This year's Ebor Handicap is set to be staged on a Saturday for the first time but the field is still incredibly competitive. Timeform run the rule over the runners...
Fox Hunt is a hugely progressive gelding, won competitive 1½m handicaps at Epsom and Royal Ascot before pushing Tactician all the way over this C&D last month. Excellent fourth in Goodwood Cup since.
Ted Spread won 2010 Chester Vase and highly tried after, including in Derby and St Leger. Better than ever this year when in frame in listed race at Pontefract and Group 2 in France but still bit to find here.
Montaff is hard to knock this season, won 2m Ripon handicap in April and runner-up in Henry II and Northumberland Plate, but temperamental side resurfaced when well held in Goodwood Cup last time.
Lost In The Moment won 3 times for Jeremy Noseda in 2010 and further progress since joining current yard, placed in 3 hot 1¼m handicaps before unlucky second in Goodwood Cup latest start. Looks very well treated.
Saptapadi developed into smart performer for Sir Michael Stoute last year, placed in Group 3 company. Looking potentially better than ever this year and could be ready to show true colours now.
Nanton has been a grand servant to connections and showed he's no back number when winning Zetland Gold Cup at Redcar in May. Fourth in 2009 renewal of this but vulnerable to better-treated rivals this time.
Vulcanite didn't see racecourse until February 2010 but has made up for lost time, winning 5 of 10 starts. Not beaten far in listed race on return but still to show he stays this trip (well held last time).
Halicarnassus is just a solid handicapper nowadays, but gained deserved success in Old Newton Cup at Haydock last month. Ran well in Group 3 at Goodwood last time but stamina has to be taken on trust here.
Tactician is a lightly-raced gelding who is still progressing on recent evidence, made all when beating Fox Hunt over this C&D last month. 6 lb rise partly offset by good claimer, so respected again.
Mount Athos was progressive for John Hills last year (won Melrose over this C&D) and has done well for new yard, winning at Dundalk and good efforts in hot handicaps/Group 3 since. Leading player.
Nehaam was progressive form in 2009, but off 19 months before return in 2m Group 2 in May. Back to best when landing Ascot handicap last time and probably not badly treated under 4 lb penalty here.
Harlestone Times has progressed again this year, gained gritty win over 1½m at Goodwood in May. Decent effort over this trip there last time but still needs to take a further step forward here.
Modun is a lightly-raced 4-y-o who made winning reappearance at Newbury and has enhanced reputation since with seconds in hot 1¼m handicaps here and at Goodwood. Open to more progress and will stay this trip.
Salute Him ran a blinder when fourth to Dirar in 2010 Ebor and though hasn't repeated that form this year, never one to underestimate in valuable handicaps. This trip is his limit.
Cill Rialaig is a useful mare, won hot 1½m contest at Royal Ascot last summer and only second run since when good third in listed event at Newbury last month. This longer trip is a concern, however.
Moyenne Corniche is talented, but only win to date came in maiden at 3 yrs. Nothing wrong with efforts in handicaps this year, but no surprise were he to fall short again in race of this quality.
Investissement made no impact over hurdles in 2010, but useful on Flat in France prior to that and won at this trip at Goodwood in April. Back to form over same C&D last time and another that can't be dismissed lightly.
Sirvino belatedly took advantage of falling mark in 11.6f handicap at Warwick in June. Ran respectably at this trip at Goodwood last time but left impression it stretched him and this is tougher.
Blissful Moment won twice last year and has made great strides this year, runner-up over 1½m at Ascot on comeback and then chasing home Fox Hunt over same C&D. Gets big swing in the weights and sure to go well.
Hillview Boy won listed 1½m handicap at Hamilton in 2010 and back to that level when fourth in John Smith's Cup. Not seen since ninth in this race last year and asking lot of him to win this on comeback.
Timeform 1-2-3
1. Blissful Moment
2. Modun
3. Lost In The Moment
Timeform's View: Arguably the strongest and most competitive handicap of the year to date. Stable-companions Modun and Blissful Moment appeal as 2 of the most progressive in the field, with a preference for the latter, particularly as his Royal Ascot form with Fox Hunt has been franked plenty since. Lost In The Moment and Mount Athos are other leading contenders.
