@AtTheRaces @barryrobson News: Dettori back in the groove: Frankie Dettori proved you can't keep a good man down as he booted home a winn... http://bit.ly/XUGi6K

Dettori leaves Godolphin after 18 years! Lots of great memories...and flying dismounts! Ciao Frankie!

Nacarat is set to make his seasonal reappearance in the Betfred Monet's Garden Old Roan Chase at Aintree on Saturday. Trainer Tom George hopes the two-and-a-half-mile limited handicap will leave the 11-year-old spot-on for another crack at the william Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. "Our plan at the moment is to run as long as they don't get any more rain and the ground stays as it is," said the Slad-based handler. "We'll see how he is. He worked well on Tuesday and is ready to go. "He came back in on July 1, so he's had plenty of time, but there are very few races we can run him in. "He's dropping back in trip and this race is not going to bottom him. He's in good form and he's been working well. He's had a racecourse gallop for a trip away. "He'll come on for it but he's got to have a run now and then the chances are we won't run him again until Christmas in the King George, which he enjoys" .

Ayr...four to follow!

This afternoon's meeting at Ayr goes ahead after the track passed a 6.30am inspection. Thursday's meeting at the Scottish venue was abandoned due to a waterlogged track but conditions have improved sufficiently to race today. A dry night has seen the ground turn to heavy and officials have declared the course as fit to race. Four to follow in an Each Way Yankee Bet 2.20 Boston Rocker, 3.25 Take it To The Max, 4.35 Sphinx, 5.10 Holy Roman Warrior G` Luck!

Encke`s Next Move Dubai

Saturday's Ladbrokes St Leger winner Encke could be given the option of making his next appearance on the track in Dubai during the spring. In dashing hopes for Camelot to secure a first English Triple Crown in 42 years by thwarting the hot favourite by three-quarters of a length, Encke was providing Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin operation with their sixth victory in the season's final Classic. It was announced straight after the race that the colt would not be seen in action again this year, but Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford provided an update in France on Sunday. He said: "Encke is very well and he won't run again this season, but we will keep in mind the middle-distance championship races, starting off with races like the Coronation Cup and King George. "It has not been discussed if he might go for the Sheema Classic in Dubai, but it's a possibility."

We`re Back...with a nice couple of WINNERS!

After Dr Yes` success yesterday at Bath we advised a bet today on Moonlight Cloud who just edged out Farhh in a tactical race for the Qatar Prix du Moulin at Longhamp. Frankie Dettori set out to dictate affairs on the Godolphin-owned four-year-old Farhh, who has been well-beaten by Frankel in his last two starts, but he could not shake off Freddie Head's filly, who ranged alongside him a furlong out. She responded to Thierry Jarnet's urgings to get her head in front close home for a narrow success, her third at Group One level. The pair pulled a long way clear of Sarkiyla, with the Alan McCabe-trained Caspar Netscher last of the four runners. Head said: "She's wonderful, how tough she is, she's a fighter. She will miss the Foret and go to Santa Anita (for the Breeders' Cup) and she could maybe stay in training at five, but I'll have to talk to (owner) George Strawbridge about that. "Six furlongs is too sharp for her, I think that's why she got beaten at Ascot. Jarnet told me that the last 400 metres, they galloped. It was a real mile."

Another One For Her Majesty

Hats off for a Royal winner! Free Verse and Brendan Powell Jnr, who is more commonly known as a jumps jockey, landed the first race at Newmarket this afternoon for trainer Richard Hannon. This was The Queen's eleventh winner of 2012, resulting in an impressive 24% strike rate of winners to runners. Not bad in Diamond Jubilee year!

Plate Preview...if it`s on!

Donald McCain has high hopes Ile De Re can follow up his Chester Cup victory in the John Smith's Northumberland Plate at Newcastle. The six-year-old led home a notable one-two for the Cheshire trainer when foiling Overturn's attempt to land back-to-back victories on the Roodee last month, and he will now bid to emulate his versatile stablemate, who won the two-mile 'Pitmen's Derby' in 2010. His run at Chester was his first since joining the McCain team from the Ian Williams stable.

