Bath Falls Foul

Officials at Bath were forced to abandon their final two races on Monday afternoon due to fog.

Visibility at the track was poor throughout the day and although the first six races passed without incident, clerk of the course Katie Stephens decide to call a halt to proceedings as conditions continued to deteriorate.

"Even when the day started things were quite grim, but we consulted with all the jockeys and the doctors and vets and everyone was happy to race up until and including the sixth race," said Stephens.

"We then spoke to jockeys after that race and we just felt that things were getting progressively worse and as soon as there were any doubts, we decided we had to abandon the last two races."

Newmarket Preview

Sahpresa is on course to bid for back-to-back victories in the Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.

The five-year-old will attempt to emulate Luca Cumani's Free Guest, who took this prize in 1984 and 1985. Ted Durcan partnered Rod Collet's charge 12 months ago but Christophe Soumillon has booked for the ride this time round.

"Sahpresa is scheduled to line-up again this year with Christophe Soumillon taking the ride," said the jockey's British agent Shippy Ellis.

Elliptical To Go Again

Gerard Butler is hoping he is not going to the well too often with Elliptical as he prepares to line up in Saturday's totesport.com Cambridgeshire at Newmarket.

Butler, who saddled Beauchamp Pilot to take the first leg of the autumn double in 2002, reports the four-year-old to be in good form after being collared by Forte Dei Marmi at Newbury recently.

"Elliptical came out of his run at Newbury in good shape and the only issue we might have, and it is only a very small thing, is that Newmarket might come a bit too soon. It's the last big handicap of the year open to him and I hope that we can get him there in as good a shape as possible," said the Newmarket trainer.

Meehan Going For It With Moore

Brian Meehan has secured the services of Ryan Moore for Theyskens' Theory in Saturday's Meon Valley Stud Fillies' Mile at Ascot.

Meehan's regular rider Martin Dwyer broke his left elbow and his right thumb when Red Lite swerved and threw him off in a race at Leicester on Monday.

Several high-profile mounts have become available and they do not come much better than Theyskens' Theory, who became the favourite for next year's 1000 Guineas by winning the Prestige Stakes at Goodwood.

"Martin's injury means riding plans for our horses in the major races at Ascot have been revised," the trainer told his website, www.brianmeehanatmanton.com.

"Richard Hughes will ride Happy Today in the Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes on Saturday and Lady of the Desert in Sunday's Diadem Stakes. Ryan Moore comes in for the ride on Theyskens' Theory in the Meon Valley Stud Fillies' Mile on Saturday.

"Martin Dwyer has been an integral part in this season's success for the stable and in addition has done an excellent job in the preparation of the Manton horses on the home gallops. All the staff and owners at Manton wish him a speedy recovery."

Titus Mills is another from the stable engaged in the Royal Lodge, but Meehan has not announced a jockey booking.

Challenge Cup Preview

Ayr Gold Cup winner Redford could bid for a big-race double in the space of seven days after being left in the totesport.com Challenge Cup at Ascot on Saturday.

Luca Cumani's Acrostic has been left at the head of the weights following the withdrawals of Yaa Wayl and Himalya. Cumani has also left in Axiom.

William Haggas has the option of running his rapidly improving filly Dever Dream, a Listed winner last time out at Doncaster, while Andrew Balding has two serious chances with Side Glance and Kakatosi, although he decided not to declare Set The Trend.

Genki Up For It

Roger Charlton is hoping for more of the same from Genki when he lines up in the William Hill Ayr Gold Cup on Saturday.

The six-year-old ran a cracker to finish third in the Group One Sprint Cup at Haydock last time and Charlton hopes that means he is well-in for his return to handicapping.

The Beckhampton trainer told At The Races: "Genki's last race at Haydock was undoubtedly his best race. Last year he was running in the mid 90s, this year he ran in the Stewards' Cup off 106. He now drops back to 103 and in future he'll be running off 111. If the official handicapper is correct then we have 8lb in hand."

