Rimth To Go Over A Shorter Trip

Paul Cole has adjusted the possible targets for his useful filly Rimth.

The winner of the Fred Darling Stakes at Newbury was rather disappointing in the French 1000 Guineas, where she finished ninth, and she will now return to a seven-furlong trip.

The trainer had mentioned the Wokingham and Sandringham Handicaps at Royal Ascot as options but his website, www.paulcole.co.uk, reported: "Rimth has come out of the French Guineas in good form and has two possible targets; the Jersey Stakes or the Eternal Stakes at Warwick."

Cole's smart two-year-old Silverheels has recovered from a dirty scope and is back on course for either the Norfolk or Windsor Castle Stakes at the Royal meeting.

Barefoot Lady For Coronation Stakes

Richard Fahey is eyeing up the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot for his talented filly Barefoot Lady.

The three-year-old has had a busy year so far, flying home to land the Nell Gwyn at Newmarket and placing fifth after being supplemented for the 1000 Guineas, before being beaten just a head by Joviality in the Musidora Stakes at York on her latest start.

Fahey is now leaning towards running her at Royal Ascot, rather than adding her to the field for the Prix de Diane in France.

"She's grand and we're looking at the Coronation Stakes for her," said Fahey.

"It's a bit up in the air as we were looking at the French Oaks as well, but it's a lot of money to supplement and the owners already supplemented her for the Guineas.

"We'll leave her in the Coronation and have a good look at it."

Dozy Ascot Bound?

Kevin Ryan has still not decided on a Royal Ascot target for Dozy after her victory in at Beverley last Wednesday.

The Exceed And Excel filly maintained her unbeaten record in the Hilary Needler Trophy on the Westwood and created a good impression into the bargain. Options at the big meeting include the Queen Mary over five furlongs or the Albany Stakes over six.

"Dozy is great after the Hilary Needler. She's come out of it very well," said Ryan.

"I've got to speak to David (Redvers, joint-owner) but she'll almost definitely be going to Ascot. Whether it's the Queen Mary or the Albany, we're not quite sure yet."

News From Robin Bastiman

Robin Bastiman is still holding on to the hope that his stable star Borderlescott will appear in the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The nine-year-old, who finished third behind Equiano in the race 12 months ago, was last seen finishing fourth in the Temple Stakes at Haydock, where he stumbled and bruised a tendon.

"He's got that injury, but he's doing well. It might not be as a bad as we first thought," said the trainer.

"We'll see how he does in the next few weeks, but he still might get to Royal Ascot.

"I wouldn't want to run him if he wasn't 100%, though, so it's very much in the balance."

Bastiman believes the injury happened when Overdose's jockey Andreas Suborics threw away his blindfold and it landed in Borderlescott's face, causing him to stumble.

Haydock Double For Spencer

Jamie Spencer landed a quick double at Haydock when Mick Channon's Show Rainbow prevailed in a blanket finish for the Blue Square Sandy Lane Stakes.

Ladies Are Forever appeared to make a race-winning move a furlong and a half out but was there to be shot at in the final 100 yards and Sweet Cecily and March On Beetroot were others to challenge.


It was Spencer and Show Rainbow (5-2 joint-favourite) who won by a head from the latter, with a neck back to Sweet Cecily.

The jockey said: "She's very tough and honest, and she only ran against older fillies here seven days ago. She felt a bit flat and didn't really travel, but she's durable and was fourth in the Nell Gwyn. Mick's horses are flying too."

Earlier, Michael Bell's Activate continued his progression with a smooth win in the Bet At bluesq.com Stakes.

The four-year-old won his final two starts of last season over a mile and three-quarters and relished the step up to two miles.

Spencer settled his mount out at the back of the reduced field - there were five non-runners - and the 9-4 favourite moved through menacingly with two furlongs to run.

While Kayef tried to go with the winner, there was half a length separating them at the line, with Ocean Transit third.

Ian Smith, Bell's travelling head lad, said: "He'll be going for the Northumberland Plate now, hopefully. He was on the cusp of getting in before that so that should just give him the few pounds he needed to get in.

"Jamie said the ground was a bit too firm for him really, but luckily we've had a few showers here. He's a strong traveller who settles well. Hayley (Turner) normally rides him and that's how she does it."

...And From Richard Fahey

Majestic Myles made a triumphant return after nine months off the track to land the coral.co.uk Sprint Handicap at Newmarket.

One of three Richard Fahey-trained runners in the valuable contest, the gelding (17-2) made light of his absence through injury, having not run since finishing fifth to his Group One-winning stablemate Wootton Bassett at York last August.

He came through strongly to put it to the two market rivals Desert Law and L'Ami Louis and got home in gutsy fashion by a neck and two and a quarter lengths.

"Mr Fahey said he might be a bit weak and just need it as he fractured his pelvis last year so he wanted me to give him a nice introduction," said jockey Jack Mitchell.

"He's a battler and he travelled so nicely. He got tired but he kept on trying for me."

Fahey's assistant Robin O'Ryan added: "He went wrong last year but has strengthened up well during the winter.

"We went there expecting a good run as he's been working well at home. The plan now is to go for the big three-year-old sprint at York (Bond Tyres Trophy)."

News From Kevin Ryan

Kevin Ryan's Royal Ascot hope Brocklebank has been purchased by Highclere Thoroughbred Racing.

The youngster impressed when winning a York maiden last week and Highclere managing director Harry Herbert is looking forward to seeing him line up in the Coventry Stakes next month.


Speaking on www.highclereracing.co.uk, Herbert said: "I was very impressed with the colt when he beat our own Apostle at York recently. He is a beautiful individual who won in great style that day with over seven lengths back to the third horse."

