News Fro Michael Jarvis Yard

Rainbow Peak is heading for Royal Ascot following his encouraging recent seasonal debut.

The Wolferton Handicap Stakes, a Listed contest over a mile and a quarter on June 18, is the objective for the Peter Savill-owned four-year-old.

"He runs in the Wolferton at Royal Ascot. He's been kept for that," said trainer Michael Jarvis.
Rainbow Peak was unraced as a juvenile then won all his three starts at three before going down by a head to Fareer in a hot handicap over a mile at York on his return earlier this month.

Meanwhile, Sajjhaa is to leap straight from maiden company to the highest level by taking her chance in the Investec Oaks at Epsom on Friday.

The filly, trained by Michael Jarvis, was slashed in price from 16-1 to a general 8-1 after she was left in the Classic at Saturday's confirmation stage.

"She's in great order and I think she will run," said Jarvis.

"When it gets close to confirmation time you'd be daft to have a bet, so I suppose people were waiting to see whether she was confirmed or not first.

"They only have one year to have a crack at the Classics so if you feel they are good enough they deserve the opportunity."

Sajjhaa, who carries the colours of Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum, only made her racecourse debut earlier this month but she could not have been more impressive in beating Saggiatore by seven lengths at Sandown.

Frankie Dettori was in the saddle that day but there are two other fillies he could ride - Godolphin's Hibaayeb or the Mark Johnston-trained Marie De Medici - should they get the go-ahead to run.

"There's no decision on whether Frankie rides. The policy is that Frankie is offered the horses to ride in the Darley set up and it obviously depends on what the others run," Jarvis explained.

28 Day Ban For Tom...Ouch!

Tom McLaughlin was handed a 28-day ban for failing to ride out on odds-on favourite Vaultage at Catterick on Saturday.

The 8-15 chance appeared to have the Bet Totepool On 0800 221 221 Median Auction Maiden Fillies' Stakes in the bag, despite drifting into the middle of the track. However she was caught in the final strides by Royal Cheer and beaten a head and McLaughlin will be banned from June 12 to July 9 inclusive.

Hold The Bus!

Aidan O'Brien has warned ante-post punters to hold their bets before the Investec Derby at Epsom next week.

The market for the blue riband Classic was muddied further on Friday when the Ballydoyle handler issued a statement saying the long-time favourite St Nicholas Abbey had disappointed Johnny Murtagh in a gallop. Stablemate Jan Vermeer replaced him at the head of the betting but with impressive trial winners Cape Blanco and Midas Touch also in the mix, O'Brien has urged punters to wait until final running plans are confirmed.

Speaking on Channel 4's The Morning Line O'Brien said: "St Nicholas Abbey worked with Midas Touch on Friday and worked as well as him but that was the unusual thing, normally St Nicholas Abbey works head and shoulders above everything."

He added: "He did a piece of work on Tuesday and Johnny was over the moon with him but he was a little bit disappointed on Friday morning so we decided to let everybody know. The problem with training horses is that everyone is different, there is no rule. His work was good, he worked very well.

"Colm (O'Donoghue) rode Midas Touch and he thought he had improved a lot from Leopardstown so that's also there but usually St Nicholas Abbey is head and shoulders above everything, he's the most incredible worker you've ever seen. I suppose it might have just taken Johnny back a bit that he just worked as well as Midas Touch. He wasn't disappointing, just not as scintillating as he usually is.

"There is always a possibility that any horse wouldn't run, everything has to be right for them to run in a race like that so you could never say never. I think we'll make a final decision in the middle of the week. Obviously we have to decide which horses will go to France.

"Viscount Nelson will definitely go there and whether something goes with him will be decided in the middle of the week. They'll work again on Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on the horses, we'll have the main work done by then.

"The two intended for Epsom were St Nicholas Abbey and Midas Touch, along with At First Sight. Jan Vermeer and Cape Blanco had the possibility of going to France too so if there was any doubt about St Nicholas Abbey there is a big chance Jan Vermeer might go to Epsom as well. But it's all up in the air and I would say to everybody to just wait and see."

O'Brien also refused to rule out the possibility of Kieren Fallon being on board one of his Derby runners.

"Obviously Johnny will ride one and we've got Colm and Seamus (Heffernan) here and the outside jockeys like Kieren and Pat Smullen. There's some very good jockeys available so I don't think we'll be worrying about that," he added.

Sunday NO BET...watching England beat Japan

No selections today after a couple of very good days..."keep your powder dry" for a BIG PRICED runner on Monday. Enjoy England beating Japan...Darren Bent to "book his ticket" with a couple, eh? G` Luck!

And ANOTHER WINNER!

Sir Michael Stoute's Main Aim dug deep under a typically determined ride from Ryan Moore to a bag second successive victory in the Group Three Timeform Jury Stakes at Haydock.

The rain-softened ground put an emphasis on stamina and after a prolonged battle up the straight, Main Aim just had the edge on Doncaster Rover and Dream Eater in the closing stages.

The 2-1 joint-favourite passed the line with three-quarters of a length to spare with the same distance back to the third.

Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager for winning owner Khalid Abdullah, said: "He is in the Golden Jubilee at Royal Ascot, but I don't think he will go there.

"He likes some cut in the ground which I don't think he would get there and we also have Showcasing in the race.

"He is better suited by six furlongs, so we will have to see. There will be other opportunities for him (Main Aim)."

Moore added: "He was on the outside and I could not get any cover for him.

"Three of them kicked on and got racing far too early, but he was very game today and outbattled them."

Dubai Dynamo 10/1 WINNER!

Yesterdays Message...Nmkt 4.05 “You can more or less discount his run at Chester as he was drawn on the outside. He is very consistent; he won two runs ago and ran a blinder after that at Ripon. On that form he’ll go close.” Ruth Carr, trainer of Dubai Dynamo...10/1 WINNER!

Stotsfold WINS!

Stotsfold improved on his third of 12 months earlier to claim the scalp of Tazeez by a neck in the Blue Square Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown.

Walter Swinburn's 7-1 chance went on to take third in the Arlington Million last summer and the trainer is eyeing another international campaign after the globetrotter returned to winning ways.