He added: "He came home very sore after the Stewards' Cup this year. We consistently have to look after his back. After Haydock he was sore again. He seems to be back in good shape again. We have to take that on trust.

"If the ground dries out at Ayr, which I think it will do, and it is good or good to firm, I would be happy with that."

Charlton's other entry Definightly needs nine horses to come out above him in the handicap.

The trainer said: "It looks to me as if he won't get in. Maybe two or three won't run, but I don't think it will be nine coming out in which case we will head for the Silver Cup.

"He has been a revelation and I'm not sure why. His Timeform rating is now 1lb above Genki.

"Whichever way you look at it, particularly with his 5lb claimer (Adam Beschizza), he could have upwards of 1st in hand. That doesn't necessarily translate into a good result, but in theory he's very well in."

Longchamp For Faheys Wooton Bassett

Longchamp remains the most likely port of call for Wootton Bassett after he maintained his unbeaten record at Doncaster last week.

The youngster made it four wins from four starts in the lucrative Weatherbys Insurance £300,000 2-Y-O Stakes and trainer Richard Fahey is now eyeing a step up to Pattern-race company.

The Group One Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere is his preferred option on October 3, although Newbury's Horris Hill Stakes is a possible alternative, but Fahey said: "I am swaying towards the French race for him next. I don't really want to come back to six furlongs at this stage, as it looks as though he stays well."

Memory Takes A Break

Richard Hannon's talented filly Memory will not be taking up her engagement at Newmarket later this week as connections prefer to wait for the Cheveley Park Stakes.

The juvenile was big disappointment in the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh on her latest outing but her trainer is confident she will bounce back to form when she lines up at Headquarters on October 1.

"Memory breezed and is fine, but we left her in at Newmarket as it was a free entry and it was always the intention to wait for the Cheveley Park," Hannon told his website www.richardhannonracing.tv.

"She had no chance from that coffin box draw in Ireland, and I hope that she'll show everyone how good she really is at Newmarket."

Although Memory will not be lining up in Friday's £100,000 Tattersalls Millions Fillies' Auction Stakes, her stable companion Date With Destiny, the sole progeny of the ill-fated George Washington, will take her chance.

Hannon added: "Date of Destiny could not handle the soft ground in the Prestige Stakes at Goodwood, but she had looked a bit special when winning her maiden at Newbury and this has always been the plan for her."

Ayr Gold Cup Preview

Doncaster winner Poet's Place remains among 173 entries for Saturday's William Hill Ayr Gold Cup.

The five-year-old shot to the head of the betting for the competitive Scottish sprint with a ready victory in Saturday's Ladbrokes Portland.

Most of the other major contenders have stood their ground, with the likes of Hawkeyethenoo, Victoire De Lyphar, Genki and Jonny Mudball all in the reckoning.

Dandy Nicholls has his anticipated strong hand with Evens And Odds and Tajneed among a host of entries for the Thirsk handler. Richard Fahey is another trainer who has made multiple confirmations, with joint-top-weight Kaldoun Kingdom and Castles In The Air still in the frame.

Roger Charlton is sweating on the participation of Definightly, a stablemate of Genki. The four-year-old sprinter hacked up in a Listed heat at Goodwood on Saturday but could still miss the cut for the valuable handicap.

"Definightly needs 10 to come out at Ayr after confirmation stage," Charlton said on Twitter.

"Definightly is bouncing - very fresh. Adam Beschizza has been booked to ride him - hoping he gets in."

Two notable absentees are Dever Dream, a winner at Doncaster last week for William Haggas, and the Michael Jarvis-trained Harry Patch.

Jarvis said: "Harry Patch has a setback which will keep him off the track for two weeks, but we hope to have him out before the end of the season."

The unbeaten Wootton Bassett heads a five-strong team from the Richard Fahey stable in the Weatherbys Insurance £300,000 2-Y-O Stakes at Doncaster on Thursday.

Fahey notched up his 50th two-year-old success of the season a few days ago and the North Yorkshire-based trainer has a powerful hand as he tries to grab a lion's share of the big pot on offer.

