KEEPAX TAKES SALISBURY OPENER

Keepax finished off his race to good effect to snatch a last-gasp victory in division one of the Bathwick Tyres Maiden Auction Stakes at Salisbury.

The 14-1 chance had been well beaten in a warm Newbury maiden on his racecourse introduction but found life easier stepped up to seven furlongs.

Dutch Master looked the likely winner once battling his way to the lead, but Chris Wall's Keepax really hit top gear in the closing stages, with Chris Catlin punching the juvenile out to the line to collect by a neck.

Medieval Bishop ran out a determined winner of division two in the hands of Nicky Mackay.

Making his first start for David Elsworth, the 16-1 chance looked booked for second when 2-1 favourite No Compromise came past him under Steve Drowne towards the stands' side rail.

Neither Drowne nor Mackay picked up their stick in the closing stages and Medieval Bishop came back in game fashion to get the verdict by a nose.

With the new whip rule having come into force today, meaning Flat jockeys are only allowed to hit their mounts seven times during the race and five times inside the final furlong, Mackay admitted he lost count.

"A furlong out, I wasn't sure how many times I'd hit him, so I only ended up hitting him four times. It actually probably did me a favour as he ran on towards the end," Mackay told Racing UK.

"My horse was off the bridle quite a bit out as he was quite green and it is quite windy out there.

"I gave him a flick to get him running and then I gave him another smack.

"Then I started rowing away and the furlong pole came so I gave him one more and then I lost count."

There was another surprise result in division one of the Bathwick Tyres Maiden Fillies' Stakes as 33-1 shot Afnoon emerged victorious.

John Dunlop's youngster was beaten out of sight on her course and distance debut but clearly derived plenty from the experience.

Tadhg O'Shea had to get to work well over a furlong out but his mount responded generously to score by a length and a quarter from Scarlet Belle.

Richard Hannon's Operettist got the better of stablemate Traveller's Tales in division two.

Richard Hughes settled the 3-1 favourite in the middle of the pack in the early stages, while Ryan Moore was slightly more positive on Traveller's Tales.

The stable companions had it between them heading inside the last half a furlong, but Hughes always looked confident, pushing his mount out towards the line to win by a head.

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EXCELEBRATION TEAM READY FOR ACTION

Marco Botti hopes Excelebration can continue to close the gap on Frankel in Saturday's Queen Elizabeth II Stakes Sponsored by QIPCO at Ascot.

He finished second, beaten four lengths, to Sir Henry Cecil's star in the totesport.com Greenham Stakes over seven furlongs at Newbury and third to Frankel, beaten two and a quarter lengths, in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Excelebration has won his other three races this year, the German 2000 Guineas, CGA Hungerford Stakes and Qatar Prix du Moulin.

"We are hoping to close the gap with Frankel - whether we will be good enough to beat him, who knows. I am aware it is a difficult task, but that's racing," Botti saud.

"In another era without Frankel, we could have been the best miler in Europe. It is still nice to have the chance to take on the best horse in the world. For a young trainer, it is very important to have a good horse that can be part of a big meeting.

"I have heard good things about Frankel. He has had a break since Goodwood and is going to be difficult to beat. If Sir Henry Cecil says Frankel is the best horse he has had, then it's scary! I can't see any weaknesses in Frankel and it will be no disgrace to finish second to him again.

"It was a good run in the Greenham Stakes, considering our horse was lacking experience and having his first run of the year. We knew Frankel would beat us, but we just wanted to test our horse.

"The St James's Palace was a little bit of a rough race and he was beaten two lengths. Our horse has improved a lot since Ascot - he is physically stronger and has grown a bit too.

"I wouldn't say he was unlucky at Royal Ascot but the race just didn't pan out for him. He lost ground leaving the stalls and got hampered. He had to chase Frankel and had no chance to find his stride. That was the only time he has ever hung. I don't think we would have won, but I think we could have finished closer to Frankel.

"This will be the third time we meet Frankel - hopefully it will be third time lucky!"