The trainer told At The Races: "I hadn't had him long before Chester. It was about three weeks and he came in great nick from Ian Williams. Since Chester this has been the target and everything has gone smoothly. The ground is going to be in his favour, I don't see why the track shouldn't suit and we're hoping for a big run. "Overturn got the run of the race at Chester and everything went to plan apart from the ground and this horse still managed to beat him." Silvestre de Sousa is expecting a big run from the Mark Johnston-trained Gulf Of Naples, whom he steered into fourth place behind his former stablemate Colour Vision in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot. The jockey said: "There's a bit more to come from him and he's going to win a big race, I hope, this year. He's a nice horse and has been improving all year. The Gold Cup was a big race, he ran a blinder, but he did not have a hard time out there. "They went a nice even gallop, then we quickened up and he finished the race nicely and quickened all the way to the line. I think he goes there with a good chance. He goes on any kind of ground. To me he'll win a Group race this year."

Richard Fahey runs three and is particularly keen on the chances of Lexington Bay in a race he has yet to win. He said: "I'm delighted he's got in. He'll love the ground, he'll love the trip. This has been his long-term plan, but we didn't think we'd done enough to get in it. He got struck into at Kempton and probably needed the run at York the other day. That will put him spot on and I'm looking forward to seeing him run."

FRANKIE DETTORI bagged a second winner at Royal Ascot this week as Tha'ir powered clear of his rivals in the final furlong of the Chesham Stakes to win by two and a quarter lengths. The recent Ripon winner was a third two-year-old winner of the week for first-season sire New Approach as he shot out of the pack up the far side to win at 9-2. Cruck Realta finished best of the four runners Mick Channon had in the race back in second with a further neck back to Godolphin's other runner, the Mahmood Al Zarooni-trained Lovely Pass. Cruck Realta and stablemate The Sixties had been contesting the lead since the off and it looked like Move To Strike would be the biggest danger to that pair as they raced towards the final furlong. However it was Saeed Bin Suroor's runner who came out on top to give the trainer a second win in the race and earn a quote of 25-1 from Paddy Power for next year's Qipco 2,000 Guineas. Dettori said: "The further he was going the better he was winning and he is a nice horse for the future." Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford added: "That was fantastic and what a week for New Approach. I am really excited. It has been a fantastic week for the team and I am really pleased."

Born To Sea Has Chance To Shine

Born To Sea has another chance to come out of the shadow of his illustrious half-brother Sea The Stars when he goes for glory in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot on Tuesday. The three-year-old colt has just one success to his name but while he was well-beaten in the Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, he finished as well as anything when fifth in the Irish equivalent, where he had the benefit of a hood to help him settle. Connections still regard him as a classy type and he will be sporting the hood again. His rider Johnny Murtagh, who rode a Classic winner in France on Sunday, told At The Races: "Born To Sea ran a bit keen at Newmarket but he settled better the last day and I think he can step up again."

Queen Anne Stakes Preview

Frankel goes for his 11th straight victory as he bids to get Royal Ascot off to the best possible start tomorrow. Sir Henry Cecil's superstar colt has carried all before him so far and heads into the first race of five glorious days as the long odds-on favourite, having made an impressive reappearance as a four-year-old in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury last month to register his sixth Group One success, despite suffering a setback that cost him 10 days' work. Cecil told At The Races: "He's in good order and there are no excuses. You always feel nerves with horses like that, he has a great following and you don't want to let anyone down. I'm very proud of what he's achieved, we're lucky to have him and I hope to continue where we left off." He added: "People love champions, whatever the sport, not just racing. I'm not a golf or tennis fan but I love watching the best. If people are not involved in racing they still latch on to them (champions), so let's hope he continues. "After Ascot, the idea would be to go to Goodwood (for the Sussex Stakes) then he'll go a bit further in distance at York (Juddmonte International)." Owner Khalid Abdullah's racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe felt it was a credit to the horse that he won so well at Newbury after his injury scare. "In every way we were (impressed) because after his little scare, we were a bit apprehensive going into a Group One having missed about 10 days, so to get him back on track and the way he did it, we were just delighted really," he told British Champions Series TV.

