Salsalino spices up Ebor

RACINGSalsalino can transfer solid Pattern form into handicap company by winning the £190,000 Tote Ebor at York today.

The step up to a mile and three-quarters should suit the son of Salse, who looked as though he would not make the cut for Europe's richest handicap. But he has made the final 22 as number 19 and can give Alan King, better known as a jumps trainer, his biggest success on the Flat.

Victory today could see Salsalino emerge as a contender for the final Classic of the season, the St Leger at Doncaster.

Last year's Ebor winner, Hugs Dancer, is likely to make a bold bid but the steadier of 9st 10lb - 19lb more than he carried last year - could prove too much.

Another danger looks to be Contraband, who was sixth in 2002 when making his seasonal debut and is again without the benefit of a previous run.

Islington can return to her best form with a bang to record back-to-back wins in the Aston Upthorpe Yorkshire Oaks.

Michael Stoute's filly gave a breathtaking performance when demolishing a high-class field in this Group One race a year ago.

Sent on two furlongs out by Kieren Fallon, she went clear and came home five lengths ahead of Italian Oaks scorer Guadalupe.

This term she has raced with credit against the colts in both her starts, coming third in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot and sixth in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown.

She has had a nice break since her last run and can be backed with confidence.

Stoute can complete a double with the progressive Convince in the Costcutter Roses Stakes.

Meanwhile, Leicester Square can give Middleham trainer Mark Johnston his first success in the Scottish Equitable Gimcrack Stakes, while Persian Lightning can give Pat Eddery victory in the opening Motability Supported By Royal & SunAlliance Rated Stakes.