Wootton Bassett is going for another bumper pay-day after collecting £147,720 when completing a hat-trick in the DBS Premier Yearling Stakes at York last month. He meets the runner-up Galtymore Lad on 8lb worse terms, though Fahey believes his colt has improved.

"Strictly on form he can't beat Channon's horse, but we'll see. Our horse is well," said Fahey.

Charlie King Of The Legends

Charlie Swan was crowned king of the legends after making all the running on Miami Gator to win the Fudge And Smudge Leger Legends Classified Stakes at Doncaster.

The brainchild of Jack Berry, the race raised money for a facility similar to Oaksey House in Lambourn, which caters for retired and rehabilitating jockeys. However, those in the north have no such luxury and hence the project hailed as "the house that Jack built" was born.

When the persuasive Berry comes calling, not many can say no to the former trainer, who saddled 1,657 winners in a career spanning 30 years.

The likes of Pat Eddery, John Francome, John Reid, Steve Smith-Eccles, Tony Dobbin and Kevin Darley were all involved with the biggest legend of the all, Lester Piggott, presenting the prizes.

Tax Free In With A Shout

Adrian Nicholls is bullish about Tax Free's chance of recording his first victory of the year in the Scarbrough Stakes at Doncaster.

The eight-year-old has been a great servant to his connections, winning 14 of his 39 career starts, and ran a fine race to chase home Astrophysical Jet in a Group Three at the Curragh last month.

"He ran well to finish second to a really progressive three-year-old. He's back in Listed company and he should be there with every chance. I think he'll win if he runs as well as he did last time," said the jockey.

"He's had a lighter campaign than usual and he's in great form. He's very consistent and the soft ground wouldn't bother me too much as he's won on it before and he goes on anything really. All he does is want to win, so I'm looking forward to it."

Fudge And Smudge Legends Race

Graham Bradley plans to ride out the storm of his controversial return to the saddle in the Fudge And Smudge Leger Legends Classified Stakes on the opening day of the St Leger meeting at Doncaster.

The Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning jockey was one of the best riders of his generation, but his career was blighted and he is back in the fold after serving a five-year ban for selling privileged information.

He said: "It's a race of legends. It's a big honour and I'm absolutely over the moon. I don't know what all the fuss is about."

Bradley, who is 50 the same day, has like all the riders in the race been granted a one-day licence by the BHA, but the decision has being criticised in some quarters.

The former jockey went on: "All I got found guilty of was giving a bloke a few winners, not losers, years before Betfair.

"I'm looking forward to it and I've got a good little ride (Aflaam, trained by Ron Harris). He was second at Leicester last time and not beaten very far on soft ground, and the rain's come. He wouldn't be without a little chance.

"I rode against John Francome when I was a young lad and I've been riding out with him most mornings. It will be brilliant and really good fun.

"I've come down from 13st 3lb to just under 11st 7lb, so I've done well and I only got brought in at the last minute (for Micky Hammond). I've lost 1st 10lb in a month."

Waiter Please!

Impressive York winner Waiter's Dream heads 14 possible runners in Saturday's Neptune Investment Management Champagne Stakes at Doncaster.

Brian Meehan's youngster was a four-and-a-half-length scorer in last month's Acomb Stakes and could bid to record his third successive win in this weekend's Group Two, the main supporting event on the St Leger card.

Hooray Out Again Saturday

Hooray will test the water in Group One company on her next start after her runaway victory in Saturday's Sirenia Stakes at Kempton.

Sir Mark Prescott's filly was a surprise winner of the Lowther Stakes at York on her penultimate outing but proved that to be no fluke at the weekend as she eased to Group Three success on the all-weather.

Prescott hinted in the immediate aftermath that the two-year-old could head for Prix d'Arenberg at Maisons-Laffitte on September 13, but she is now likely to be given a break for a tilt at next month's Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket.

Chris Richardson, managing director for owners Cheveley Park Stud, said: "She's improving all the time and is a very progressive filly.

"She's thriving on her work and enjoying it and she was pretty impressive the other day.

