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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