TRAINER Willie Mullins has outlined that ante-post favourite, Ivan Grozny, is an intended runner in the Betfred Ebor at York on Saturday 20 August.

The sponsor has the Mullins-trained six-year-old heading the market at 10/1 for Europe’s richest Flat handicap.

Andrea and Graham Wylie’s gelding tuned up for the £280,000 York race in impressive fashion, winning by no less than fourteen lengths at the Galway Festival.

Mullins, who may also send Simenon for the mile and six-furlong race on the Knavesmire, has been pleased with Ivan Grozny since his recent victory and confirmed that he is Ebor-bound.

The Co.Carlow-based master trainer said: “Ivan Grozny is definitely coming and seems in good form after his recent run in Galway.

“I think he was really right for his last run. And if I can hold that form for York, it puts him in with a really good chance.

“I think the track and the trip will suit. I’m not worried about the ground at all, whichever way it comes.”

Nine-year-old Simenon has been in excellent form back over hurdles in the last month. He has won twice in recent times, including a ten length triumph at Cork.

Mullins said: “Simenon has been running well over hurdles. He seems to have found his spark again.

“He has a nice weight, so we will see nearer the day whether he will take part or not.”

His third entry Renneti is rated 90 and is very unlikely to beat the cut for the race.

Mullins has already won a Betfred Ebor, landing the race – first run in 1843 – with Sesanta in 2009. And last year he was just denied a second success in the renowned contest with his charge, Wicklow Brave, finishing runner-up to Litigant.

This year, Wicklow Brave is being aimed at the Group 2 Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup, the two mile stayer’s feature of the third day of the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival. Commenting on the chances of the seven year old who was fourth in the Goodwood Cup, Mullins said, “he ran well enough at Goodwood, so we’ll have a crack at the Lonsdale and see how he goes”.

The trainer expanded on a possible Autumn campaign down under for his stayers saying; “you’ve got to have Melbourne on your mind, if I get a horse qualified to run, then that’s where I’m going.”

And with regard to Wicklow Brave himself, observed; “the Lonsdale is a tough race to win but a first three finish gives us a great chance.”

Mullins added: “we always look forward to going to York. The Ebor is a race on the English calendar with great history and heritage.”