Saptapadi Trainer Sweats On Ebor Clearance
- Wednesday, 21 August 2013 01:30
Trainer Brian Ellison is confident the well-travelled Saptapadi is capable of making his presence felt if he makes the cut for the Ebor at York on Saturday.
The seven-year-old was a leading contender for the race two years ago, but was upstaged by lesser-fancied stable companion Moyenne Corniche.
Saptapadi still ran a respectable race, beaten little over three lengths into fifth, after which he headed to Australia to compete in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.
He enjoyed an extended stay in Australia after joining trainer Jim Conlan, but returned to Ellison's care earlier this year.
Saptapadi couldn't find his form in two starts for Conlan and the eight-year-old returned England after running worse than midfield in the Coleraine Cup.
The Indian Ridge gelding has hinted at a return to form in recent months, notably running well at York on a couple of occasions.
"He worked this morning and he seems in really good form," North Yorkshire-based Ellison said.
"You can forget his last run, I'm really happy with him at home and I'm hoping he'll run a big race.
"Hopefully he gets into the race."