He added: "We are delighted to have a horse with Kevin Ryan and the plan now is to run Brocklebank next in The Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot."

Beverley Review

Gabrial worked hard to maintain his 100% record in the Brian Yeardley Continental Two Year Old Trophy Conditions Stakes at Beverley and could be heading for Royal Ascot.

A Chester winner on his debut, the Richard Fahey-trained youngster took some time to get into top gear, but eventually pulled out all the stops for champion jockey Paul Hanagan, who did not require maximum effort.

Gabrial, the 6-5 favourite, wore down long-time leader Cravat in the final half-furlong to score by half a length, with Hamza third and the other two other runners not far behind.

Fahey's assistant, Robin O'Ryan, said: "They didn't go very quick, so it was a good effort as he probably needs a faster pace. It's a bonus him winning over five furlongs as Paul and Richard are both emphatic he needs six.

"He might go for the Coventry Stakes but Marwan (Koukash, owner) has another runner for that race (Gatepost) so we'll have to discuss it."


Hanagan was in double form as John Quinn's Violent Velocity (2-1 favourite) scampered clear in the Pre-Order Your Champagne Picnic Platters Handicap.

Mark Johnston is also considering sending Es Que Love to Royal Ascot following his easy victory in the julie-burke.co.uk Median Auction Maiden Stakes.

Silvestre de Sousa's mount was soon in the lead, despite having been drawn wide, and galloped three and a quarter lengths clear of Kool Henry.

Johnston said of the 6-5 favourite: "Silvestre said he'd be even better over five furlongs on an easier track. He would be up to running at Royal Ascot, but he's a horse who is crying out for more time. He's still a baby, but is pretty fast."

Tribal Myth (100-30 co-favourite) took the It's Graham Hallett's Birthday Handicap, requiring a strong ride from 5lb claimer Julie Burke to repel the fast-finishing Nolecce by a neck on the far rail.

Off To Beverley

David Barron has high hopes for Mitchum in the Brian Yeardley Continental Two Year Old Trophy Conditions Stakes at Beverley.

The Thirsk trainer was delighted with Mitchum's eight-length victory on his Southwell debut and believes the Elnadim colt could be "exciting".

"He looked very good at Southwell on his debut, especially as he was a horse we didn't have ready to go straight away. He's quite an exciting horse," said Barron.

"He has a fairly high action though, so any cut in the ground would be fine for him. It's a warm little contest and I think all of us with a runner will be expecting, and thinking, about going on to better things.

"He's not bred to get much further but I'd have no concerns about him getting up that hill at Beverley. He could be a very nice horse."


Kevin Ryan is also enthusiastic about Hamza, who ran a very good race in defeat behind Gatepost at York following victory first time out at Musselburgh.

The trainer said: "He's a smashing horse. He's a strong horse with a big engine and we think he'll improve for his run at York. It's a very warm race, but he's probably got the best form in the book.

"Being an April foal, we think he'll continue to improve and mature during the summer. He's quite powerful, so I don't think he'll be inconvenienced on fast ground."


Richard Fahey was also delighted with Gabrial, who looked a useful sort when making a winning introduction at Chester earlier this month.

The Malton handler said: "We like him a lot. It's a good little race. There's only a few in it but there's some nice ones in there. We'll find out how good he is when he runs in this race. That race at Chester will have done him good."

Oaks Next Week...what do YOU fancy?

Godolphin expect Blue Bunting to improve considerably for the step up to a mile and a half in the Investec Oaks next week.

The daughter of Dynaformer has won her last three races, including the 1000 Guineas first time out this season. She was viewed as an Oaks prospect through the winter and only ran in the Newmarket Classic when White Moonstone, under the same ownership, was ruled out.

"Ever since she won a Listed race at Newmarket last year, we always thought the Oaks would be her race," said Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford of the Mahmood Al Zarooni-trained filly.

"In the build-up to the Guineas, because the race looked so open, we decided to let her take her chance. We definitely thought the mile would be a bit short for her - she is bred to get much further and has always looked like she wants a mile and a half.

"Winning the Guineas was a fantastic bonus but we've always believed the Oaks was her best Classic chance. She's done extremely well since the Guineas. She has gained a little weight, she looks fantastic and her work has been very nice so, fingers crossed, everything looks positive."

There may be a second-string to the Oaks team as UAE Oaks and Derby winner Khawlah remains a possible, although Royal Ascot is her more likely destination.

"Khawlah had to do a 30-day quarantine after the World Cup night, so she was a little bit behind schedule and I think almost certainly she'll wait for the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot," added Crisford.


Jessica Harrington has one of the more unexposed contenders in the shape of Siren's Song. Second on her debut at Leopardstown, she won a Listed race on her next start at Navan.

"I'm very happy with her. She wasn't even in training with me last year, she joined me in January, but she's a very easy filly to train. She ran very well at Leopardstown and went on well at Navan," said Harrington.

"I know she has had only two runs and the inexperience might get to her at Epsom, but we hope she'll be all right. All the horses going there are very good, a lot of it is on the day, and what goes the best and acts on the course."

More Derby News

Aidan O'Brien believes he has "five strong options" for the Investec Derby at Epsom on Saturday week.

The Ballydoyle handler can call upon the likes of Derrinstown winner Recital, Irish 2,000 Guineas hero Roderic O'Connor and Dante runner-up Seville.

"I suppose the horses we have been mentioning are Roderic O'Connor, Seville, Recital, Memphis Tennessee and the horse that won the (Chester) Vase, Treasure Beach. They are the five strong options at the moment," said O'Brien.

