CHARLTON REVEALS KEYS EXCUSE

Roger Charlton has revealed Cesarewitch gamble Keys was struck into during last Saturday's Newmarket marathon.

Roger Charlton's four-year-old was backed from double figure prices into 6-1 favouritism for the handicap contest but never threatened to get involved at the business end and trailed home in 18th place.

Having already won three National Hunt Flat races, a season over hurdles would be a natural progression and Charlton is keen to see how he gets on in a schooling session with former jockey Marcus Foley.

"The Cesarewitch was a bit of a disappointment with Keys perhaps doing a little bit too much early on from his wide draw, he was also badly struck into on his near hind which will require a bit of treatment," Charlton told his website.

"There are no immediate plans for him but I would imagine that he would start schooling fairly soon with Marcus Foley to see whether he is going to be a decent hurdler or not."

Charlton has two of his best horses in action at Woodbine in Canada this weekend with classy sprinter Bated Breath running in the Nearctic Stakes instead of at Ascot while the filly Sea Of Heartbreak goes for the EP Taylor Stakes.

"The horses leave this morning via Amsterdam on their way to Woodbine," added Charlton.

"All being well they will arrive at Woodbine on Tuesday evening. Both Bated Breath and Sea of Heartbreak seem to be in good form, although I am not sure I like the forecast of rain over there later this week."

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