Sir Michael Stoute tasted defeat in the race last year with subsequent Breeders' Cup winner Conduit, and his Glass Harmonium was also turned over when third as the 13-8 favourite.

Swinburn said: "He is a true international horse and that is where his future lies. He comes alive when he is abroad and races like the Arlington Million again are the plan."

Godolphin Derby Hopes

Rewilding is poised to fly the Godolphin flag at Epsom on Saturday week as Sheikh Mohammed's team strive to end their barren spell in the Investec Derby.

Godolphin have not won the premier Classic since 1995, when Lammtarra struck in the hands of Walter Swinburn, but this year have a live contender in Rewilding.

The three-year-old colt, trained by Mahmood Al Zarooni, is likely to be supplemented for the race following his runaway Goodwood triumph.

Frankie Dettori, who ended his own Derby hex aboard Authorized two years ago, is set to receive the leg-up.

Rewilding will be joined in the line-up by Saeed bin Suroor's Al Zir - but the participation of fellow Godolphin candidates Chabal and Simon De Montfort is less clear cut.

"We'll definitely supplement Rewilding for the race on Monday as he was impressive at Goodwood and ticks all of the right boxes," said Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford.

"Both he and Al Zir will do a bit more work this week and jockey decisions will be made early next week. Sheikh Mohammed will discuss it with all of us and will make a decision, but it's quite likely Frankie will ride Rewilding.

"They gelled well at Goodwood, but Frankie wants to sit on Al Zir in a piece of work - after that it will all be a little clearer.

"We'll keep Chabal in the race on Monday and see how the ground and weather develop. It doesn't look like we're going to get enough rain to give him a realistic chance.

"Simon De Montfort will do a bit of work at the weekend and we'll make a final decision if he goes to France or whether we'll supplement him for Epsom."

Naughty Naughty?

Owner Harry Findlay has been charged by the British Horseracing Authority in connection with laying his own horse, Gullible Gordon, on two occasions.

Back bets had been placed both times on the horse that significantly outweighed the lay bets.

The first charge made against Findlay revolves around the seven-year-old's participation in a race at Exeter on October 21, 2008.

Findlay has been charged in breach of Rule 247, in that he placed lay bets against the horse of around £17,638, and/or instructed another person on his behalf to do so and/or received the whole or part of the proceedings of such an act, at a time when he was the owner of the horse.

If Gullible Gordon, who finished sixth, had won, the profit would have been £23,755.60. The loss was therefore £62,321.26.

In relation to the second race at Chepstow on October 10, 2009, Findlay has been charged in breach of Rule (E)92.2.

The BHA will investigate whether he placed lay bets against the horse with Betfair to around £32,033, and/or instructed another person to do so on his behalf and/or received the whole or part of the proceeds of such an act at a time when he was a listed person in relation to Gullible Gordon.

The BHA will also investigate whether Findlay acted in breach of Rule (A)35.4, in that he placed lay bets against Gullible Gordon with Betfair to around £32,033, and/or instructed another person to do so on his behalf at a time when he was a service provider to an owner of the horse.

If Gullible Gordon had been defeated, the loss would have been £31,966.33. He won the race, so the profit was £35,245.30

A disciplinary panel hearing will be convened in due course

Wednesday Selections

The CHAMPION and Grand National WINNER comes to Sedgey`! A P McCoy travels to Sedgefield for three rides...worth a cheeky bet me thinks...I fancy him on ALL of `em!

Also a "nod" for an unlucky second last time out...ran into traffic but should go close with a clear run at a BIG PRICE! Details on Members Line NOW!

Wednesday At Beverley

The Richard Hannon bandwagon rolls into Beverley on Wednesday evening for the Listed Hilary Needler Trophy.

The in-form handler runs Inagh River and after seeing the likes of Paco Boy, Canford Cliffs and countless juveniles hit the mark in recent weeks, Hannon is hoping the Fasilyev filly can keep up the good run.

"The plan was to send Penny's Pearl for the Listed race too but she got sick. However, I think Inagh River has what it takes to run a big race - she won well at Nottingham and was then only just chinned on the line by our own The Sydney Arms at Newbury," he told his website, www.richardhannonracing.tv.

"The fourth (Serena's Pride) bolted up at Lingfield last Saturday, so there is nothing wrong with the form, and while we don't have a brilliant draw (stall six), I hope she'll be in the shake-up."

John Wainwright won the 2007 Hilary Needler with Loch Jipp and runs the maiden Miserere this year.

"She's got terrific speed and is a very fresh horse, but it's not going to be easy as there are a few unexposed horses in there," said Wainwright. "I'd be over the moon if she could finish in the first six and I think, in time, she'd be as good as Loch Jipp."

New trainer Ben Haslam is represented by Azzurra Du Caprio, who became his first two-year-old winner when scoring at Redcar recently.

"She is bred to get a little further, but she is the kind of filly that will be suited by the track and a stiff five furlongs," said Haslam. "We think a bit of her and even if we were unlucky in the race, we'll still be aiming pretty high."

Sylvester Kirk's Dress Up has some of the best collateral form on offer having won a decent race at Chester, and the trainer has handled some speedy types in his career.

"She's got a good draw in 16 and we're hoping the track suits," said Kirk. "She has a lot of speed and is definitely the sharpest two-year-old we've got at the moment."

Dettori on Darley Sun

Darley Sun will have the services of Frankie Dettori when he makes his eagerly-anticipated debut for Godolphin in Thursday's Blue Square Henry II Stakes at Sandown.

The popular Italian was marked down for stablemate Sabotage when the declarations were made, with Ted Durcan aboard last year's Cesarewitch winner, but that situation has now reversed.

Dettori's agent Ray Cochrane confirmed: "Frankie was originally down to ride Sabotage but that has now changed and he will be on Darley Sun."

Darley Sun rose through the ranks last term for David Simcock and signed off for the campaign with a stunning victory in the Cesarewitch in the style of a rapidly-improving horse. Sabotage was partnered by Dettori on his most recent start when second to Godolphin stablemate Claremont at Newbury.

Michael Bell On Sariska

Michael Bell is not too worried about the prospect of quick ground at Epsom for Sariska in the Coronation Cup.