"The plan with Roderic O'Connor was to go to the Irish Guineas and if he ran a nice race then we would look at Epsom or France. He ran a lovely race and everything went right I think probably early next week we'll get down to jockey arrangements, but the first thing we need to do is get the runners sorted.

"The lads all know the track well and are used to riding the horses, we never think it's a problem. There are the horses to consider, where everybody fits in, and what's the right thing for each horse.

"We were delighted with Recital at Leopardstown. Kieren hadn't ridden him before, obviously he set the pace with the other horses, Regent Street and Seamus (Heffernan) and Joseph (O'Brien) riding Memphis Tennessee.

"The pace was strong, the leader came back but there was a very strong headwind at Leopardstown. He took it up probably earlier than Kieren would have liked and probably idled in front, with the headwind into his face. He did plenty of looking round, but Kieren just nursed him home.

"Obviously Kieren knows him as well, Seamus has ridden him, Johnny Murtagh has ridden him, Colm and Joseph have ridden him at home, so we have a lot of options.

"I don't think it's a problem but obviously the plan at Leopardstown and Kieren sitting on him was that he might be available for him in the Derby. But we're lucky at the moment there are some great jockeys around."

The hot favourite Carlton House came through his latest workout on Wednesday with flying colours to delight Sir Michael Stoute, who said: "It was very satisfactory. I was very happy with him. But his work has been good all year, it has been consistently good."

Look Ahead To The Derby

French raider Pour Moi looks set to take his place in the Investec Derby field after he pleased trainer Andre Fabre in a spin at Epsom.

The Montjeu colt, who is owned by the Coolmore team, marked himself as a Derby contender when notching a stylish win in the Prix Greffulhe at Saint-Cloud earlier this month.

Pour Moi worked over 10 furlongs under Mickael Barzalona at Epsom as part of the Breakfast With The Stars event, accompanied by his Maxime Guyon-ridden stablemate O'Kelly Hammer. Barzalona's mount pulled nicely clear with a furlong still to travel and Fabre is now satisfied the colt will do himself justice if he takes his chance on Saturday week.


"He's relatively inexperienced and we thought it was a good occasion to get him experience he's lacking and show him the track. Everything went quite well, so we were happy," said Fabre.

"He enjoyed going downhill and enjoyed the track. I'm quite pleased. Nearly all my Derby runners were a disaster so far. Pour Moi is the best chance I've ever had here. He's a good horse."


Godolphin currently have three horses entered in the 12-furlong Classic, but racing manager Simon Crisford has confirmed Ocean War as their only intended runner. He will be the mount of Frankie Dettori, who landed the race in 2007 aboard Authorized.

Casamento will be rerouted to the French equivalent, the Prix du Jockey Club, while Genius Beast is being lined up for a crack at the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot.

American Raider At Folkestone

Wesley Ward is looking forward to seeing Royal Ascot hope Gentlemans Code make his British debut in the ladbrokes.com Maiden Stakes at Folkestone.

Ward is no stranger to next month's summer showpiece meeting, having struck gold with both Strike The Tiger and Jealous Again in 2009, and Gentlemans Code arrives in the UK on the back of a debut second on the dirt at Belmont Park.

"He's a very good horse - he certainly compares favourably with the horse that won the Windsor Castle Stakes a couple of years ago (Strike The Tiger). I'd say he's a notch better than him," said Ward.

"When I had him in Kentucky he was stretching magnificently on the Polytrack and I also breezed him on the grass and he was like a daisy clipper. When I had him at Keeneland he was out breezing with all my Keeneland horses that were winning.

"I'd enter him in races but I don't like to run my horses against each other and I'd scratch him and run the lesser quality one. Then all the lesser qualities would win. So I decided to run him in Belmont, thinking he was the best two-year-old, and he ran a very good race.

"He did everything professionally but he just got caught late as he didn't stretch out as well on the dirt as he had done on the Polytrack and on the turf. He is definitely better on the turf.

"That was why I decided he would be good to go to England and I've taken him over there early so his mind is right for Royal Ascot. I want him to know that there will be no turns and that it will be a straight race, as he has been used to going round turns."

Adding further spice to todays race is the fact that legendary American jockey Mike Smith, best known for his association with incredible mare Zenyatta, will be the man on board Gentlemans Code. It will be Smith's first ever ride in Britain and he is looking forward to the challenge.

He said: "I'm looking forward to it and I hope it leads us to Royal Ascot. I haven't ridden the horse before and but I have spoken to Wesley about him. Wesley really likes him a lot. He says he's pretty quick - really quick actually. It is only five furlongs, so there is not going to be a whole lot of strategy there.

"It is pretty much a case of letting him jump and we'll see what he is. Wesley obviously thinks he's good enough to go to Royal Ascot - that is what we're doing here. Hopefully I can get the job done and I'll see you all again in a few weeks!"

Sandown Preview

Frankie Dettori is hoping Neebras can step up to the plate in Listed company when he lines up for the Charles Heidsieck Champagne Heron Stakes at Sandown.

The son of Oasis Dream has a much stiffer task than when trotting up by seven lengths in a three-runner affair at Newmarket last time.

"Neebras won a very ordinary event last time but a mile seems to be his trip and this is a good opportunity for him to get some black type," said Dettori, who is the face of the QIPCO British Champions Series.

"We'll have a better idea about how good he could be after this race. He hasn't grown much during the winter and is still quite a small horse."


Richard Hannon is worried a 5lb penalty for a Newmarket success on his seasonal debut might make life difficult for Pausanias.

"Pausanias has to shoulder a 5lb penalty for having won the Free Handicap at Newmarket, so it is a tough task, but he is a big colt and we thought he would have needed that comeback race," the trainer told www.richardhannonracing.tv.

