Cole Hoping For Strategic Success

Paul Cole is eyeing a crack at York's totesport Ebor on Wednesday with Strategic Mount following his success at the Shergar Cup meeting.

The Montjeu four-year-old took a while to get the hang of things but rattled off a hat-trick last season before winning the fourth race of his career under Frankie Dettori last weekend.

'We were expecting far more pace last week but they all bunched up on the home turn and it turned into a sprint which isn't really his kettle of fish, he wants a fast-run mile and a half,' said Cole

'It didn't really pan out for him so I was delighted he won. Frankie couldn't have ridden him better as it didn't go to plan on the day.

'The Ebor is the plan now. I believe the owners have had a few doubles and trebles on him so we just need a good draw and fast ground and he will run very well.

'We know it is not an easy race to win, you need a Listed type of horse to win it as a rule,' he told At The Races.

'He was a small yearling but we've always liked him so we waited for him to grow and he gradually got stronger.

'He ran up a sequence last year. He won a big race at Goodwood then disappointed on that strange York ground so we put him away.

'His target has always been the Ebor and he will put up a big show. Richard Quinn will ride him.'

Henry Cecil has also confirmed that Tranquil Tiger is spot-on ahead of the Ebor and the trainer was pleased to see the York ground turn to good following some showers.

'Tranquil Tiger seems in very good order. He is on course for the Ebor and I expect him to run very well. A bit of give in the ground would help him,' he told www.henrycecil.com.

(C) PA Sport