Last year's Oaks heroine handled it with aplomb in the Middleton Stakes at York on her seasonal reappearance, putting to bed the theory that she can only act on ground with plenty of give.

Bell told At The Races: "I think even from early on in the race you could tell that she was being effective on the ground, she was bouncing off it and moving really well and I think that will stand her in good stead for the rest of the year."

The trainer went on: "I think (Epsom clerk of the course) Andrew Cooper tries to produce good or slightly easier ground so that when it dries out before the Derby the Derby isn't run on ground that is too fast."

Fame And Glory is among Sariska's possible opponents at Epsom, but Bell has not been scared off by his easy win at the Curragh on Sunday.

"Fame And Glory was obviously very impressive, not many Group Ones are won by seven lengths. He's an awesome horse and it would be nice to take him on," he added.

The Newmarket handler also has a live each-way hope for the Derby in Coordinated Cut and believes there is improvement to come after he finished third in the Dante.

"I think I may have left him a bit short of work, he blew pretty hard after the race for slightly longer than normal, a good 15-20 minutes," Bell admitted.

"We made the decision to commit early in the straight at York and that could have backfired as I think he was a little bit lost having been out in front. Hopefully there is improvement to come."

News On Snow Fairy

Snow Fairy is to be supplemented for the Investec Oaks at Epsom on June 4 at a cost of £20,000 - and will be ridden by champion jockey Ryan Moore.

Ed Dunlop's daughter of Intikhab routed what looked to be a competitive field in the Height Of Fashion Stakes at Goodwood on her first start over 10 furlongs and connections have decided to take the plunge.

The handler said: "We've spoken, and as long as we are happy we will supplement her for the Oaks. The Goodwood race wasn't the original plan, we were going to run in the Michael Seeley at York but the ground was too firm."

He added: "But she won so well. We didn't know about her stamina prior to Goodwood and it will be the same again before the Oaks over a mile and a half, but there is hope on the dam's side.

"We've booked Ryan Moore to ride which is an added bonus and as long as we are happy and she seems well, - she seems to have come out of the race well so far - that is the plan.

"She didn't appear to be stopping at Goodwood and we were most surprised by her starting price at 12-1."

News On Music Show

Mick Channon still believes there is improvement to come from Music Show after her fine third in the Irish 1000 Guineas on Sunday.

Having won the Nell Gwyn in April, the Noverre filly was then drawn on the wrong side in the English Guineas before her run behind Bethrah, in which she was beaten only a head and a neck. Channon continues to knock on the door in the big races but his enthusiasm is not on the wane.

Channon told his website, www.mickchannon.tv: "To be brutally honest, I can handle getting beaten. Music Show ran her race and had every chance, but was beaten half a length by a better filly on the day."

He added: "I can sleep well at night, safe in the knowledge that we've produced a competitor in a proper Group One. Sport is all about staking a claim and testing yourself against the rest.

"She's also proved that she'd have been in the mix at Newmarket but for the mockery of a draw, having turned the form around.

"She's still a bit hairy and has improvement in her and although we've had our colours lowered, they'll be raised again. If you packed up every time you get beaten, you'd never bother turning up.

"Lahaleeb won a nursery off a mark of 72 and look what she turned into. Our horses develop, it's a fact and we're all in this together.

"Defeat is disappointing, but in the long term, it's all a part of the game."

Delzangles To Run Mafki At The Royal meeting

Makfi "knows he is a racehorse now" as he prepares for a mouthwatering rematch with Canford Cliffs and Dick Turpin in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot next month.

The highlight on day one of the showpiece meeting is firmly on the cards for the unbeaten French colt, who was a shock 33-1 winner of the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.

Makfi's trainer Mikel Delzangles said: "The Newmarket form is very good and we are looking forward to meeting Canford Cliffs and Dick Turpin in Ascot, I'm sure other horses from the French Guineas will go over too so it should be a great race.

He went on: "Canford Cliffs won very easily and I think the mile in Ireland suited him well.

"Makfi has not been doing too much, but he came back from Newmarket very well and we have kept his condition.

"He has only had three runs in his life, two of them this year. He is much harder, he knows he is a racehorse now and is going the right way.

"I don't think he should have any problems with the track at Ascot, the round mile there should suit him well with the way he runs."

Delzangles is no stranger to success at the Royal meeting, either, although not actually in Berkshire.

He added: "I have had a runner - and a winner - at Royal Ascot before, that was Chineur when he won the King's Stand the year (2005) the meeting was held at York."

New Campaign For Lahaleeb.

Gerard Butler has mapped out an exciting campaign for new recruit Lahaleeb.

The four-year-old filly was a top-drawer performer when trained by Mick Channon, for whom she won the Grade One EP Taylor Stakes at Woodbine last October. She also turned in a clutch of other high-class displays, including taking second spot in the Irish 1000 Guineas, before being transferred to Fawzi Nass' yard in Bahrain.

Lahaleeb finished seventh in last Sunday's Singapore Airlines International Cup on her final foray for Nass before being switched to Butler's Newmarket yard and her first start for new connections is likely to be at the highest level in the Etihad Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket on July 7.

"She arrived the other day from Singapore and is fresh and very well," said Butler.

"She's an exciting horse to have in the yard and we're looking forward to getting her out.

"Her first start will probably be in the Falmouth and, later on, there's options like the Nassau (Goodwood), the Matron (Leopardstown) and the Sun Chariot (Newmarket). That might be quite a strong campaign, but she's a good horse."

Sunday Selection

Todays advice..."The feature race at Perth 4.20 can go to David Pipe and SIR BATHWICK. The 11-year-old was impressive when making every yard of the running to score over an extended 3m 1f at Wincanton earlier this month and looks more than capable of defying a 7lb hike in the handicap"... G` Luck!

Free Judgement To Have Another Go?

Free Judgement could renew rivalry with Canford Cliffs after his commendable second in the Abu Dhabi Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh.

Jim Bolger's colt finished strongly to chase home the Richard Hannon-trained winner and has the St James's Palace Stakes as an option.

Bolger said: "I thought he'd be in the first three beforehand and Ascot could be on the agenda."