York Preview

Marco Botti sent out Acclamazing to dead-heat for second in last year's Bond Tyres Trophy and Bartolomeu will try to go one better for the trainer at York on Saturday. The Footstepsinthesand gelding had done most of his running on the all-weather before putting up a decent performance on turf to finish second to Mince in a competitive six-furlong handicap at Newmarket last time. Botti said: "He has come out of his race in good form and I was pleased with his performance at Newmarket. He would not want too much rain but I'm happy with him and I think six furlongs is his best trip." The handler added: "He probably goes into the race with a stronger chance than Acclamazing as that horse was one of the top-weights and he is off 92, a bit off the top. He is progressive and I hope he is a few pounds better than his rating." Trainer Denis Coakley is praying heavy rain stays away from the Knavesmire ahead of Gabriel's Lad's bid, saying: "He seems in good form. The only thing I would be worried about is if the ground came up soft. "He's a good-moving horse and I don't think that would suit him. The more rain they have, the worse chance he'll have. I'm sure being drawn 12 will be fine. He needs a bit of cover, so it should be OK. It's great to have Kieren (Fallon). He's as good as anyone. Roger Charlton reports Priceless Jewel to be in good form but is hoping her relative lack of experience and the ground will not go against her. She showed she could be a progressive filly when making a successful seasonal debut at Kempton, for which the handicapper raised her a total of 9lb. "She went up initially 6lb and then another 3lb more recently because the form had been franked by the second and the third. Compared to some she's a bit light on experience and I don't really know about the ground if it gets very soft as it is likely to be," he said. "It's an unknown dimension. She's a good-moving filly and it may not suit her, but in every other way she's in good form." Charlton believes his other runner, Tioman Legend, will probably handle the cut in the ground, adding: "He might like the ground better because he's by Kyllachy and they seem to like the ground. He ran very well last time behind Mince at Newmarket. It looks an open race as you'd expect."

Campaign To Get Britain Racing

To mark this year’s important summer of sport, a campaign has been launched to Get Britain Racing. The campaign will run across all 17 Northern Racing and Arena Leisure racecourses and invites people to come racing for just £10 between June and August. With more than 100,000 tickets available over 129 racedays and an exciting summer of racing ahead, Let’s Get Britain Racing is designed to encourage people who have never been racing to try it for the first time, as well as offering great value for money to existing racing fans. According to research from Racing For Change, more than 85 per cent of race-goers watch the sport on television on a weekly basis, with 41 per cent watching it daily. The same survey also found that 62 per cent of participants bet on racing at least weekly, suggesting that the sport has a niche audience. Tony Kelly, Managing Director of Northern Racing said: “The research indicates that the vast majority of people who visit racecourses are avid racing fans, with few being casual leisure visitors. "It also found that current race-goers don’t class entertainment or the experience for children as important factors, suggesting that racing is not generally seen as a family activity. "We want to change that and encourage more people to come racing. With horseracing being one of the Queen’s favourite pastimes, her Diamond Jubilee year is the perfect time to launch this campaign to Get Britain Racing.” Participating racecourses are Bath, Brighton, Chepstow, Doncaster, Ffos Las, Folkestone, Fontwell Park, Hereford, Great Yarmouth, Lingfield Park, Newcastle, Sedgefield, Southwell, Uttoxeter and Royal Windsor, Wolverhampton and Worcester. The offer is only available when booked online and in advance. For more information visit www.come-racing.co.uk or find Let’s Get Britain Racing on Facebook.

Rain, Rain Go Away!

Leicester OFF, Hexham ON! "Webbed feet" horses required however! Don`t forget your brolly!

Two For Friday. G` Luck!

Starscope aims to give the form of the 1000 Guineas another boost in the Swettenham Stud Fillies' Trial Stakes at Newbury on Friday. Stablemate The Fugue finished two places behind John Gosden's Guineas runner-up at Newmarket and subsequently waltzed away with the Musidora Stakes at York on Wednesday. Starscope steps up to 10 furlongs for this Listed heat, but Chris Richardson, managing director of owners Cheveley Park Stud, feels that should be well within her compass. Richardson said: "Obviously the Guineas form was franked at York but the Guineas form is usually rock-solid anyway. It was a very pleasing run by our horse in the Guineas but our filly is a different type to The Fugue. We were very pleased with the Guineas, but we want to see if she'll stay further and then we can establish a way forward for the rest of the season. "Her jockey (Jimmy Fortune) got off her last time and said she'd have no trouble staying further - in the Nell Gwyn and the Guineas she's been doing her best work at the finish. She's a lightly-raced filly but we need to get her to concentrate in her races - she wears a hood - and we need the penny to drop. She's in the Coronation so we'll see if we'll be going back to a mile or staying at this sort of trip (10 furlongs)."

Also, Ed Dunlop is hoping Burwaaz will enjoy a welcome change of luck in the Bathwick Tyres Carnarvon Stakes at Newbury on Friday. The son of Exceed And Excel only has one success to his credit in a Leicester maiden last May, but he has run several good races in defeat. He was also tried highly as a juvenile, being placed in the Gimcrack Stakes and Flying Childers and he ended the campaign in the Group One Middle Park Stakes. His misfortune continued on his first start of 2012 when the bit slipped through his mouth at Kempton, but he still managed to take third place behind Gusto.