"He is bound to be sharper and the step up to a mile won't be a problem, while Sandown also do a good job with the watering, so the ground should not be as fast as it was at Newmarket, which is another plus."

Tazahum, trained by Sir Michael Stoute, is upped in grade after winning the Esher Cup Handicap over the course and distance on his seasonal reappearance a month ago.

"He's stepping up in class, but they seem to be happy enough with him at home. He's a horse who will stay further in due course, but a mile is the right trip at the moment. We'll have to see if he's up to this," said Angus Gold, racing manager to owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum.

Ripon Review

Ruth Carr is eyeing up a tilt at Royal Ascot with her consistent handicapper Dubai Dynamo, who gave her a second successive victory in the Nick Wilmot-Smith Memorial Handicap at Ripon.

After the success of Charlie Cool 12 months ago, Carr sent out the six-year-old to win his second race of the season off a mark 8lb higher than at Thirsk in April, and she is keen to strike again while the iron is hot at Newcastle on Thursday.

Jockey PJ McDonald had to sit and suffer when waiting for a gap but when one eventually came, the 11-2 chance burst through and quickened up impressively to win going away by two and a quarter lengths from the favourite Lord Aeryn and the front-running Snow Bay.

Carr said: "It was a bit nerve-wracking watching him. He's in at Newcastle on Thursday and he should go close again. I'd like to look at a big handicap at Royal Ascot for him, but they take some winning. It's certainly food for thought anyway."

Royal Ascot is also a possibility for Tom Tate's newcomer Parc De Launay, who looked impressive in the British Stallion Studs Supporting British Racing EBF Maiden Stakes.

Sent off the 13-8 favourite, Jamie Spencer got him to break smartly and he made just about all the running to win by a length and a quarter from Dicky Mint.

The jockey said: "Mr Tate was always hopeful he was pretty useful. We had been worried about quick ground, but they do as good a job as anywhere here. Mr Tate is not normally confident, but he was today."


Sir Mark Prescott does not send many to Ripon throughout the course of a season and the fact that Motivado was running in a handicap for the first time saw him sent off as the 2-1 favourite.

Despite looking tricky beforehand, once the race was off the son of Motivator warmed to his task and quickened up impressively for Stevie Donohoe to win going away by two and three-quarter lengths.

The jockey said: "I don`t think Ripon is the right track for him as it can get a bit tight, but once he got out, he soon put the race to bed. He was excitable down at the start, but if you keep him on the move he's fine."

Bated Breath Advised WIN Bet WINS At 15/8

Bated Breath strengthened his Royal Ascot claims when scooping Listed honours in the sportingbet.com Stakes at Windsor.

Roger Charlton`s sprinter, who holds an entry in the Golden Jubilee Stakes, skipped clear by a length and three-quarters to readily account for Triple Aspect.

The Khalid Abdullah-owned four-year-old was a little keen early on, but was always near to the speed which was initiated by Libranno. Bated Breath joined the pace-setter two furlongs from home before fully asserting his authority, perhaps a little earlier than jockey Steve Drowne may have anticipated.

Libranno stayed on for third, another two lengths behind Charlton's accomplished 15-8 favourite.

No Respite!

Greg Fairley and Jimmy Quinn had an unsuccessful afternoon at Goodwood as the two riders appeared a day after being charged over corruption by the British Horseracing Authority.

Both declined to comment further about the allegations - charges which they both deny, but that would result in disqualification if found guilty.

Fairley managed to finish second on two of his four mounts, both for his usual employer Mark Johnston, while Quinn had little joy on his five attempts.

Of the other two current jockeys under the microscope, Kirsty Milczarek was booked for the Lingfield evening meeting and Paul Doe was not in action at all.

York Review

Eddie Ahern stole the show at York with a terrific 117-1 treble highlighted by Masamah's victory in the feature sportingbet.com Sprint.

The jockey had to be at his strongest on the Kevin Ryan-trained speedster to hold off Doctor Parkes and Celerina by half a length and a neck, and races like the Wokingham at Royal Ascot and the Investec-sponsored Dash at Epsom could now be on the winner's agenda.

"He ran a great race from the draw he had at Chester so this was not a big surprise. He's a lovely horse. I was quite confident he'd run a big race," said Ryan.

"I'll have a chat with Marwan (Koukash, owner) and then we'll decide where we go next. He's relaxed well there, but I don't see any problem of going over six furlongs in the future. I'm delighted for Marwan - racing needs people like him."

Ahern also took the two main supporting races, with Times Up (5-2 favourite) winning over a mile and three-quarters for the first time in the Listed Stowe Family Law LLP Grand Cup.

John Dunlop's five-year-old saw the trip out well, leading over two furlongs from home and galloping on too strongly for Theology for a four-length verdict.

Ahern began his winning spree with a solid victory on Chachamaidee (11-4) in the sportingbet.com Conditions Stakes.

The rider had to keep the Henry Cecil-trained filly up to her work to strike by a length and a half from the favourite Kakatosi.


It was also a good day for Ryan, who saddled Brocklebank (100-30) to take the Yorkshire Regiment EBF Median Auction Maiden Stakes at the Knavesmire, as well as striking with Our Jonathan at Chester.

Richard Fahey, the top trainer at York, did not leave empty-handed either as Common Touch (7-2 favourite), part-owned by race committee chairman Nicholas Wrigley, followed up his recent course-and-distance success in the Sportingbet And Yorkshire Evening Post Stakes.

More From The Curragh...we were on Hitchens BIG TIME!

Hitchens led home a British-trained one-two in the Group Three Weatherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh.