"All being well she'll go to the Cheveley Park Stakes next. I would say the race in France is highly unlikely."

Am I Blue Follows Up

Last week's controversial Hereford winner Am I Blue secured a quick follow-up success in the South West Racing Club Novices' Hurdle at Newton Abbot.

The four-year-old attracted plenty of attention after being backed in from 25-1 to 5-1 last Wednesday and in a further twist, leading jockey Richard Johnson was called up as a late replacement for 5lb claimer Dean Coleman.

She duly made every yard of the running and passed the post 19 lengths ahead, prompting the British Horseracing Authority to announce that their Integrity Services and Licensing Department would be looking into the race.

Turned out less than a week later before the handicapper had chance to reassess her mark, Am I Blue was sent off the 5-6 favourite and was again ridden prominently by Johnson.

You Can Of Course briefly threatened to make a race of it on the turn for home, but Am I Blue quickly powered clear to ease to a 22-length success.

Legends?

A whole host of well-known names will be back in the saddle to compete in the Fudge And Smudge Leger Legends Classified Stakes at Doncaster on Wednesday.

A total of 16 horses will go post for the one-mile contest and each will be ridden by a former jockey.

Multiple champion John Francome rides Archie Rice for trainer Tom Keddy and will pit his wits against another National Hunt great in Steve Smith-Eccles, who gets the leg up on the Mark Tompkins-trained Kinsya.

Charlie Swan, best known for his association with three-time Champion Hurdle hero Istabraq, will partner Elaine Burke's Miami Gator, while popular northern jockey Tony Dobbin rides Grand Diamond for Jim Goldie.

Kevin Darley, Pat Eddery and 63-year-old George Duffield are three of the better-known jockeys from the Flat world preparing to don their riding boots once again.

Darley will ride the Debbie Sanderson-trained Plenty O'Toole, Eddery is on Master Of Dance, while Duffield takes the mount on Dark Moment for Ollie Pears.

Trainer Gay Kelleway rides Eastern Gift for herself, while the other female participant, Alex Greaves, is on board Goldie's Daring Dream.

Jamie Osborne trains Army Of Stars and will also ride the horse himself.

Dale Gibson (Legal Legacy), Graham Bradley (Aflaam), Graham Thorner (Jackson), John Reid (Nevada Desert), Tom O'Ryan (Rising Kheleyf) and Ernie Johnson (Cape Kimberley) complete the line-up.

More St Leger News

Ryan Moore may have to wait until Thursday to find out which horse he will ride in this weekend's Ladbrokes St Leger with connections of Snow Fairy and Total Command biding their time.

Should conditions ease enough at Doncaster for Sir Michael Stoute's liking, the recently-returned champion jockey will be required for the outsider Total Command.

Potential downpours on Town Moor will have Ed Dunlop worried for the better-fancied Snow Fairy, who Moore helped to achieve an Epsom-Irish Oaks double during the summer.

Richard Hughes stepped in to steer her to second in the Yorkshire Oaks when Moore was out with his a wrist injury and the Irishman is in the frame again should both horses start on Saturday.

Dunlop said: "It depends on the weather. If it's not too bad, she'll definitely run. I've never had a runner in the St Leger and I would love to. Godolphin's horse (Rewilding) will be tough to beat. I hope she runs well but if she doesn't stay, she won't be bullied and have a hard race.

"She's in the Prix Vermeille and she will stay in the Vermeille. She has won two Oaks and I hope she will have one, maybe two more runs this year. Ryan will hopefully ride and if not Ryan, then it will be Richard Hughes or Eddie Ahern."

Of Total Command, down the field behind Leger favourite Rewilding in the Great Voltigeur Stakes, on his first start since June, Stoute said: "We will check on the ground on Thursday morning and make a decision then."

Stoute would like the ground to be "good or a bit softer" for Total Command to start but confirmed Moore would be asked to ride if he gives the go-ahead.

Aidan O'Brien was unable to shed much light on the jockey situation for his two intended runners, Joshua Tree and Midas Touch.