Kevin Manning, rider of Free Judgement, added: "I always thought a faster run race would suit him and it has. He hasn't surprised me. I said to Jim when he won the Tetrach that better ground and a faster pace would be better for him.

"He'll stay to a mile now I'd have thought, I just think that on the day a very smart horse beat him."

Al On Anna

Mahmood Al Zarooni has declared Anna Salai "fit and ready to go" ahead of her tilt at Classic glory on Sunday.

The highly-rated filly has her first start for Al Zarooni in the Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas at the Curragh. Godolphin's daughter of Dubawi was switched from Andre Fabre's yard in Chantilly following a decisive length-and-a-half victory in the Prix de la Grotte at Longchamp in April.

Al Zarooni remarked: "Anna Salai has settled in very well and she is in good form at the moment. She is fit and ready to go. She is taking a step up in class but she is a good filly and very professional in her work. I am hoping that she can run a nice race on Sunday."

Racing manager Simon Crisford added on www.godolphin.com: "She broke her maiden in the Pattern race she won in France and the further she went, the better she was going. She stays well and, if the ground is not too fast for her, she should be very effective."

Devastating Display By Canford Cliffs

Canford Cliffs fully justified Richard Hannon's faith in his ability with a devastating display to win the Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh.

An impressive winner of the Coventry Stakes last season, he had been beaten in three subsequent races, including when taking third in the English Guineas.

He travelled supremely well for Richard Hughes after settling perfectly in the early stages and the 9-4 favourite's electric turn of foot was once again in evidence as he beat Free Judgement by three lengths, with Viscount Nelson third.

The winning trainer's son and assistant, Richard Hannon jnr, said : "He relaxed a lot more than usual and was able to finish his race. He's won well and is a very good horse, he didn't hang left today and has run straight to the finish.

"We probably have three of the best milers (Canford Cliffs, Paco Boy and Dick Turpin) in the country and people keep saying they are all best at seven furlongs.

Cutlass Bay Goes For Gold Cup At The Curagh

Saeed bin Suroor is looking for a positive performance from Cutlass Bay in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh as he attempts to map out the rest of his season.

The four-year-old colt only recently joined Bin Suroor from Andre Fabre in France where he was unbeaten in five starts, the last of those victories coming in the Prix Ganay at Longchamp - his first race at the highest level.

His new handler said: "We've not had him too long and obviously he won his last race in France. His last piece of work was very good, very good indeed, and he seems in good form. This is a tough race in Ireland but we need to see how he runs there and then we will decide where his future lies."

He added: "He tries hard all the time - he is progressive - but he is racing against better horses than he ever has done before. We need to see more from him before we decide on his future. Ahmed Ajtebi is riding him because Frankie (Dettori) is going over to France to ride Hibaayeb."

Old Boy Going For It Again

Caracciola will attempt to defy his advancing years yet again when he goes for back-to-back victories in the Stowe Family Law LLP Grand Cup at York.

The remarkable 13-year-old hung on by a short head after making virtually all the running in this Listed race 12 months ago before landing an emotional victory in the Queen Alexandra Stakes at Royal Ascot and owner Piers Pottinger reports his pride and joy to be in fine form.

Pottinger said: "It's a very competitive race. He's drawn 11 out of 11 and I'm not sure how good that is. We think it's the perfect prep race for Ascot and the Queen Alexandra there is our real goal. The ground should suit him and he's in very good form."

He went on: "He's been off for quite a while. Everything's been fine, he doesn't owe me anything. He has clearly lost interest in hurdling and clearly likes running around in the sunshine on good to firm ground, which is what we are going to let him do."

Borderlescott "Spot On"

Robin Bastiman reports his stable star Borderlescott to be "spot on" ahead of the betfred.com Temple Stakes at Haydock.

The popular eight-year-old has won the last two renewals of the Nunthorpe Stakes, once at Newmarket and most recently at his home track of York, and he has filled the runner-up spot in the last two renewals of this contest.

Bastiman said: "The ground in this race last year wasn't suitable and the year before he got beat by that good filly, Fleeting Spirit. Equiano had a run under his belt before the race at Newmarket whereas we hadn't and we tied up a little bit."

He went on: "He'll run his race, if he's good enough he'll win. He's spot on and he's worked really well. I've been pleased with him."

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Sad, Very Sad

The families of young jockeys Jamie Kyne and Jan Wilson, who were killed in a fire in a block of flats in Norton, North Yorkshire, last September, have issued a statement after Peter Brown was found guilty of manslaughter.

Father-of-one Brown, who is originally from the Aberdeen area, did not give evidence in his trial, which lasted just over a fortnight. Throughout the proceedings, he sat in the dock flanked by a security guard, occasionally making notes on an A4 pad.

The statement said: "Peter Brown has robbed us of two wonderfully young people who had so much to live for.

"When Jan and Jamie died, a part of each one of us died with them.

"He has left us all shattered and our lives will never be the same again. We are pleased that he has now been held accountable for the devastating events of last September, however no punishment will ever bring Jan and Jamie back.

"They have both been denied a great future and lifestyle in a sport they loved so much and had triumphed in. Brown may have taken away Jan and Jamie but he cannot take away our memories.

"We would like to thank everyone involved in bringing the case to trial and ensuring that justice was done for Jan and Jamie. Our thanks go to everyone who has helped and supported us through the past eight months, in particular the Injured Jockeys Fund.

"We must now try to rebuild lives and ensure the memories of Jan and Jamie live on."

Aidan O'Brien Issues Upbeat Bulletin

Aidan O'Brien has issued an upbeat bulletin regarding Steinbeck as the high-profile colt prepares to make his seasonal debut in the Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh.

Steinbeck is one of six runners in the Classic for Ballydoyle, but O'Brien has made no secret of the regard in which he holds the son of Footstepsinthesand.

Having finished fourth in the Dewhurst on only his second start, he was forced to miss the Newmarket Guineas after a little problem but it is all systems go now.

"We're going to run, it will be his first run of the year but he's just ready to run and hopefully he's ready to run a nice race," said O'Brien.

"He won his conditions race really impressively, then he ran in the Dewhurst where he ran a lovely race but just got tired in last 50 yards. He was ready to run in the spring but had a little setback before Newmarket.

