

Ten Bob Tony is another with a Group One entry in the newly upgraded Sky Bet City of York Stakes but he is ground dependent.

“He needs good ground or softer. He’s a horse who goes very well fresh – his best races are off the back of a break. He’ll go where the ground’s right.” said Walker.

One who is a definite runner is the filly Royal Fixation, who beat all bar the classy Venetian Sun in the Duchess of Cambridge at Newmarket.

Walker said: “It’s been the plan since Newmarket. We’ve always thought she’s very good. We’ve just been patient with her and the Lowther seems the perfect fit for her. She’s training great. She’s very quick, very talented and I think York will really suit her. Hopefully we’ve got a live chance with her.”

Do Or Do Not has the Tattersalls Acomb Stakes on his radar.