FUN MAC possesses that all-important touch of quality that can help him win today's Betfred Ebor at a massive price.

Hughie Morrison's five-year-old has struggled so far this season but it would be a mistake to scotch his claims in the main event of the four-day York fiesta.

It was always going to be impossible to land a blow in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot on his seasonal debut and he was predictably never a factor.

More worrying, perhaps, was his subdued run in the Coral Marathon at Sandown, which was followed by a similarly poor show at Goodwood.

But those prepared to give him another try can be rewarded as there is a strong chance the shrewd Morrison has had the Ebor on the agenda all year.

The gelded son of Shirocco, it must be remembered, impressed in the staying department in 2015, with an 11-length demolition job at Salisbury last May a sign of what was to come.

Fun Mac then got to within half a length of Clondaw Warrior in the Ascot Stakes at the Royal meeting and also gave Pallasator a decent run for his dough in the Doncaster Cup.

Then there was his pleasing effort at Longchamp last autumn, when he finished third in the Prix du Cadran. So stamina is certainly not an issue when it comes to the Ebor – but he is not short of boot either.

The forecast for rain is also likely to satisfy his connections as nap selection Fun Mac is just as good an operator on an easier surface as he is when it is rapid.

With capable jockey Charlie Bennett taking off a handy 5lb, the fact he is at an age which has supplied bountiful Ebor winners should also be factored into the equation.

It is never easy finding the winner of the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Gimcrack Stakes but MOKARRIS, ridden by Paul Hanagan, just about fits the bill.

Simon Crisford's young buck found the ground too soft at Royal Ascot but he really showed his true colours at Newbury with a clinical success in the Listed Rose Bowl Stakes.

At this stage of career, the expensively-bought son of More Than Ready could be just about anything.

SCOTTISH is worthy of support in the Betfred Mobile Strensall Stakes with William Buick on board.

Godolphin's four-year-old was outmuscled by the useful Royal Artillery in a Group Three at Haydock in July but he did not lose a great deal in defeat and should appreciate running over this slightly shorter trip.

SHRAAOH'S close-up second at Goodwood puts him squarely in the frame for the Betfred Melrose Stakes with Frankie Dettori up top.

The Sea The Stars colt looks a textbook improver from the Sir Michael Stoute yard and can come into his own on his first stab over a mile and three-quarters.

There is also good racing at Sandown, where EPSOM ICON is a worthy ally in the Redrock Entertainment Atalanta Fillies' Stakes having shaped so promisingly at the Curragh last time.

A favourable mention must also go to St Leger aspirant MUNTAHAA, who will take a great deal of hauling back in the Crabbie's Alcoholic Ginger Beer Chester Stakes on the Roodee.