Steward to guide Mutual Regard Johnny Murtagh hopes Louis Steward's claim aids the cause of Mutual Regard in the Betfred Ebor at York. The five-year-old rattled off a four-timer for Sir Mark Prescott in very late 2012 and has appeared a couple of times this season for Murtagh, winning a Curragh handicap and then finishing third to Pale Mimosa. "Hopefully he has an each-way chance. We could have done without going up 11lb for his last win, so we've booked Louis Steward to take 5lb off his back. The horse is in good form and hopefully the rain stays away. He's a consistent horse and hopefully he'll be there at the finish," said Murtagh. Prescott reckons leading fancy Pallasator heads to the Knavesmire in a similar position to his last winner of the Ebor. It is not unusual for the respected Newmarket trainer to field a short-priced favourite for a competitive and valuable handicap, but it is 20 years since Hasten To Add landed this one on the Knavesmire. Pallasator was bought by Qatar Racing after his two-length defeat of subsequent Glorious Goodwood winner Double Bluff in a handicap at Ascot, but Prescott ensured his usual jockey Luke Morris would stay on board. He must, though, negotiate a tricky draw in stall 22. Prescott said: "Hasten To Add, I thought, was sure to win the Cesarewitch and he didn't quite stay and then he won the Ebor. Pallasator ran well in the Cesarewitch to finish fifth, so they have a similar profile, I suppose. "This horse has always been quite difficult. He gets very hot before races. He's never been easy, but it's always been worthwhile."