Botti feels his stable star has plenty going for him in Berkshire.

"Frankel will have a pacemaker and so there should be a good, even pace which should suit everyone. The straight course should also help Excelebration and l am happy with the weather forecast as he wants good ground," he added.

Connections are focusing on Saturday's race and have no firm plans beyond that.

"We haven't decided what we will do after Ascot. He could maybe go to Hong Kong but the Breeders' Cup looks very unlikely as it would come too soon," the trainer added.

"I need to talk to the owners about whether he stays in training next year. I would love to have him back next year as he improved physically throughout the season and in my opinion should make up into a better four-year-old."

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MURTAGH BACK ON DEACON BLUES

Johnny Murtagh will ride ride Deacon Blues in Saturday's QIPCO British Champion Sprint Stakes at Ascot.

The Irishman partnered James Fanshawe's charge to victory in the Wokingham but Frankie Dettori has been in the saddle for two of his last three races.

Stablemate Society Rock will be partnered, as usual, by Pat Cosgrave, but Fanshawe has concerns over the prospect of fast ground for Deacon Blues.

"Deacon Blues would appreciate some ease in the ground," said the Newmarket handler.

"I intend to run them both but we'll have to reassess if the ground gets very quick."

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GODOLPHIN PAIR CHASE CHAMPION GLORY

Casamento and Dubai Price will both represent Godolphin in the QIPCO Champion Stakes.

The latter, an impressive winner at Newbury recently, has emerged as Godolphin's first string - although jockey bookings have yet to be finalised.

Racing manager Simon Crisford said: "Dubai Prince and Casamento will definitely run.

"The jockeys need to be discussed and Sheikh Mohammed will make that decision and obviously Frankie will be involved.

"Casamento is the highest on ratings but we think Dubai Prince is our best chance in the race. He's an exciting horse and he deserves his chance to be there.

"Poet's Voice has the two options and we'll decide nearer the time which is most suitable.

"He's been a bit disappointing but is looking a lot better at home."

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ASCOT WATER AS GOING DRIES OUT

The going at Ascot dried out on Monday morning to good to firm, good in places and watering has started.

An odd light shower is forecast for Monday and Tuesday, with blustery winds until Wednesday. It is then expected to stay mainly dry during the week.

Watering is under way with four millimetres being applied to the straight and round courses.

Chris Stickels, Clerk of the Course at Ascot, said: "The strong breeze has dried up the course in the last 24 hours and this has prompted Monday's watering.

"I don't want to be putting on a lot of water on the course at this time of year but we will monitor the situation through the week as the forecast is for mainly dry weather.

"I am looking to offer ground which is a combination of good and good to firm on Saturday."

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BUNTING COULD RACE ON

Dual Classic winner Blue Bunting is finished for the season, but may remain in training as a four-year-old.

The Mahmood Al Zarooni-trained filly was a surprise winner of the 1000 Guineas in May but was a beaten favourite in the Oaks at Epsom.

She returned to winning ways in the Irish Oaks, also defeating older horses at York, before disappointing in the St Leger, after which it transpired she was in season.

"It was the plan to run Blue Bunting in the Fillies' and Mares' but she didn't really sparkle at the weekend so she's finished for the year. It's quite possible she'll stay in training," said Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford.

Delegator is another of Godolphin's big guns who will not be in action at Ascot.

His season has not gone to plan since his winning return at York, and the idea is to have him at his best for Hong Kong.

"He does his best when he's super-fresh so we're going to wait for Hong Kong and hope he gets invited," added Crisford.

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GODOLPHIN TRIO GUNNING FOR FAME

Godolphin could run Opinion Poll, Cavalryman and Darley Sun in Saturday's

Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup at Ascot.

They face a tough test against Fame And Glory but racing manager Simon Crisford is particularly keen on the chances of Opinion Poll, second in the Doncaster Cup last time following wins at York and Goodwood.

"All of them could possibly run, but Opinion Poll is in tremendous form," he said.