David Barron's six-year-old (11-4) came with a decisive late run under Fran Berry to defeat the game Tiddliwinks, trained by Kevin Ryan, by a length and a quarter.

Santo Padre was third, while Aidan O'Brien's Sing Softly, the 5-2 favourite, led for a long way but faded tamely into fourth.

Berry said: "Connections were adamant I got a lead on him and waited for the gaps and, thankfully, the race worked out very well.

"He got out and had a couple of lengths to make up on Pat Smullen's mount (Tiddliwinks), but he picked up and won very well at the line. Just when I switched out for a few strides it took him a while to get going, but he got organised and did it well."

Emulous wore down Lolly For Dolly to grab the Group Three spoils in the TRI Equestrian Stakes.

Smullen brought the Dermot Weld-trained four-year-old to challenge Lolly For Dolly almost a quarter of a mile out and led inside the final furlong. The 11-4 shot steadily drew clear to score by a length and three-quarters from the 11-10 favourite.

Weld said: "She's a filly that always progresses as the year goes on. She's a lovely filly and very consistent for us.

"She's entered in the Windsor Forest at Royal Ascot and I'll speak with Lord Grimthorpe (owner Khalid Abdullah's racing manager) and decisions will be made.

"It's really in the second part of the year, from August afterwards, that you are really going to appreciate this filly. The long-term plan will be to try to win a Group One with her later in the year."

Irish Guineas Review

Roderic O'Connor emphatically turned around the Newmarket form with Dubawi Gold as he led all the way to win the Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh.

Joseph O'Brien, registering his first Classic success, gave his father Aidan's horse (7-2) a masterly ride, kicking on from the front and resisting the late charge of the favourite, who was held up at the back for much of the way, by three-quarters of a length. Oracle was third for the Ballydoyle team.

Roderic O'Connor finished only 11th in the English 2000 Guineas in the wake of the blistering pace set by Frankel, with Dubawi Gold taking second spot.

The winning trainer said: "We're delighted with Joseph - he got the pace right. He gave him a lovely ride.

"This is one of those days that you couldn't dream about happening. I can't explain just how delighted we are. Joseph works very hard and he knows this horse well. All credit must go to the owners for giving him the chance.

"The horse is very brave and stays very well. They went full throttle at Newmarket and he just blew up after two furlongs - it can happen with a horse first time out. Joseph knew that wasn't his true running."

Of Roderic O'Connor, he added: "The plan was either to go to Epsom or France, and he's a strong possible for either."

O'Brien jnr, who will be 18 on Monday, added: "He jumped smartly and travelled nicely. He's very genuine and stayed on to the line.

"The ground was very fast at Newmarket, but he handled the track today very well. The stiff mile suited him well - I didn't see another horse all the way. He picked up from the three-furlong pole. That's about my 60th winner now and this is what you dream of."

Dubawi Gold's handler Richard Hannon said: "I don't want to say too much, but why he (Richard Hughes) sat coming out of the stalls I don't know. He was a long way behind and the horse should have won. He's a good horse and there'll be other days, but you don't get to win a Guineas very often."

Irish 2000 Guineas Preview

Kevin Prendergast's Dunboyne Express will bid to stop the Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas going to Richard Hannon for the second successive year.

The British champion trainer struck with Canford Cliffs 12 months ago and this time saddles Dubawi Gold, who finished second to Frankel in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket at the start of the month.

Dunboyne Express looks the best of the home team, having impressed in the 2,000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown at the end of March, and his trainer is hopeful he has progressed since.

"He's in good form and has been working well, so hopefully he'll run a big race," said Prendergast.

"We have Hannon's horse to beat, but our horse is improving and we think he's a better horse than last year. We hope he's improved a bit for that first run, but he'll have to if he's going to win. The ground has been watered and it's safe ground, so that should be fine. We're happy with our lad and we think he'll run well."


Hannon is expecting a bold show from Dubawi Gold but is respectful of the opposition, telling his website www.richardhannonracing.tv: "Dubawi Gold has worked well since Newmarket and his final scope was good.

"We did not have him last year so you can't compare him with my other three winners but, though he has taken time to relax, he switched off beautifully in the Guineas.

"When you go to Ireland you never know what sort of pace you are going to get, but Hughesie (Richard Hughes) got off at Newmarket and said 'without Frankel we would have come home alone'. If he can reproduce that form he'll be hard to beat.

"He is a smashing horse with a real good turn of foot and though people are claiming that this is a sub-standard Classic, there are no easy Group Ones."

Zabarajad is still a maiden after three runs but trainer John Oxx said: "It was a real good first run back in the Tetrarch Stakes and it's encouraged us to let him take his chance. If he can continue on the upgrade and come on from that run he could have a good place chance."

"Our Man" Ken In The News

Jockeys charged with serious breaches of the rules of racing by the British Horseracing Authority have protested their innocence.

One of them, Kirsty Milczarek, faces accusations in relation to her ride aboard Obe Gold at Lingfield on August 15, 2009, when she finished fifth on the even-money favourite in a six-furlong seller.

Her representative, Christopher Stewart-Moore, said in a statement: "She is stunned by this development. She has been fully co-operative with the BHA investigations. There was no stewards' inquiry into her ride on the day."

He went on: "His antics on exiting from the stalls caused Kirsty to hit the upright of the starting stall, causing her a very painful injury evidenced by bruising across her chest which was observed by both the racecourse doctor on the day and the physio at Newbury the next day.

"She was in such pain that she was observed to be in tears after the race by another jockey. Her shoulder was strapped up by the physio to enable her to ride at Newbury the next day.

