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...

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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...

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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 quic...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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 plac...

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