He said: "It's very possible Johnny Murtagh will ride at Doncaster but it's not definite. We have the National Stakes and the Irish St Leger in Ireland that day and it's all a bit up in the air."

St Leger Preview

Mark Tompkins saddled Bob's Return to win the St Leger in 1993 and is looking forward to running Great Voltigeur fourth Ted Spread in this year's Doncaster Classic.

The trainer feels any easing of the ground ahead of the Ladbrokes-sponsored showpiece on Town Moor will suit his Beat Hollow colt.

Tompkins said: "I'm pleased to hear the forecast but it has got to happen. If it rains, it will suit him. He is a big, tall horse and he was always going to be better at the end of this year and during next year.

"If it rains he has got a chance of being in the frame and Darryll Holland is very happy to ride him. I'm hopeful."

James Given purposely bypassed the Voltigeur at York with his star turn Dandino, and he does not believe the ground will be an issue.

"He didn't come down the hill very well at Goodwood but finished strongly and the ground was a little loose on top," said the trainer.

"Whatever we get at Doncaster, I don't think it will be a problem. I think we are going there with a good chance. Rewilding is the one to beat - he was very impressive at York - but we're there to give it a fight."

Rewilding will have the added assistance of a pacemaker with Mark Johnston's Corsica, owned by one of Godolphin supremo Sheikh Mohammed's sons, aiming to ensure a strong gallop.

Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said: "Corsica has every right to be in the race on his own merit, but his primary function is as a pacemaker for Rewilding."

A total of 12 horses remained in the race at the latest entry stage with Arctic Cosmos and Theology a couple of other interesting contenders.

News From Clive Cox Regarding Doncaster Chances

Clive Cox believes Electrolyser is still improving ahead of his assignment in the Doncaster Cup on Friday.

The five-year-old progressed through the handicap ranks last season and has proved this year that he is not out of his depth in Pattern company, with solid efforts in the Sagaro Stakes, Goodwood Cup and Lonsdale Cup.

"Electrolyser is very much on course for the Doncaster Cup. He has come out of the York race very well and we have been thrilled with his performances so far this year. Hopefully, it won't be long before he takes one of these big staying races," said Cox.

"He improved on his form with Illustrious Blue, who beat him at Goodwood, in the Lonsdale and I would be hopeful he is still on an upward curve.


"The only time he has previously raced over two and a quarter miles was in last year's Cesarewitch, but that was a non-event. He got very badly hampered coming round the bend at Newmarket and was very lucky not to fall, which was the end of the race for him.

"He has been running really well over two miles so far this season and I am hopeful he will get the trip."

Clive Cox still has faith in Balthazaar's Gift ahead of the Eddie Stobart Park Stakes at Doncaster on Saturday.

The seven-year-old entire has just come up short in top-class races this season but Cox thinks when conditions are in his favour he is still a force to be reckoned with.

"We are hoping to send up Balthazaar's Gift for the Park Stakes. He missed the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury after the ground came up too easy, but the weather forecast looks promising for Doncaster," said Cox.

"He didn't get the best of luck in running in this year's Betfair Cup (when finishing fifth) but that's the rub of the green. He is still a high-class performer and, given his best conditions, we are very much looking forward to seeing how he gets on."


Cox will also run the consistent Polly's Mark in the DFS Park Hill Stakes on Thursday, adding: "The ground was very, very soft on her latest start at Deauville and it turned into a bit of a sprint, which didn't suit her.

"Her second in the Lancashire Oaks would very much put her on the premises and she goes to Doncaster in very good nick."

Nicholls Bullish

Adrian Nicholls hopes to create a bit of racing history when he seeks back-to-back victories on Regal Parade in the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock.

Only one horse has won the big six-furlong sprint twice and that was Sir Peter O'Sullevan's Be Friendly, who took the first two runnings in 1966 and 1967.

"I read in the papers that only one horse has won this race twice, so it would be nice to get a bit of history," said Nicholls, whose father David trains the horse.