"She knows absolutely nothing about any laying of this horse. She has provided the BHA with all her telephone records and there are no telephone calls between her and any of the named layers. There is no evidence to support the BHA's charge for the very simple reason that she has done nothing wrong."

Former rider Paul Fitzsimons, who now trains, is another of those charged and said: "I went for an interview (with the BHA) 16 months ago and heard nothing back from them. I'm shocked and dismayed, but I've got 100% backing from my owners, and will be represented by solicitor Andrew Chalk. I'm pretty confident my name will be cleared."

Chalk, of Withy King solicitors, will also be representing Jimmy Quinn and added: "Jimmy is pulling his hair out and is particularly frustrated. He feels he has co-operated fully with the investigation, having answered all of the appropriate questions with honesty.

"He is dismayed at the charges, and is adamant he has done nothing wrong. He will be doing everything in his power to clear his name."

Greg Fairley's legal representative, Ken Stenger, said the North Yorkshire-based jockey "vehemently denied" the allegations and "will now focus upon clearing his name".

Oh No We Didn`t!

Jockeys charged with serious breaches of the rules of racing by the British Horseracing Authority have protested their innocence.

One of them, Kirsty Milczarek, faces accusations in relation to her ride aboard Obe Gold at Lingfield on August 15, 2009, when she finished fifth on the even-money favourite in a six-furlong seller.

Her representative, Christopher Stewart-Moore, said in a statement: "She is stunned by this development. She has been fully co-operative with the BHA investigations. There was no stewards' inquiry into her ride on the day."

He went on: "His antics on exiting from the stalls caused Kirsty to hit the upright of the starting stall, causing her a very painful injury evidenced by bruising across her chest which was observed by both the racecourse doctor on the day and the physio at Newbury the next day.

"She was in such pain that she was observed to be in tears after the race by another jockey. Her shoulder was strapped up by the physio to enable her to ride at Newbury the next day.

"She knows absolutely nothing about any laying of this horse. She has provided the BHA with all her telephone records and there are no telephone calls between her and any of the named layers. There is no evidence to support the BHA's charge for the very simple reason that she has done nothing wrong."

Former rider Paul Fitzsimons, who now trains, is another of those charged and said: "I went for an interview (with the BHA) 16 months ago and heard nothing back from them. I'm shocked and dismayed, but I've got 100% backing from my owners, and will be represented by solicitor Andrew Chalk. I'm pretty confident my name will be cleared."

Chalk, of Withy King solicitors, will also be representing Jimmy Quinn and added: "Jimmy is pulling his hair out and is particularly frustrated. He feels he has co-operated fully with the investigation, having answered all of the appropriate questions with honesty.

"He is dismayed at the charges, and is adamant he has done nothing wrong. He will be doing everything in his power to clear his name."

Greg Fairley's legal representative, Ken Stenger, said the North Yorkshire-based jockey "vehemently denied" the allegations and "will now focus upon clearing his name".

Oh No!

Jockeys Paul Doe, Greg Fairley, Kirsty Milczarek and Jimmy Quinn, along with former rider Paul Fitzsimons, have all been charged with serious breaches of the rules of racing.

It is alleged they conspired to commit a corrupt or fraudulent practice following a British Horseracing Authority investigation into suspicious betting activity on a number of races. Fitzsimons is no longer a jockey but is now a licensed trainer.

Registered owners Maurice Sines and James Crickmore have also been charged with the same breach of the rules, along with six others - Peter Gold, Nick Gold, Shaun Harris, David Kendrick, Darren May and Liam Vasey.

All of the individuals except the jockeys are alternatively/additionally charged with another breach in that it is alleged 'they caused the jockey in the race to act by communicating to him directly or indirectly, at his request and for material reward, gift, favour or benefit in kind, inside information in relation to the named horse'.

Each of the jockeys is additionally charged with a different breach in that it is alleged 'they communicated directly or indirectly to one or more betting exchange account holders, for material reward, gift, favour or benefit in kind, information relating to the prospects of the named horse'.

The allegations focus on horses being laid to lose on betting exchanges in 10 races that took place between January 17, 2009, and August 15, 2009.

As well as being charged for allegedly passing on information for reward, each of the jockeys has also been charged with 'intentionally failing to ensure that their horse was run on its merits'.

Paul Doe has been charged in relation to a total of five races combining both charges. The races took place at Lingfield, Wolverhampton, Kempton and Bath.


Greg Fairley has been charged in relation to four races, Jimmy Quinn with two and Milczarek and Fitzsimons to one race each.

An independent disciplinary panel hearing has been set for October 20 and is scheduled to last 10 days.

York Preview

Times Up bids to give trainer John Dunlop back-to-back successes in the Stowe Family Law LLP Grand Cup at York today.

Tactic took the prize for the Arundel yard last season and now his stablemate has the chance to land the Listed race over a mile and three-quarters.

Last season's November Handicap winner has yet to prove he stays this longer distance, though he gave every indication it might be within his compass as it took all of the mile and a half at Newmarket for him to gain a short-head verdict over Sharaayeen in a competitive handicap three weeks ago.

"Times Up has not won in three attempts at this trip, but gives every indication he will stay as long as he settles," said Dunlop's racing secretary Marcus Hosgood.

News On Meeznah

Meeznah was put through her paces on Wednesday ahead of a likely return to action at Haydock on Saturday week.

Trainer David Lanigan has been giving the four-year-old filly plenty of work before she makes her seasonal debut in the EBF New Approach Grosvenor Casinos Pinnacle Stakes at the Merseyside venue.

"She's fine. She was having some work on Wednesday and then hopefully she'll go to Haydock for a mile-and-a-half fillies' Listed race on May 28," said Lanigan.