"Rather than force him and rush him, we gave him time and he's had it now. He's had a racecourse gallop, matured well and he's just ready to start back," he told At The Races.

O'Brien also runs Fencing Master, second in the Dewhurst and seventh on his reappearance in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, four lengths behind Makfi.

He added: "He's in good form, he came out of the race well. He's a grand, laid-back horse. He's had his run and maybe in an ideal world we'd have preferred it if they had gone a little bit faster for his first race back. Maybe that would have suited him and helped him get into a rhythm.

"Since then our horses have been improving a good deal for their first run."

O'Brien also runs the outsiders Dynasty, Encompassing, Purple Heart and Viscount Nelson.

Haggas Doin` The Rain Dance For Penitent

Penitent will venture little further than William Haggas' Newmarket stable until some rain appears.

Cheveley Park Stud's gelding was a particularly impressive winner of the Lincoln at the end of March but has not appeared since.

"Will it ever rain?" pondered Cheveley Park managing director Chris Richardson.

"The last time he ran it was soft and it has hardly rained since. William keeps assuring me it will, so we will have to keep waiting."

Decisions, Decisions?

Wetherby or Haydock...that is the question? Wetherby me thinks...Bingley Arms, Tetleys, friendly faces, decent racing...there you go, just talked myself into it! See you there? Three selections today, one at my favourite Yorkshire Jump Course. G` Luck!

Saturday At The Curragh Preview

Ralph Beckett is looking forward to running Oasis Dancer in the Abu Dhabi Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh on Saturday.

The Oasis Dream colt may be an outsider at a top-priced 33-1 and is taking a big hike in class, but he did win the valuable Tattersalls Timeform Million in the autumn and opened his account for this season in a warm Newmarket handicap three weeks ago.

"I think we're going to run. He's worked well and I've been pretty happy with him since his last race," said the Whitsbury trainer.

"We think the Curragh will suit him and the likely fast ground will suit him as well. I'm happy with him and conditions will suit which is why we are going."

Noll Wallop is said to be in fine shape ahead of his Classic assignment after he surprised connections with his victory over a mile in the Leopardstown 2,000 Guineas Trial.

"He won well at Leopardstown and before that we had always viewed him more of a Derby horse, but he quickened up very well in that race so we decided to take our chance in the Guineas," trainer Tommy Stack's son and assistant Fozzy told At The Races.

"You have to respect Canford Cliffs, Xtension and Fencing Master. They all ran well in Newmarket and they will be tough nuts to crack.

"Then you have Steinbeck, who's obviously a very promising horse. He comes into the reckoning now so it's going to be an interesting race."

Paul Hensey, racecourse manager at the Curragh, reports the track to be in tip-top condition after welcome rain fell overnight.

Hensey said: "We had three millimetres of rain on Tuesday night. It was just what the doctor ordered. The forecast is good for the next few days, so it's perfect. We should be on good ground or better for the weekend."

WINNER...what, again?

Message this morning..."Sedgey` 6.30 BARREL OF FUN (NAP) comes here on the back of two impressive victories in novice company and should have more than enough in hand to see off his rivals today. The gelding cost 200,000 guineas as a yearling and has caught the eye since moving to this level. G` Luck!"...EASY, PEASY, LEMON SQUEEZY!

More On Tattersalls Gold Cup

Connections of Chinese White are hoping the ground will be suitable to allow her to run in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh on Sunday.

The five-year-old mare would be taking on colts and geldings for the first and probably last time in her racing career as she is in foal to Cape Cross. Trained by Dermot Weld, Chinese White goes for Group One glory on the back of a victory at Gowran Park earlier this month.

"She's been working fantastically well. The only slight worry is the ground at the moment," said James Kelly, racing manager for owner Lady O'Reilly.

"It's good to firm there. Obviously she'd need good ground and safe ground before she'd run. They had a little bit of rain last night and there's more forecast.

"What will possibly happen is that she'll be declared and Dermot will make a decision on Sunday morning when he sees what the ground is like, but she's absolutely flying.

"She's in foal to Cape Cross, she's only got two possible races left. That's this week at the Curragh and the Pretty Polly Stakes on Derby weekend there.

"We feel she is certainly talented enough to warrant lining up on Sunday. We're looking forward to it so let's hopes we get safe ground so we can see the real Chinese White. It's very exciting stuff. Hopefully we'll have her as a broodmare for Lady O'Reilly long term."

The owner has a second string to her bow in the mile and a quarter feature in Recharge. The four-year-old colt, trained by Kevin Prendergast, was runner-up to another Tattersalls Gold Cup entry Fame And Glory over the course and distance at the beginning of the month.

"We also run Recharge in the Gold Cup on Sunday. He needs firm ground and has improved since his last run and we are looking forward to running him," Kelly went on.

"While he may not be as talented as Chinese White he again deserves to be in the line-up in a race like this. Fingers crossed we have an exciting weekend in store."

Blue Jack Runs At Haydock

Blue Jack, owned by Manchester United's Michael Owen and Betfair co-founder Andrew Black, is on course for this weekend's betfred.com Temple Stakes at Haydock.

He booked his place when finishing a fine third to Equiano and Borderlescott in the Palace House Stakes at Newmarket three weeks ago.

"He was a horse we thought would be just a Saturday handicapper but he has now turned out to be a Group horse," said trainer Tom Dascombe.

"As long as we get a central draw and he can just pop out and stay close from the start, we will have a chance.

"If Blue Jack can win, it will certainly be the biggest win Michael has had since I have been at this yard."

Another WINNER!

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Four selections today! Two over the jumps at Kelso and Sedgey` plus two, on the flat, at Goodwood. G` Luck!

News On Keradari

Just a few months after masterminding the career of the exceptional Sea The Stars, things have so far this campaign been fairly quiet for John Oxx.

This weekend he will saddle Keredari in the Abu Dhabi Irish 2,000 Guineas, but Oxx is under no illusions as to the task facing the colt.

Keredari looked well above average when winning a Roscommon maiden last September, but he met with defeat behind Jim Bolger's Free Judgement a month later at Leopardstown in the Killavullan Stakes.