Regal Parade goes for the double in tremendous heart and is on a hat-trick after wins in the Shadwell Stakes at Newbury and the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville.

Nicholls went on: "He's in good form, I can't wait and I'm looking forward to it. To go to France and win such a prestigious race was good. There were a lot of talking horses in the race and he absolutely battered them.

"He's flying at home and any bit of rain would help his chances. The ground is drying out, but as long as it's not firm I won't be too bothered. They reckon it will be perfect racing ground. That would be ideal for him.

"The O'Brien horse (Starspangledbanner) earlier on in the year looked quite special, so I'll be looking forward to trying to beat it."

Looking Ahead To Haydock

Robin Bastiman reports Borderlescott to be in tip-top form for the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock.

The ever popular eight-year-old makes his first appearance in this race, though he is a Haydock regular and a course and distance winner, and his trainer is of the opinion his stable star may have needed his run in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York two weeks ago following his injury scare after winning at Glorious Goodwood.

"He's really well in himself. I just wish it was the Nunthorpe instead of this race," said Bastiman.

"He was stood in his box for a week after Goodwood. I only had two weeks to prepare him for York and maybe it wasn't long enough. He's very well in himself now and we are really pleased with him and we are looking forward to it.

"We nearly put him in this race last year so I thought I'd put him in this time. He keeps his form at this time of year and seems well. We are hoping for the best and I'm sure he'll run his best. The ground should be good and that would be ideal for him."

Doncaster Rover goes for Group One glory on the back of a victory at Newmarket last Saturday, his first in 12 months.

"He's in great shape and he's come out of his race very, very well," said trainer David Brown.

"It's a tough contest, but if you're not in it, you can't win it. He deserves his place in the line-up. He was wrong when he ran at Chester at the beginning of last month. We got him right and this is the best he's ever come out of a race, so I'm very hopeful he's going to run a big race."

Haydock Preview

Colm O'Donoghue cannot wait to team up with Starspangledbanner in a race for the first time at Haydock tomorrow.

O'Donoghue rides the Australian import every day on the gallops at Aidan O'Brien's Ballydoyle stables, and comes in for the mount in the Betfred Sprint Cup as Johnny Murtagh is in action for the trainer at Leopardstown.

"I sit on him at home every day. He knows me better then I know myself! I'm delighted to get the ride and so happy that the boss has given me the chance. It's a great race and he's a very good horse," said O'Donoghue.

Ishbelle Opportunity

Ralph Beckett is under no illusions about the task facing Ishbelle in the EBF Dick Poole Fillies' Stakes at Salisbury.

An eyecatching debut second was followed by an impressive maiden win at Ripon and she then produced a taking display on her nursery bow at Windsor last month. She tests the water in Listed company on Thursday and will certainly face a stern examination, with Michael Bell's high-class juvenile Margot Did in the line-up.

"It is a step up in class for her and it's a seriously hot race - I think there's actually more strength in depth than there was in the Lowther Stakes at York. But she's in good nick and has done everything right so far, so this is the right next step for her," said Beckett.

"She'll like the ground and we're looking forward to running her. She's been green on all three of her starts to date but she'll be asked a question and hopefully she can answer it the right way. She's working well and I'm expecting her to run well."

Workforce...where next?

Connections of Workforce remain in no rush to decide on his next target after the Derby winner enjoyed a steady workout on Wednesday morning.

The Khalid Abdullah-owned three-year-old appeared to have the world at his feet after a blistering display at Epsom but he looked a shadow of that horse when beaten into fifth in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.

Sir Michael Stoute and his team have taken a steady approach with the son of King's Best since and while next month's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp is a possible objective, Abdullah's racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe told At The Races: "There's nothing really planned at the moment but he worked (on Wednesday morning)."

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Hooray For Hooray!

Sir Mark Prescott's Lowther Stakes heroine Hooray will bid for further Pattern-race honours in Saturday's totepool Sirenia Stakes at Kempton.

The youngster disappointed on her penultimate start in a Newbury Listed contest but bounced right back to form with a battling performance in Group Two company at York.