"He is as good as he has been all year and, looking at the entries, I'd say he can win that race."

John Gosden feels Nehaam could make his presence felt in the same race, adding: "Nehaam will run and it would be lovely if he got a place."

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THINK HEADS QUALITY CHAMPION FIELD

So You Think leads a three-pronged Ballydoyle entry in Saturday's QIPCO Champion Stakes at Ascot.

Aidan O'Brien's Antipodean import was last seen running on into fourth in the Arc, and could be joined by potential pacemaker Windsor Palace and Hardwicke Stakes winner Await The Dawn.

The last-named was beaten into third by Twice Over in the Juddmonte International at York, and Sir Henry Cecil's star is on target to lock horns once again.

The well-fancied Nathaniel, winner of the King George at Ascot, is set to represent John Gosden, whilst other leading three-year-old's engaged include the Godolphin duo Casamento and Dubai Prince, along with the French-trained Reliable Man and Jim Bolger's Banimpire.

Top-class older fillies Midday and Snow Fairy are also amongst the six-day entries, whilst other notable runners include the William Haggas-trained Green Destiny, prolific French raider Cirrus Des Aigles and Michael Bell's globetrotter Wigmore Hall.

In total 17 horses have been entered for the Group One contest.

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TIMEFORM: FRANKEL CLEAR OF RIVALS

Timeform have Frankel 12 pounds clear of his QIPCO Queen Elizabeth II Stakes rivals.

Winner of all eight starts at an average winning margin of more than five lengths, Frankel was rated 142 by Timeform after his runaway win in Newmarket's 2,000 Guineas in April, which makes him the highest-rated horse since the 1970s and the best horse in the world by seven pounds from Black Caviar.

He is also 12lb clear of his main form rival Immortal Verse at the weekend.

Simon Rowlands, Head of Handicapping at Timeform, said: "Frankel's lofty rating and remarkably dominant performances have invited comparisons with champions of yesteryear, such as the 144-rated Brigadier Gerard, who won the Guineas in 1971 and the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes in 1971 and 1972.

"While Frankel has proved impossible to beat so far, and has many pounds in hand of his rivals in Saturday's race , it is worth remembering that even the all-time greats usually get turned over once or twice in their careers.

"Brigadier Gerard was famously beaten once in 18 starts, at long odds-on by Roberto at York.

"And it would be a shock of similar proportions if Frankel were to come unstuck on Saturday at a distance and on a course at which he has been so superior to everything put up against him."

Timeform Queen Elizabeth II Stakes ratings (weight adjusted) :

152 Frankel, 140 Immortal Verse, 138 Excelebratio, Dick Turpin, 137 Cityscape, 133 Dubawi Gold, 132 Rio de la Plata, 128 Poet's Voice, 127 Side Glance, 124 Bullet Train.

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FRANKEL TOPS ASCOT TEN

Frankel tops ten acceptors for Saturday's Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, sponsored by QIPCO, and as expected is joined by stablemate Bullet Train.

He will act as pacemaker for Sir Henry Cecil's brilliant miler who is unbeaten to date.

His main rivals on Saturday are star French filly Immortal Verse, winner of the Coronation Stakes and Prix Jacques Le Marois on her last two starts, and the exciting Excelebration.

Godolphin have left in Poet's Voice and Rio De La Plata while Richard Hannon has a strong hand with Dick Turpin and Dubawi Gold.

Cityscape and Side Glance complete the ten-strong field.

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HOOF IT ABSENT FROM SPRINT ENTRIES

Hoof It is absent as Deacon Blues tops 18 entries for Saturday's QIPCO British Champion Sprint Stakes at Ascot.

Mick Easterby's star will swerve a clash with Roger Charlton's Bated Breath, who finished one place ahead of him in the Sprint Cup at Haydock.

Mick Easterby's four-year-old lost a shoe three weeks ago which prevented him from doing any serious work for a week.

Connections are still not satisfied with his progress.

