Athos in good shape for Ebor David Wachman hopes the decision to switch Mount Athos back to handicap company pays dividends in the Betfred Ebor at York tomorrow afternoon. The Montjeu gelding was fourth in a Leopardstown Group 3 last time after occupying the same position in the Old Newton Cup and Chester Cup. "He was in the Lonsdale as well, but we decided to run in the Ebor. He seems in good form and I'd be hopeful he'll run very well," said Wachman. "I was happy with his run in Leopardstown the other day and he likes good ground, so I wouldn't want to see much more rain for him," he added. Mount Athos defeated Tactician by half a length in the Melrose at this meeting 12 months ago when trained by John Hills, and that rival reopposes with Joseph O'Brien in the saddle. Trainer Michael Bell said of his course and distance winner: "He went up 6lb for his last win, so we have booked Joseph to take a bit off. He is an extremely talented and professional young jockey, who has lots of big-race experience. "The horse seems in great form and has run two of his best races at York, winning last time and also when he was second in the Melrose last year." The other Irish interest in the "Ebor" is provided by the Tony Martin-trained Salute Him who carries 9st and is the mount of George Baker.