Chris Richardson, managing director for the owners Cheveley Park Stud, said: "The Kempton race is very much on the cards for her and she came out of York extremely well."

He added: "Sir Mark is absolutely delighted with her and feels she is quite capable of competing again before going to the Cheveley Park Stakes, which is her intended target after this weekend."

Moore Returns Thursday

Ryan Moore is on course to make his return to the saddle at Salisbury on Thursday.Moore picked up a wrist injury when his mount, Rocket Rob, fell having passed the winning line in third in a race at Windsor on August 9. His return to action has been put back a number of times since but he is n...ow ready for a comeback.Moore replaces Richard Mullen on Sir Michael Stoute's Caraboss in division two of the EBF Quidhampton Maiden Fillies' Stakes, while he will also ride the Richard Hannon-trained Tale Untold in the EBF Dick Poole Fillies' Stakes.On Friday, the jockey is set to travel to Lingfield's afternoon meeting to ride Jeremy Noseda's Lost In The Moment in the Felbridge Handicap, before heading to Kempton for three rides at their evening fixture.

Kingsgate To Have a Go!

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained Kingsgate Native is on course for Haydock's Betfred Sprint Cup on Saturday.

The five-year-old won the Temple Stakes at the Merseyside track back in May but needs to bounce back to form after disappointing in the Nunthorpe at York.

Chris Richardson, managing director of the owners Cheveley Park Stud, said: "I think the plan is for him to go to Haydock and he has been in good form since York. We were obviously a bit disappointed with him there, but the race wasn't really run to suit."

Richardson went on: "They just went a bit too quick for him but he wasn't given a hard time and came out of the race well, so we just hope that he gets a bit of luck in running next time.

"We're certainly hoping for a better performance. The ground should be right for him, he's won at Haydock this year and I think nowadays six furlongs is more his ideal trip than five. We'll just have to see how he gets on."

News From "Our Man" Ken...16/1 "Placed" Elusive Fame Advised Yesterday

"Our Man" ken goes along with Mark Johnston when he reports Sea Lord to be in tip-top condition ahead of his step up to Group One company in the Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes.

The Cape Cross colt is enjoying a fantastic campaign with lucrative handicap wins at the Curragh, Newmarket and Goodwood, followed by a narrow success over weekend winner Poet's Voice in Group Three company at Salisbury.

He was supplemented for Saturday's feature at a cost of 75,000 euros but his trainer is under no illusions about the task ahead as the three-year-old faces the prospect of tackling the likes of Rip Van Winkle and Twice Over.

"He's in good form. We've done this a couple of times this year - supplemented horses for big races - and touch wood, he seems very well," said Johnston.

"It's a big leap for him and we can't take it for granted that he is up to Group One level, but it seems the right progression for him at this stage. He had a number of targets but we decided on this one."

It will also be Sea Lord's first run beyond a mile this weekend but Johnston believes there is enough evidence to suggest the 10 furlongs will not be a problem.

"The breeding on his dam's side suggests he could be better over a mile and a quarter and his style of running is very laid back," the Middleham handler continued.

"Kieren Fallon rode him last time and he said he could be better over a mile and a quarter.

"He's by Cape Cross and although he was a miler himself, we've seen he is capable of producing horses with stamina. He hasn't raced on anything other than fast ground this year, but we know he'll handle that fine."

He`s also favouring a tilt at the Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday for his talented filly Rainfall.

After beating off the colts to win the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot, the three-year-old went on to finish third in Newmarket's Falmouth Stakes and then fifth behind wonder-mare Goldikova in the Prix Rothschild.

While she also holds an entry in Saturday's Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock, a trip across the Irish Sea is currently dominating Johnston's thoughts, with stable companion Sea Lord lining up in the Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes on the same card.

"The original objective was that she would go to Haydock and I entered her in the Matron just to have a look," said Johnston.

"I haven't had a chance to discuss it with the owner yet but at first glance, the Matron looks a better option for her.

"We'll make a final decision later in the week but she could be joining Sea Lord in Ireland."