David Easterby, the trainer's son and assistant, said: "It's still the same problem it was before, and we're working through it.

"The overseas races are still options but we haven't made any decisions yet, we're concentrating on getting the horse sound.

"All our efforts are going into doing what is right by the horse as there is always next year."

James Fanshawe has two runners engaged, with the wildly progressive ante-post favourite Deacon Blues set to be joined in the Group Two sprint by stablemate, and Ascot specialist, Society Rock.

Owner George Strawbridge could be doubly represented, with Freddie Head's filly Moonlight Cloud set to drop in trip and join Andrew Balding's Night Carnation in the race.

Other fillies entered at the six-day stage include Abbaye fifth Wizz Kid and Sir Mark Prescott's Hooray.

A battalion of older sprinters including Genki, Jimmy Style, Prime Defender and Royal Rock, as well as former Abbaye winner Total Gallery, are also amonst the 18-strong field.

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FAME AND GLORY IN ASCOT RETURN

Ascot Gold Cup winner Fame And Glory is set to return to the Berkshire track on Saturday for the QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup.

Aidan O'Brien's charge is looking to bounce back from a lacklustre run in the Irish St Leger last time and is joined in the field by stablemate Regent Street.

13 horses were left in at Monday's acceptance stage including the Godolphin trio of Cavalryman, Darley Sun and Opinion Poll.

Meeznah is set to step up in trip for the race while Chiberta King, Nehaam, Times Up, Motrice, Polly's Mark, Colour Vision and Eternal Heart complete the field.

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DANCING RAIN HEADS QUALITY FIELD

Investec Oaks winner Dancing Rain features among the 14 acceptors for the QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

Johnny Murtagh will be reunited with William Haggas' charge and faces a quality field which includes Ribblesdale heroine Banimpire.

Sir Michael Stoute's Crystal Capella will be among the leading fancies while Jessica Harrington could run Bible Belt while Miss Crissy is a potential runner from France.

Sea Of Heartbreak holds an entry from the Roger Charlton stable though is likely to head to Canada for an engagement in the EP Taylor Stakes.

Meeznah also has the option of facing Fame And Glory in the big staying race on the card while Bolivia, Brushing, Ceilidh House, Cill Rialaig, Ferdoos, Gertrude Bell and Vita Nota complete the declarations.

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PADY PRIMED FOR PUNCHESTOWN

Forpadydeplasterer is set to make his eagerly-anticipated return to action in the Star "Best For Racing Coverage" Chase at Punchestown on Thursday.

After winning the 2009 Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham, the nine-year-old filled the runner-up spot on his next seven starts, running with huge credit in races like the Queen Mother Champion Chase and the Melling Chase at Aintree.

He was pulled up on his first try at three miles in last season's King George VI Chase at Kempton and has not been seen since having returned to Ireland a sick horse.

He makes his seasonal reappearance over just a furlong shorter than three miles at Punchestown, but Cooper does not expect a lack of stamina to be a problem.

"Everything is fine with him and all going well he'll run on Thursday," said Cooper.

"We'll see how he gets on over the trip, but I think he'll be fine with it.

"He's in good form and while he'll improve for the run, I think he's fit enough to do himself justice - I wouldn't be running him otherwise.

"Hopefully he'll run well."

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BIDDLECOMBE TAKEN ILL

Legendary National Hunt jockey Terry Biddlecombe has suffered a stroke this weekend.

The three-times champion jockey was taken ill on Saturday and is currenty undergoing treatment at the John Radcliffe Hospital at Oxford.

The 69-year-old was heavily involved in the development of three-times Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Best Mate, as assistant trainer to his wife, Henrietta Knight.

Speaking on her website, Henrietta Knight reported: " He is in the Stroke Ward - and looks like remaining there for a while until he can swallow and speak properly.

"Currently he is being fed by a drip and by a tube directly into his stomach. It looks very uncomfortable but he seems fairly peaceful."

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TREE TARGETS CANADIAN REPEAT

Joshua Tree is in great heart as he leaves to defend his crown in the Pattison Canadian International at Woodbine.

