Ebor on Merlin agenda

Last week's Old Newton Cup hero Red Merlin features among a total of 88 entries for the totesport Ebor at York on August 19.Clive Cox's charge secured his third successive victory at Haydock and is now under consideration for the £210,000 prize on the Knavesmire next month."We've been delighted with the progress he's made this season and we always had the Old Newton Cup as an ideal race for him. Now he's won it, the Ebor looks the obvious race," said Cox."The handicapper hasn't made it easy as he's put us up 9lb. It's a lot to lump and it will call into play his stamina as he's never been this far before. But he is still improving and we hope there's more to come. He's got a touch of class."Meanwhile, Jira is on course for the Jaguar Cars Lowther Stakes at the same meeting following her victory in the Empress Stakes at Newmarket. She is among 48 entries for the Group Two heat over six furlongs on August 20."The Lowther is very much the plan for Jira - it's a race that has been on my mind for some time for her," said trainer Clive Brittain."I was very pleased with her last run as she did nearly the impossible that day. You don't come from that far back, having to be switched as she was. She was probably three or four lengths better than the bare form."Jira had earlier finished seventh in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot and the first three home that day - Habaayib, Lillie Langtry and Chachamaidee - are among the entries. Lillie Langtry is one of four possibles from Aidan O'Brien's stable along with Devoted To You, Famous and Queen Of Troy. Jim Bolger has put in Gold Bubbles and Majestic Dancer, while Tommy Stack is responsible for Walk On Bye and Rahya Cass.