"We had a difficult spring and it takes plenty of work to get her straight.

"I was going to run her at Goodwood but felt she needed a couple more gallops first."

Meeznah was second past the post in the Investec Oaks at Epsom last June only to be disqualified after failing a drugs test.

News From Fahey

Richard Fahey reports Wootton Bassett to have arrived home a "little bit stiff" after losing his unbeaten record in the French 2000 Guineas at Longchamp on Sunday.

The Iffraaj colt rounded off a stellar juvenile campaign with a Group One win at the Paris track in October and was a hot favourite to make a winning return to action.

But having shot out of the stalls and pulled himself clear early from his wide draw, he tired in the closing stages and passed the post in fifth place. Fahey is in no rush to make future plans for his star colt and will see how he fares when returning to work.


"He's had a trot out this morning and he's a little bit stiff, but other than that he's fine," said the Musley Bank handler.

"The ground was probably quicker than we thought it was going to be. I'm really not sure where we're going to go at the moment. We'll get him back cantering and have a look and see.

"He just ran too free on the day. It certainly wasn't Paul's (Hanagan) fault. What could he have done? He's taken a bit of criticism, which I think is wrong."

Dunlop At It Again!

Goodwood's Casco Height Of Fashion Stakes produced an unlikely Investec Oaks winner a year ago in Ed Dunlop's Snow Fairy and Beatrice Aurore gave herself a chance of becoming another for the trainer's father, John.

Dunlop senior had already thought of entering his filly for Epsom, as opposed to his son who had to supplement Snow Fairy, and he appeared to be tempted to let the daughter of Danehill Dancer take her chance without making any outlandish predictions.

Beatrice Aurore is owned by Benny Andersson, a former member of ABBA, and has made impressive progress this season by collecting a handicap at the same course a fortnight ago before she took the Listed race formerly known as the Lupe Stakes by a length and a half.

Highest had made an early play for home but once Ted Durcan had moved the 2-1 favourite Beatrice Aurore away from potential trouble on the far rail, she strode clear to earn an Oaks quote of 20-1 from William Hill but just 14s with Coral.

Brighton Review

Paul Doe's victory aboard Deerslayer in the Weatherbys Bloodstock Maiden Stakes at Brighton left the jockey with a sour taste in his mouth as he picked up suspensions totalling seven days.

The 6-1 shot, an expensive purchase who failed to make the racecourse for Michael Jarvis, bumped Ryan Moore on the 1-5 favourite Chaussini with a furlong to run, but went on to score by a length and a half.

Doe was banned for three days for careless riding when causing interference and a further four for using his whip with excessive frequency and hitting the chestnut down the shoulder from the forehand position.

Winning Lewes-based trainer Jim Best, whose partnership with Doe has produced six winners at Brighton from just nine attempts, said: "We were far enough clear that I thought we'd keep the race.

"The horse cost $500,000 as a yearling but was sold for 1,500 guineas. I didn't expect anything to be wrong with him, he did have to settle down a bit, but he hasn't done a lot wrong for us."

Moore made the difference in the Summer Music Night Here 21st June Handicap as Rocker showed what he can occasionally be capable of.

Often underachieving but effective at this unique course, the 5-4 favourite quickly came from last to first under the former champion jockey, passing long-time leader Billy Red to score by a length and a quarter.

Rocker is trained by Moore's father Gary, who was represented by the jockey's sister, Hayley. She said: "He's been a bit disappointing on his last two starts and I think he needed the full force of Ryan."

High-profile owner Alan Spence was present to see Swiss Cross (2-1 favourite) prove his third at the Chester May meeting was no fluke in the digibet.com Handicap.

"We thought we'd take it as it comes but the race went his way really and he got a soft lead," said Spence.

Dubawi Off To Ireland

Connections of the Richard Hannon-trained Dubawi Gold are in confident mood as he prepares for another shot at Classic glory in Saturday's Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas.

Owner Andrew Tinkler was prepared to supplement his colt for the Curragh event after his highly respectable second to Frankel at Newmarket and he was quickly installed as favourite by the bookmakers.

Tim Jones, Tinkler's racing manager, said: "He's absolutely spot-on. He did a nice piece of work at the weekend and Richard is very happy with him. It's all systems go and he will probably travel over to Ireland on Thursday."

Didn`t We Do Well!

Inxile pipped compatriot Captain Dunne by the narrowest of margins in a dramatic finish to the Prix de Saint-Georges at Longchamp as overseas raiders dominated the Group Three sprint.

Tim Easterby's Captain Dunne set a furious pace in the five-furlong contest and looked to have done enough to claim victory well inside the final furlong.

But Inxile, trained by sprint king David Nicholls, nipped up the rail under the trainer's son Adrian and just managed to get his nose in front when it mattered.

Split Trois fairly scorched home to claim third, with Robert Cowell's Prohibit not beaten far.

The winning trainer said: "When I first watched it I thought we'd nodded it, but then when I watched the other angle I thought we'd got nodded.

"It's difficult to tell at Longchamp as you're a long way away from the action, but thankfully he got there.

"He's a grand horse. He's won a few Listed races and has now won a Group race, so it's good.

"I'm not sure where he'll go next, we'll have a chat about it on the way home. With a bit of luck, it would be nice to come back for the Prix de l'Abbaye on Arc day."

Ripon Review

Richard Fahey may have been out of luck with Wootton Bassett in the French 2000 Guineas, but his excellent form continued as Kay Gee Be landed the feature race at Ripon.

In what made a refreshing change for Sunday racing, there was £18,000 on offer in the Ripon, Yorkshire's Garden Racecourse Handicap, and the course was rewarded with a highly competitive field.