Now trained by Marco Botti, he was prepared for the race 12 months ago by Aidan O'Brien.

The likes of the Charlie Hills-trained Redwood, third last year, and 2010 runner-up Mores Wells will be in opposition once more.

Since joining Botti, Joshua Tree has finished second at Newmarket and then third behind Arc winner Danedream in Germany.

With Adam Kirby having lost the ride on Botti's Excelebration in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, there is some compensation for him in that he will be in North America this weekend.

"He's leaving tonight and is running in Canada on Sunday and Adam Kirby will ride," said Botti.

"He did a nice piece of work at the weekend and is in very good order.

"We got him four months ago and we knew we had a good horse, but the run at Newmarket really brought him on.

"We'll see what happens but I think the owners would like him to go on to Dubai next year."

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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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NEWBURY ON MUIRHEAD RADAR

Muirhead could be heading for the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury following his excellent display in the Munster National at Limerick on Sunday.

The eight-year-old was a Grade One winner during his novice hurdle campaign and has performed well at the highest level over the smaller obstacles on a number of occasions since, placing second in an Irish Champion Hurdle and fifth in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Meade has successfully turned the talented gelding into a potent staying chaser judged on Sunday's performance and he could travel over to England next month.

"It was a good performance as he jumped and travelled well and the step up to three miles obviously suited him," said Meade.

"We'll see what sort of penalty he gets now before we make any plans for him, but I'll give him an entry in the Hennessy and we'll have a look at that.

"There is also a good handicap chase at Ascot (United House Gold Cup) but that's at the end of the month and might come a bit soon for him.

"He hasn't really had any problems. He pulled a muscle behind a little while ago but other than that, he's been sound.

"He's just been running in very good races."

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WILLIAMS PLANS WEST AGENDA

Evan Williams believes there are plenty of big prizes to be won with West With The Wind following a superb display at Limerick on Sunday.

The six-year-old touched down on Irish soil having won six of his last nine starts, but looked to have plenty to do against proven Graded-race performer Loosen My Load.

But West With The Wind was barely troubled under Paul Moloney, making all of the running and winning as he liked on rain-softened ground.

Williams is keen to avoid testing conditions with his charge when possible and feels he could be a force to be reckoned with in the spring.

"I was absolutely delighted with him. We were worried about the ground beforehand but it was one of those experiments you try and thankfully it worked out," said Williams.

"He was very impressive on his handicap return at Ffos Las and we did think he'd improved since, but you never really know what to expect when you're stepping up into Graded company.

"It was a tough test for him but he actually did it in really good style and he's obviously a horse who is still improving all the time.

"The ground was yielding to soft on Sunday but I wouldn't want to take a chance with him on really soft ground.

"You'd like to think that if we kept him nice and fresh for the spring, there are plenty of Graded races to be won with him.

"We'll take small steps and you never know what the ground is going to be like over the next month or so.

"We'll probably keep him in training until the end of November, you won't see him in December or January and then hopefully he'll be back ready to go in the spring.

"We'll try to win a Grade Two with him next and see how we go."

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CASPAR STILL PROGRESSING

Alan McCabe feels Caspar Netscher is still progressing despite his defeat in the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.

The two-year-old made significant headway having been in the rear throughout the early stages and he fairly flew home to claim fifth under Robert Winston, beaten just over a length by the winner, Crusade.

He remains on course for the Breeders' Cup.

"He's fine, he's in good order and all seems well. All roads lead to America now," said McCabe.

"It was arguably his best effort because it was his first run in a Group One and he was an unlucky loser.

"It's a tricky track and a unique course. He got shuffled back but it was amazing his run after that, a few more strides and he'd have been in front.

"What's worse is the fact that the horses who finished second and third we have already beaten and beaten them well (in the Gimcrack).

"But that's racing, he's survived to go on to Kentucky. On that run he's still progressing.

"Robert's initial reaction when he came in was that he should have won."

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