He got his career back on track with a stylish display in the Lougbrown Stakes, after which Oxx immediately nominated a crack at the Classic.

While he has plenty of scope for improvement, the Currabeg handler admits Keredari would need to step up an anything he has shown previously to trouble the big guns.

"Keredari is an intended runner at this stage," said Oxx.

"He's a nice horse but strictly on the ratings he has a fair bit to find."

Seven Runners In Tattersalls Gold Cup

Godolphin have supplemented their unbeaten colt Cutlass Bay for Sunday's Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh.

The four-year-old has had five previous outings, all for Andre Fabre in France, and signed off his career there in great style by winning the Group One Prix Ganay.

His likely participation sets up a mouthwatering clash with Aidan O'Brien's Fame And Glory, who returned to winning ways in the Mooresbridge Stakes. O'Brien has also left in the likely pacemaker Dixie Music.

Adding further strength to the Group One heat is Sir Michael Stoute's Glass Harmonium, a gutsy winner of the Gordon Richards Stakes at Sandown last time out.

Dermot Weld is also chasing an elusive first success at the highest level with his classy mare Chinese White, who looked better than ever on her seasonal return at Gowran.

Mick Channon's globetrotter Halicarnassus is engaged along with Kevin Prendergast's Recharge and that pair complete the seven remaining entries.

Lolly For Lolly For Dolly!

The team behind Lolly For Dolly are praying the 32,500 Euros they paid to supplement her into the Etihad Airways Irish 1,000 Guineas on Sunday at the Curragh is money well spent.

The Oratorio filly is unbeaten in two starts and looked right out of the top drawer when winning the Athasi Stakes on her last start.

Along with Tommy Stack's charge, Godolphin's Mahmood Al Zarooni has also supplemented his new French recruit Anna Salai.

"All has gone according to plan with Lolly For Dolly and she seems well and looks well. We've not done much work with her since her Curragh win as it was only two weeks ago," said Fozzy Stack, the trainer's son and assistant.

"We are hoping for the best and she won her trial easily so deserves to take her chance. I don't think that the ground is an issue and it will be fine for her as it won't be any quicker or slower than good.

"The trip is also fine as she won over an extended mile on her debut so that isn't a problem. If she finishes in the money it will be a good run."

Mick Channon's Music Show is favourite with Paddy Power after her good run in the Newmarket version.

She did best of all the fillies drawn high in the Classic, in which Jim Bolger's Gile Na Greine rattled up the rail to finish third. The pair reoppose and Channon believes Music Show has improved since her last run.

"Music Show hasn't done too much, she came out of the Guineas in good heart and has certainly improved since Newmarket," he told his website.

"She breezed effortlessly up the six-furlong Summer Gallop on Tuesday morning. She's fit, well and on course for the Curragh. We feel she stands a great chance although we are at the mercy of the weather as I wouldn't want the ground to be too soft for her."

Preview of The bluesquare.com Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood on Wednesday.

Rashaad and Waseet, two of owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum's entries in the Investec Derby, put their Classic hopes on the line in the bluesquare.com Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood on Wednesday.

Rashaad, trained by Barry Hills, shaped well when third at Newmarket on his return after making a winning debut at Doncaster in October. The John Dunlop-trained Waseet, however, came last behind Chabal in the bet365 Classic Trial at Sandown, having finished second in the Royal Lodge Stakes in the autumn.

"Waseet looked a progressive horse last year. He had an injury after he last ran which took a fair bit of time to come right," said the owner's racing manager, Angus Gold.

"Then frankly he was disappointing at Sandown. He ran too keen and didn't get home for whatever reason. Mr Dunlop says he's fine, so we'll see how he goes.

"Rashaad won his only race nicely last year and he has always looked a nice horse in terms of ability.

"He ran a good race at Newmarket, everybody was happy with him. He's still in the Derby but whether he is going to scale those lofty heights is another matter, but he's a progressive horse and is an improving three-year-old.

"I'm sure he'll be a nice horse for us. We just have to work out at what level."

Dick Turpin...with or without a mask!

Dual 2000 Guineas runner-up Dick Turpin will attempt to break his Group One duck and steal victory in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The Arakan colt was denied by Lope De Vega in the French version at Longchamp on Sunday after going down to Makfi at Newmarket earlier in the month, and trainer Richard Hannon is praying it will be third-time lucky at the highest level in June.

The Everleigh handler told his website, www.richardhannonracing.tv: "He ran his heart out at Newmarket, and he has done the same here. He might not win a Classic now, but he deserves to win a Group One, and he will take his chance in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot."

Paco Boy Update

Richard Hannon believes Paco Boy will be a tough nut to crack when he goes for back-to-back victories in the Queen Anne Stakes.

The five-year-old increased his reputation with a fine win in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on Saturday. Now the Everleigh trainer's sights turn to Royal Ascot, when his stable star could renew rivalry with old adversaries Goldikova from Freddie Head's stable and Aidan O'Brien's Rip Van Winkle.

"The Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot will be his next race. He will be defending his crown and he will be very hard to beat as he looks to have improved again this year," said Hannon.

"I know that we are likely to come up against both Rip Van Winkle and Goldikova, both of whom have beaten us, but Paco Boy is now a different horse than when they last met and I fancy our chances.

"Rip beat us fair and square in the Sussex Stakes last year, but Goodwood is not really our fellow's course.

"True, he won the Lennox there, but he doesn't like the undulations and he didn't come down the hill last year and I know his owners aren't keen on going back there.

"Goldikova beat us in the Moulin two years ago, but Paco Boy was only half a horse then. He has developed so much and is a lovely horse to train," he told www.richardhannonracing.tv.

Blue Jack Goes To Haydock

Blue Jack will aim to build on a promising start to his time with Tom Dascombe in Saturday's Betfred.com Temple Stakes at Haydock.

After winning a Newbury handicap on his first outing for the Cheshire trainer, the five-year-old came from a long way behind and from the wrong side of the track to be third in the Palace House Stakes at the Newmarket Guineas meeting.

Dascombe said: "We're planning to run and hopefully we'll be closer to the pace this time. We didn't have the greatest of draw last time. He appears to be improving, but he'll need to be."

