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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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...

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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...

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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 fie...

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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...

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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 fie...

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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...

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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...

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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 peacefu...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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TATTERSALLS OCTOBER BOOK ONE UPDATES

1557: John Hills spends 58,000 for the only Sixties Icon at the sales, a half-brother to Fillies Mile runner-up Samitar. 1550: Lot 431, a Shamardal colt consigned by Mount Coote Stud, impresses and is eventually knocked down to Stuart Boman for 350,000, with John Ferguson the underbidder. The distaff side of the colt's pedigree goes deep and he'll be an interesting one to follow. "He is a lovely colt, the best Shamardal in the sale," Boman told www.tattersalls.com . "He was well grown, and very forward. He will stay in the UK, but a trainer has yet to be decided. "I have been underbidder a couple of times to John this week so it was nice to reverse things!" 1534: Having missed out on the Galileo filly, Charlie Gordon-Watson refuses to...

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RED RULES FOR EDDERY

First-season trainer Robert Eddery enjoyed a first winner at York when Red Quartet came out on top in a competitive race for the TSG Nursery Stakes. The brother of former champion jockey Pat Eddery has now had five winners from a string of just 10 horses since taking out a licence in April. Red Quartet (28-1) got home by a length from the 5-2 favourite Radio Gaga, with Deepsand third and Jessie's Spirit fourth. "I thought he did well to win at Brighton as he was growing a bit," said Eddery. "I wanted to bring him here as you have to win at these places to get noticed. "I don't think he's got anything to prove this season and I need a good horse for next year." Radio Gaga's jockey Graham Gibbons was banned two days (October 21 and 24)...

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FAHEY: BATTLE ON FOR TOP SPOT AT YORK

It's been a busy week at the Tattersalls Sales and the trade is unbelievably strong. At the time of writing we've got four bought and I hope to add to that but it will be tough. It's a big weekend for me with the final meeting of the season at York. That's my track and there's a real tussle on to finish top trainer for 2011 there. It's going to be tight but we'll be doing our best! Here's my guide to the Saturday team: We run two in the opening Bet On Your Mobile With Coral E.B.F. 'Sakhee' Maiden Stakes with Paul (Hanagan) on Mickdaam. He's a horse we like but he disappointed at Goodwood last time when he didn't really handle the track. He's a nice horse and will be a better three-year-old but we'll run him again and see what happens. He'll...

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HANNON STRONG SUIT AT NEWMARKET

Newmarket 14:05 Burj Khalifa Challenge Stakes (Group 2) STRONG SUIT had a breathing operation after being well beaten behind Frankel in the Greenham and has returned in great style, landing the Jersey Stakes and Lennox Stakes over this trip. He's probably capable of making further progress and this should be within his capabilities. Chachamaidee is another making great strides and produced her best run to date when just a length behind Sahpresa in the Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes over a mile here a fortnight ago. Sir Henry Cecil's filly is probably even better at this trip and looks certain to go well. She holds both Rimth and Maqaasid on their run in the Oak Tree Stakes at Goodwood in July though the latter, who started favourite that day,...

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EKTIHAAM READY FOR DEWHURST TEST

Roger Varian's Ektihaam bids to show he is as good as his home reputation suggests when he takes a big step up in class in the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket. The youngster certainly looked the real deal when winning a typically warm Newbury maiden on his racecourse debut and he then ran away with the same conditions race at Doncaster that the mighty Frankel had won 12 months earlier. He will face a far sterner test this weekend with proven Group One winner Power in the line-up but Angus Gold, racing manager for owner Hamdan Al Maktoum, believes the colt is ready to test his powers at the highest level. "He's done very well so far and we'll see whether he's good enough. It's the same situation for a lot of them and there is no better...

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HIGH HOPES FOR BAPAK CHINTA

Kevin Ryan returns to the scene of his first major victory as he unleashes Bapak Chinta in Saturday's Emaar Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket. It was in this race in 2005 that Amadeus Wolf gave the Hambleton-based trainer a breakthrough Group One, which was quickly followed in the same season by Palace Episode in the Racing Post Trophy. Bapak Chinta started his career in what could have appeared a moderate maiden at Hamilton but it turned out to be an outstanding one, as he beat subsequent Royal Ascot winner Frederick Engels by three lengths. Ryan's colt went on to Royal success in the Norfolk Stakes but has not been seen since, having knocked himself during light exercise when being prepared for the Nunthorpe at York. "He's very well and...