Kay Gee Be normally makes the running, but with Space War and Snow Bay forcing a brisk early gallop, Tony Hamilton was content to sit in fourth place before kicking on running into the dip, and the 100-30 favourite held off the fast-finishing Dubai Dynamo by half a length.

Fahey's assistant Robin O'Ryan said: "He was flat out with two to run but he kept going. Tony gave him a great ride. He's shown he is versatile now and that he doesn't have to lead.

"Tony thought they were going a suicidal pace, so he dropped him in and used Plan B. He's a good work horse and we're having some fun with him."

David O'Meara's star continues to rise and after he went close in the Yorkshire Cup with Blue Bajan last week, he produced Pepper Lane (10-1) to win first time out for the second year running in the C.B. Hutchinson Memorial Challenge Cup.

The filly, racing off 56 at Redcar last season, defied a mark of 74 on this reappearance, bouncing out of the stalls under Danny Tudhope and never seeing another rival in winning by three and a half lengths.

Winning part-owner Dave Lumley said: "I shouldn't have sold half a share in her, should I! We didn't think she was ready for today and Danny said she blew up a furlong and a half out, but she kept going. I only had £20 on her."

William Haggas improved his already excellent record at Ripon in recent years when Trojan Nights landed some hefty bets in the gottohavediamonds.com Maiden Stakes.

He took his record to 10 winners from 30 runners inside the last five years as the 2-7 jolly always looked like doing the business under Eddie Ahern. Godolphin's Sir Francis Drake, out of 1000 Guineas winner Cape Verdi, stayed on pleasingly for second.

Henry Candy Royal Ascot Ambitions

Codemaster looks set to head to Royal Ascot next month after running out a two-length winner of the Stobart Group King Charles II Stakes at Newmarket.

The Choisir colt made no mistake on his seasonal bow in the Listed contest, helping in-form trainer Henry Candy record an across-the-card double on the day, with Ardlui also striking at Thirsk.

The 7-2 shot, ridden by Dane O'Neill, edged left on ground that was quick enough for him but picked off the favourite I Love Me with relative ease approaching the furlong marker and with the stands rail to assist him, stretched away to record a pleasing triumph.

Candy, with three winners from six runners on the Rowley Mile already this season, said: "That was lovely - he's as tough as boots.

"We were taking a little bit of a chance on the ground - when he won his maiden on the July Course it was proper soft - but we've just got away with it. He kept changing his legs.

"The Jersey Stakes would be a huge step up but the horse is going in the right direction and the track would suit. We might well let have him a go."

Ballydoyle Update

Aidan O'Brien insists his contenders for next month's Investec Derby have yet to be finalised and has warned punters to take care.

The Ballydoyle handler has a strong hand in this year's premier Classic at Epsom, with Derrinstown Trial winner Recital second in the ante-post lists.

Seville is also in contention, with O'Brien having mentioned the possibility of the Derby following his second-placed finish in the Dante Stakes at York on Thursday.

Twenty-one Ballydoyle horses, including the likes of Master Of Hounds, Treasure Beach and Roderic O'Connor, remain entered, but O'Brien stressed punters should hold fire at this stage.

He said: "There are still three weeks until the Derby, and we felt it important to reiterate that we have yet to decide exactly which horses will be heading to Epsom.

"We are lucky to have several high-class three-year-old colts this year and it's likely we will also be represented in the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly.

"The horses have all come out of their races in good shape and we'll be talking over where they go in the coming days.

"We will make an announcement as soon as firmer running plans are in place."

News From Meehan

Brian Meehan has confirmed that his impressive York winner Theyskens' Theory will head straight for the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The filly returned to action to dismiss her rivals with consummate ease in the Listed Michael Seely Memorial Stakes on the Knavesmire, having shown smart form as a juvenile, including a five-length defeat of subsequent 1000 Guineas winner Blue Bunting in a Newmarket maiden.

Meehan said: "You'd have to be pleased with that, it was the right race for her and it will help her confidence. She'll go straight for the Coronation. Her owner is American so further down the line you can imagine her going there, but they start off with me and he has been very good to me."

Duke Of York Preview

Adrian Nicholls is expecting a much-improved show from Regal Parade in the Duke Of York Blue Square Stakes at York after the seven-year-old's return to action in Ireland at the beginning of last month.

The dual Group One winner finished a slightly disappointing fifth behind Lolly For Dolly in a Curragh event.

"We were a tad disappointed with his first run but the ground was so bad - I would say it's the worst ground I've ridden on. He likes a bit of cut in the ground, but it was so heavy that day and in hindsight it wasn't such a bad run," said the jockey.

"I've ridden him work the last few weeks and he's come on for that run. I'm glad to see they've had a bit of rain and the ground should be similar to how it was when he won the Sprint Cup at Haydock. I certainly wouldn't swap him."

Rain Delayed has been beaten just half a length on his last two appearances, but his trainer Michael Dods admits being drawn in stall one is a concern.

"He's very well but I'd rather be drawn in the middle than down the outside," said Dods.

"He's a horse who likes to travel in behind horses and get a bit of cover and that is going to be difficult from where he is. You need to make a few manoeuvres and that is not going to be easy in a top-class race like this."

Richard Fahey's Rose Blossom has won twice at the track and champion jockey Paul Hanagan is looking forward to seeing her return to action.

"It's a really tough race but I couldn't wish for her to be in better form and I'm looking forward to riding her again," said Hanagan.

Prime Defender was a surprise winner last year, but his trainer Barry Hills does not know what to expect this year. He said: "He knows more about the game than all of us, so we'll see what happens"