Blue Jack will face a number of the same horses as at Newmarket, including Group One winners Equiano and Borderlescott, first and second at Newmarket, and respective fifth, sixth and seventh Elnawin, Total Gallery and Spin Cycle.

JigaJig Lands Late Info Gamble.

Full members of the Racing Service were given some "massive" late information on the text yesterday. JigaJig was the subject of sustained backing and was sent to members by text. The horse duly obliged at Wolverhampton opening 9/4 on track, backed in to 13/8 and WON!

Tiger Reigns WINNER 4/1

Message yesterday..."Ripon 3.40 Tiger Reigns should be good enough despite top weight. He was a much-improved performer over this trip last season and can be forgiven an unplaced effort on his seasonal reappearance in the Lincoln Handicap. Connections say he`s spot-on now and can hopefully sustain his improvement with conditions and trip to suit"...

...held up in touch, headway over 3f out, every chance from 2f out, stayed on gamely to lead close home...WINNER 4/1

Special Duty...Special Double!

Special Duty completed an amazing English/French 1000 Guineas double as she was awarded her second Classic victory in the stewards' room.

The Khalid Abdullah-owned filly was handed the Poule D'Essai Des Pouliches at Longchamp after first-past-the-post Liliside was disqualified following an inquiry, a result that comes just two weeks after Special Duty was promoted at Newmarket on the relegation of Jacqueline Quest.

The Longchamp stewards took a long time to amend the result but eventually confirmed that Liliside had been disqualified and placed sixth. Baine was promoted to second place with Joanna taking third, Rosanara fourth and British raider Lady Of The Desert fifth.

Criquette Head-Maarek, trainer of Special Duty, thought justice had been done following the change of result.

She said: "Amazing - that is the word. It feels very good and to win two Group Ones is incredible. The stewards have made the correct decision as I got the race, but it was the right decision overall as Liliside stopped the Aga Khan horse (Rosanara) from being closer."

Rohaut had little argument against the disqualification but hit out at the decision to place his filly behind Lady Of The Desert.

He said: "They have placed us behind the (Kieren) Fallon filly and I do not understand why. We did knock the Aga Khan filly but we didn't touch Fallon. I was not surprised to be disqualified but I am really surprised to be placed sixth."

Chiberta King Coasts It Cannily.

Chiberta King was given a canny front-running ride by Jimmy Fortune to land some bets in the 32Red-sponsored stayers' handicap at Newmarket.

Trainer Andrew Balding's charge last won at this meeting 12 months ago - off a mark of 73, and rated just 2lb higher here, he recorded a third career triumph as the 11-4 favourite after opening up as a 7-2 shot.

Fortune wound up the pace from the front aboard Chiberta King, who was showing no signs of stopping as he hit the line two lengths clear of Gala Evening.

Fortune said: "I was on the best horse. He is a galloper and loves that fast ground. He saw it out well and will probably get further. He is a progressive type."

Middleham Park Racing Steal The Show At Thirsk

Middleham Park Racing stole the show at Thirsk, with Fol Hollow's game success in the Scarborough Handicap the highlight of a double in North Yorkshire - and an across-the-card treble on the day.

The blue and orange silks were first carried to success by Imprimis Tagula at Newmarket, after which the the syndicate struck gold with the Ruth Carr-trained Charlie Cool and Fol Hollow.

The latter, trained by Dandy Nicholls, finished down the field in a race at York earlier in the week, but bounced right back to his best.

The early pace was set by Jargelle but she was cut down late on and it was Fol Hollow (8-1) who passed the post three-quarters of a length in front of Captain Dunne, also owned by Middleham Park Racing.

Nicholls said: "It's been a good day for the owners and this is a tough horse. We didn't put him in the 'Dash' at Epsom next month.

"It would look the right race for him but he just seems to be a bit slowly away, so we're going for a six-furlong race on Derby day instead. To be honest, I thought the handicapper had him, but he's done it well."

It was the second leg of a double for Nicholls as he had earlier struck with 8-1 chance Dolly Parton in the EBF Marion Gibson Brown Memorial Fillies' Stakes, part-owned by fellow Yorkshire trainer David Barker.

Charlie Cool (5-1) then recorded his first win since joining Carr's stable in the Stoneacre Ford Handicap under Robert Winston.

Carr said: "He's a good horse on his day but he has just taken time to come right. Things didn't go to plan last time as he was far too keen so we decided to drop him in and drop him back in trip and it's worked out well."

News On The Cheka

Eve Johnson Houghton believes her stable star The Cheka has a fighting chance in the totesport.com Lockinge Stakes at Newbury today.

The four-year-old has had just four career starts to date and tackles Group One company for the first time after finishing third to Paco Boy in the bet365 Mile at Sandown three weeks ago.

That was his first race for nine months and with Paco Boy in opposition again, he has four and three-quarter lengths to make up on Richard Hannon's classy performer.

"He's in good form and we're really looking forward to it, but it's a big step up in class," said Johnson Houghton.

"He's still very unexposed and very inexperienced and he's going to improve again from the race, there's no doubt about it. He'll love the straight track and he gets the mile standing on his head.

"I think he'll run a really big race. It's a hot contest but I'm hopeful and he's entitled to take his chance. I think he'll go really well and be in the shake-up."

Nanton..."we're looking forward to another step up the ladder" JG

Nanton has his second crack at a Group Two victory tomorrow when he contests the Emirates Airline Yorkshire Cup at York.

The grey is versatile as regards distance and finished second to Jukebox Jury in the Jockey Club Stakes on his seasonal debut at the beginning of the month.

"He's in good order and has come out of the Newmarket race well, so we're looking forward to another step up the ladder," said trainer Jim Goldie.

"I think he'll run well and his Ebor form last year (fourth to Sesenta) looks very good, so he should be there or thereabouts.

"I would imagine Purple Moon is the one to beat, but nearly all the rest are much of a muchness, so I think we go there with a live chance."

Trainer Saeed bin Suroor expects St Leger runner-up Kite Wood to put up a good show on his reappearance, while Wajir is the stable's apparent second string.

Bin Suroor told www.godolphin.com: "Kite Wood ran a big race in the St Leger and we gave him a break after that. He has come back very well and racing over a mile and three-quarters will suit him on his first start of the season.