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QUEALLY LOOKING TO ROCK ON ALSINDI

Tom Queally believes Alsindi has every chance of keeping her unbeaten record intact in the vision.ae Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday. Clive Brittain's daughter of Acclamation overcame a tardy start to make a winning debut at Yarmouth in August and Queally took over in the saddle to guide her to victory in the Oh So Sharp Stakes over course and distance last time out. "I'm hopeful of a bold show from Alsindi. I'm getting quite a few rides from Clive now Philip Robinson has retired and he is a lovely man to ride for with a wealth of experience," the jockey said in his column on www.racinguk.com. "Alsindi won the Oh So Sharp Stakes at Newmarket last time in good style and stuck to her guns well coming up the hill. "Clive rates her,...

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CASPAR CAN GHOST HOME IN MIDDLE PARK

- Four of the last 10 favourites have been successful. - All of the last 10 winners won their preceding start. - Five of the last 10 winners were unbeaten, only one had been beaten more than twice. - All of the last 10 winners had won over six furlongs. - Seven of the last 10 winners made their debut no earlier than June. - Seven of the last 10 winners were successful on debut. - Nine of the last 10 winners had won in Listed company or higher. Summary The Prix Morny in which Family One was second to Dabirsim has proved the best guide to the race with four recent winners completing the double whilst there have been two apiece from each of the Mill Reef Stakes and the Gimcrack (both won by Caspar Netscher). In the absence of the Morny winner,...

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PIPE BIDS TO EMULATE HIS FATHER

David Pipe has three chances to enjoy a major boost ahead of the imminent arrival of the National Hunt season in Saturday's Betfred Cesarewitch at Newmarket. Jump trainers regularly have success over the two and a quarter miles of this famous handicap, with Nicky Henderson as well as Pipe's father Martin striking on several occasions in the not too distant past. Big Occasion was a winner for Aidan O'Brien last year and Pipe has made the interesting decision to book O'Brien's son Joseph for the mount. William Buick is aboard the Robin Geffen-owned Beyond, seemingly the leading hope for the yard after making a winning debut for the stable at Sandown in July. While Tasheba, a former Henderson inmate who has run over hurdles for Pipe, is...

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GOLD FORESEES BIG MAQ RUN

Connections of Maqaasid are confident the filly is ready to bounce back in the Burj Khalifa Challenge Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday. John Gosden's three-year-old was among the top rank of juvenile fillies last year and she returned with highly creditable efforts in the Nell Gwyn Stakes and the 1000 Guineas at this track. She has been largely disappointing in three starts since but Angus Gold, racing manager for owner Hamdan Al Maktoum, reports confidence from the camp. "I haven't seen her for a long time but John Gosden tells me that from what he is seeing at home, she has come right back to her best," said Gold. "She obviously lost her way a bit in the middle of the summer and, for whatever reason, she wasn't quite bouncing. "She seemed...

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PUTRA TAKES AIM AT DARLEY STAKES

Roger Varian is confident Sri Putra can record a deserved first success of the campaign in the Darley Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday. The five-year-old finished third behind Rewilding and So You Think in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot, and occupied the same position in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown. He was disappointing in lesser company at Newbury last time, but Varian is expecting a better performance this weekend. "Sri Putra is in great form. The ground was a bit sticky for him at Newbury last time and he perhaps needed the run as he'd been off the track a while," said the Newmarket handler. "The fast ground will suit and we're very hopeful of a good run." Sri Putra's rivals include classy Italian raider Bubble Chic and...

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NOCTURNAL READY FOR YORK AFFAIR

Portland winner Nocturnal Affair goes for a second sprint handicap win in Yorkshire when he lines up for the Coral Sprint Trophy at York on Saturday. The Irish raider delivered the goods in style at Doncaster last month and County Tipperary trainer David Marnane has high hopes of another successful mission on the Knavesmire. The South African import was only having his second run since joining Marnane via a spell in Dubai, so his new handler is hoping there is still more to come from the five-year-old. "We had planned to keep him for a Listed race a Dundalk, but it's a good pot so it's worth going for," said Marnane. "He only went up 4lb and I thought he idled a little bit in front at Doncaster that day. "He's in great form, he travelled...

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VARIAN LAUNCHES DUAL RAID

Roger Varian launches a dual assault on Dubai Future Champions Day at Newmarket on Saturday with both Ektihaam and Sri Putra aiming to continue their handler's excellent first season as a trainer. Ektihaam lines up in the £317,000 Group One Dubai Dewhurst Stakes and takes a step up in class after winning his two starts to date. Varian commented: "Ektihaam has done nothing wrong on the track so far. "He's a horse we like and he has been working well at home, but on official ratings he has a big jump to make." Sri Putra, who contests the Group Three £50,000 Darley Stakes, was third in the Group One Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot in June and the Group One Coral-Eclipse at Sandown the following month. The five-year-old, a Group Two...

