Willie Mullins: the inside track on my Sky Bet Ebor contenders

Closutton maestro Willie Mullins captured the 2009 renewal of the Sky Ber Ebor courtesy of 25-1 chance Sesenta, and he is set to unleash a dual attack on this year’s contest, live on Racing TV on Saturday, August 26.

Absurde, a 6-1 chance with the sponsors, was an excellent second behind stable companion Vauban in the Copper Horse Handicap at Royal Ascot before disappointing when only sixth back over hurdles last time out.

“Absurde disappointed over hurdles at Galway”, Mullins told Sporting Life. “I didn’t want to run him on the Flat and he just ran a bit free. He came out of the race well and we’re looking forward to going to York with him.

“There will be much more pace in the Ebor which will make our job easier.”

“He is a very keen horse and I said to Frankie Dettori who rode him at Royal Ascot to just get him settled. It took him a while to get him settled. He was probably settled a little further back than he wanted to be. When it came to the business end of the race, Frankie said he was in great shape and he got a great run through on the inside and came through to win.

“He wouldn’t have beaten Vauban who was well-handicapped and he franked that form with a Group Three win at Naas. We are probably looking towards Melbourne rather than York for Vauban.

“There will be much more pace in the Ebor which will make our job easier.”

The lightly-raced Jackfinbar chased home Brazil in a valuable handicap at the Galway Festival on his latest start, but Mullins is expecting further improvement from the eight-year-old, who is a 10/1 shot for the contest with Sky Bet.

Discussing his charge, Mullins continued: “Jackfinbar ran a little bit better at Galway when fourth. He had an awkward draw and the draw is crucial for Galway. I think Galway is a nice place to have your prep run before the Ebor. Our Ebor winner Sesenta had a prep run at Galway before winning the Ebor.

“He has had leg trouble before, but he has come out of Galway well and we’re really looking forward to taking our chance.”

“I think we’re all set and fingers crossed they stay right before then.

“The Sky Bet Ebor is a very competitive race. You could run well there and finish seventh in the race. When big prize money comes into play, nothing should be easy for big prize money. People aim for those races and it is fantastic to see money being put into these staying races.

“It gives Flat horses a longer life because they race a lot older. It’s good for the game to have good stamina horses in it and keeps the thoroughbred breed hardier.

“I get a big kick out of winning these big races on the Flat.”