"I have been happy with his preparation and I am looking forward to seeing how he gets on, although he will improve for the run.

"Wajir has been working well and he is improving all of the time. He had some good form in France and the distance will be fine, but he will also come on for the run."

The fast conditions mean Furmigadelagiusta is unlikely to take his chance, while Clowance has been announced a non-runner.

A Look Back At Thursday At York

Richard Hills has few peers when allowed to dictate from the front and he rode his rivals to sleep on Fareer in the totesport 0800 221 221 Hambleton (Listed) Handicap at York.

Ed Dunlop's four-year-old has only been seen once since landing the Britannia Handicap at Royal Ascot, but he was not totally disgraced when less than 10 lengths behind Lockinge favourite Paco Boy.

It was a bit of a giveaway that he holds entries in the Queen Anne Stakes, Prince Of Wales's Stakes and Coral-Eclipse yet despite a morning gamble he still went off at 11-2 and beat Rainbow Peak by a head.

The trainer said: "I'm very pleased with that. He was very fresh at Sandown first time out, but it was his first run for a very long time. He's got some very smart entries at Ascot and can only get better."

Richard Fahey and Paul Hanagan have dominated on the Knavesmire in recent seasons and notched up their first York winners of 2010 through Johannes and Rose Blossom.

After Johannes (11-1) collared Jaconet in the totepool Flexi Betting Handicap, Fahey said: "That was grand and he'll probably head for the Stewards' Cup now. He won the consolation race last year and when a horse shows you they act at Goodwood, you tend to go back."

Rose Blossom (8-1) has always had a tall reputation and the penny might finally be dropping after she made every yard of the running dropped back to five furlongs in the EBF Conditions Stakes.

The trainer went on: "I'm mad about this filly. She works like a really good one at home, but so far she's been totally different at the races. There is a fillies' Group Three at Leopardstown we might have a look at next."

The dogs had been barking the name of Michael Jarvis's Elzaam (2-1 favourite) for the Stratford Place Stud For Royal Ascot 2YOs EBF Maiden and he made nearly every yard under Hills, booking his ticket for Royal Ascot.

Cheltenham Festival form proved its worth in the Investec Handicap as Micky Hammond's Hollins (9-1), not beaten far in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, ran out an impressive six-length winner in the hands of Freddie Tylicki.

Dante Review

Cape Blanco turned in a hugely impressive performance to give Aidan O'Brien his fourth success in the totesport Dante Stakes at York and stake his Investec Derby claims in the process.

Sent off at 9-2 on the back of an unbeaten juvenile campaign, the Galileo colt travelled ominously well throughout under Johnny Murtagh and shot into the lead passing the furlong marker.

He only had to be kept up to his work to score by three and a quarter lengths from Workforce, who looked green in the home straight and kept on well to fill the runner-up spot, while Chabal was a major disappointment.

A clearly impressed Murtagh said: "They went a good gallop, it was a properly run race. He runs a bit lazy when you get him off the bridle, but when you do ask him he really responds well.

"He's quite tenacious and very brave. He's a big player this lad. This is a very good trial and I've always liked this horse."

Paul Smith, son of Cape Blanco's part-owner Derrick Smith, added: "That was a real trial and we've always thought he was a good horse. We hoped he'd run well and he's now a serious contender (for the Derby). He seemed to stay well.

"Johnny said he travelled well and quickened well and you couldn't be anything but delighted with that."

The runner-up's trainer Sir Michael Stoute said: "The bit went through his mouth turning into the straight, which wouldn't have helped him at all. He's only had the one race and is just a big baby. I'm sure he'll be better with some cut in the ground."

Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager for owner Khalid Abdullah, added: "He's a big baby and has now had a good race. Ryan (Moore) wasn't too disappointed and the ground would be as fast as he'd like."

Frankie Dettori was bitterly disappointed with fourth home Chabal and said: "I can't put my finger on it. He was beaten four out. A good horse like that can't be that far wrong. It's very disappointing as we thought we had a Derby horse. It was too bad to be true."

Thursdays Advice

Nice 8/1 WINNER yesterday...more today!

York 1.40 A fiercely competitive start to proceedings but RUSSIAN SPIRIT is entitled to improve from her recent Goodwood reappearance, when finishing third to Definightly, and looks worth another chance having promised to make up into a classy sprinter last year

3.10 Spirit Of Sharjah has a decent turn of foot and in a contest that may only be run at a steady pace as there are no natural front-runners so he can benefit from the run of the race in a bid to land his hat-trick.

Perth 4.00 Bally Wall remains open to improvement over fences and that should stand him in good stead in a race full of exposed types. G` Luck

8/1 WINNER Advised

Message this morning...York 3.45 A wide open race but DEAUVILLE FLYER made a reappearance full of promise when running on well to finish fifth at Beverley last month and the booking of Kieren Fallon suggests he has come forward from that run and is expected to mount a bold bid...WINNER 8/1

Show Case For Showcasing

Three-year-old winners of the Duke Of York Blue Square Stakes are not seen very often, but connections of Showcasing have not been put off challenging for the contest on the opening day of the York meeting.

The colt's last visit to the Knavesmire earned rave reviews as he took the Gimcrack Stakes, while the only other time he was seen was when a close third to Awzaan in the Middle Park.

John Gosden gave him a softer entry in the Carnarvon Stakes at Newbury this week, but he takes the plunge into Group Two company instead and is the only member of the field from the Classic generation, which has been successful only twice against the older horses since 1982.

Owner Khalid Abdullah's racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe said: "He may need the race. I'm always nervous when I say that in case he then goes and wins, but he will come on from a run.

"We think a lot of him, and as a son of Oasis Dream we think it's important he is competing in the best races."

The owner's silks will also be carried by Main Aim, whose best effort was when second in last season's July Cup.

Trainer Sir Michael Stoute said: "It has always been the plan to start Main Aim off in the Duke Of York.

"He ran a creditable fourth in last year's Queen Anne on ground that was quicker than ideal for him. Six, seven or eight furlongs - he has proven he is effective at all those trips.

"He is effective on good, fast ground, but when there is moisture in the ground it suits him more."