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CUE LINED UP FOR CHASING BOW

Joe Tizzard can hardly wait to partner Cue Card as he makes his fencing debut in a fascinating Bet At bluesq.com On Your Mobile Novices' Chase at Chepstow. The brilliant 2010 Champion Bumper winner won twice from five starts over hurdles and ran with plenty of credit when second behind Menorah in the International Hurdle at Cheltenham. He was again far from disgraced on his final two starts in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle and in a Grade One at Aintree. Among his three rivals this weekend is the Paul Nicholls-trained Silviniaco Conti, just one place behind Cue Card in the International. Tizzard is looking forward to renewing rivalry. "He's in cracking form and this is what we've been looking forward to doing with him right from the first...

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DEWHURST TRENDS POINT TO RED DUKE

- Nine of the last 10 winners finished in the first three on their preceding start; seven were succesful. - Five of the last 10 winners were unbeaten. - Seven of the last 10 winners had already won a race at Group Three or above (three had won a Group One) and two of the exceptions had been placed in a Group One. - Eight of the last 10 winners had won over seven furlongs or beyond. - Three favourites have been successful but four winners have been returned between 20-1 & 33s. - Eight of the last 10 winners made their debut after April. - Nine of the last 10 winners had raced at least three times. - Nine of the last 10 winners ran in a Group race on their preceding start, the exception ran in a sales race. - Seven of the last 10 winners...

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SENTRY READY FOR CES DUTY

- Winners have been aged 3, 4 (two), 5, 6 (three), 7, 8 and 11. - Winners have carried between 7-13 and 9-8 with five between 7-13 and 8-8. - Winners have been rated between 83 and 104 with five between 92 and 98. - Seven winners had been drawn between 1 & 10 with five between 1 & 4. - Nine winners were returned between 9-2 and 16-1 with two favourites successful. - Seven winners finished in the first four on their previous outing under either code. - Seven winners had won a class 3 handicap or above over 1m 6f - the last four had all won a class 2 handicap over 2 miles. - Nine winners had raced between 2 and 7 times during the current season; none had raced more. - Six winners had failed to win a race during the current season. -...

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WINTERS WARMED BY BILL FORM

Michael Winters is confident For Bill will run her usual game race under top weight in the ladbrokes.com Munster National at Limerick on Sunday. The eight-year-old has won nine of her 15 starts under Rules, emerging triumphant at Grade Three level over both hurdles and fences. She returned from a five-month break to finish second to Finger Onthe Pulse at Listowel last month and Winters does not expect the step up to three miles to be a problem. "We're delighted to have a runner in such a nice race at this stage of the year and I think the weather has come right for her," said Winters. "It might not be her favourite track as she might be slightly better going left-handed, but she looks in great form and I'd say we'll get a great run from...

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BENNY HEADS TO CHELTENHAM

Benny Be Good is set to bid to complete a four-timer in the £25,000 Cheltenhamcollection.co.uk Handicap Chase on Saturday week. The extended three-mile contest is one of the highlights of Cheltenham's opening two-day meeting of the 2011/2012 season, which commences on Friday, October 14th. Keith Reveley's charge posted the biggest win of his career when forging clear of his rivals for a two-length success over an extended two and three quarter miles at Market Rasen on September 24th. The eight-year-old had previously posted a pair of comfortable victories at Sedgefield in April, including a seven-length victory over Grade One winning-hurdler Hollo Ladies in a two and a half mile handicap chase. Reveley revealed: "The plan is for Benny...

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PENROSE CALLS FOR GREATER UNITY

John Penrose, Minister for horse racing and betting, urged "racing and gambling to be facing in the same direction" to secure the future of the sport with a revised or abolished levy on bets. Speaking at the inaugural Leaders in Racing conference, held alongside the Leaders in Football event at Chelsea Football Club, he warned: "Racing is a wonderful product at the heart of our sporting and cultural heritage and an important part of our economy - but its underpinnings are fraying at the ends, and it's causing a great deal of concern. "Racing and gambling should be symbiotic in its discussions to redesign the levy system, or an alternative, for the 21st century, and even for the 22nd and 23rd centuries. "A large amount of betting has moved...

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