"I really hope he wins. The bit went through his mouth when he came round the bend and was unrideable so he did fantastically well even to finish third," said Dunlop. "I knew there were other unlucky stories in the race but I do hope this is his day to make him a stakes winner."

Fury Wins...but only just!

Fury (3-1) just denied last season's Cambridgeshire hero Prince Of Johanne in a tremendous finish to the Betfred Hambleton Stakes at York. The two greys had the finish of this mile handicap to themselves and the result was in doubt right to the line with the William Haggas-trained Fury just obliging in the hands of Ryan Moore. There was only a nose between them at the line, with the 2-1 favourite Mijhaar two and a half lengths away in third place. Haggas said: "I'm really, really pleased. He went off the boil last year but he's a much stronger horse now and he's really fought when he needed to today. He's been running consistently well in really big handicaps so to win here is richly deserved. "The fact that this was a Listed race makes it even better and it's good news for the family. I don't want to run him in the Hunt Cup so I think we'll go for a Group race somewhere. "He could go for something at Chantilly the Sunday before Royal Ascot."

Bonfire On Fire!

Andrew Balding's Bonfire emerged as the most serious threat to Investec Derby favourite Camelot with an impressive comeback performance in the Betfred Dante Stakes at York. The son of Manduro could hardly have promised more in his two starts as a juvenile, looking a class-act on his racecourse debut at Salisbury before finishing a luckless third in the Group One Criterium International at Saint-Cloud. His seasonal return had been shifted to Britain's most high-profile Epsom trial from last week's Dee Stakes at Chester due to the rain-softened ground on the Roodee and it proved a wise decision. The colt showed slight signs of waywardness before the off, but he was as good as gold once the gates opened and travelled supremely well in the hands of Jimmy Fortune. Bonfire quickened past the well supported Ballydoyle-based favourite Ernest Hemingway in taking style and it was recent Newbury winner Ektihaam who moved stylishly out of the pack to throw down a challenge. The two of them fought out a crowd-pleasing finish heading inside the final furlong, but Bonfire was on top close home, officially scoring by three-quarters of a length.

Two To Follow Today

Fencing drops in class but steps up in distance in the Betfred Dante Stakes at York today. John Gosden's colt brings Classic form to the table, having finished six lengths behind Camelot when sixth in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket. Gosden said: "He's in good form. He had a nasty incident with a shoe-clip, which meant he had to miss the Craven. He then ran in the Guineas and he should come on for that. I think he'll stay a mile and a quarter, he's certainly bred for it." The trainer went on: "It looks a good Dante, but he's in nice enough form, so we'll see."

Roger Charlton admits that a 3lb penalty makes life difficult for Sea Of Heartbreak, who returns to action in the Betfred Middleton Stakes at York today The five-year-old is burdened with the extra impost for a Group Two success at Longchamp during Arc weekend. Charlton said: "She looks fantastically well. She's got a penalty for winning a Group Two in France and has to give weight to some good fillies. It's a very hot race, but it's good starting point and she's in good form." Sajjhaa (my selection) was runner-up to Midday in this race 12 months ago before going on to register a course and distance victory in July. Her liking for the Knavesmire circuit gives trainer Saeed bin Suroor reason to be optimistic about her chances. "Sajjhaa looks like she is coming back into form - she looks well and has been working nicely. She is ready to run and she loves racing at York. I am hopeful of another good effort," he told www.godolphin.com .

York Advice

Two to follow today: York 4.10 CUMBRIAN CRAIC made a big impression when scoring by six lengths on his debut last month at Doncaster. Tim Easterby's charge handled the soft ground well and finished his race off strongly. He should take plenty of beating in same conditions today. 3/1 available, take it (Win Bet)4.45 TARTIFLETTE has improved markedly with every outing so far, only missing out by a head to subsequent French Guineas fifth Gregorian when second on her seasonal debut at Newbury last month. 7/1 Best Price, take it (Each Way Bet)Double them up to MAXIMISE profit. G` Luck!

News On Spencer After Fall

Jockey Jamie Spencer shrugged off a bad fall on the eve of York's Dante meeting by claiming a winner at Beverley. The 2005 champion jockey must have feared for his participation at the big three-day fixture on the Knavesmire once he was unseated from Panama Cat in the opening five-furlong maiden. Spencer fleetingly remained motionless on the turf, but he was later declared fit enough to take his three remaining mounts, of which Bridgehampton was a game winner of the Beverley Middle Distance Series Handicap. The Michael Bell-trained three-year-old was never too far off a stop-start pace initiated by Henry George and galloped earnestly clear two furlongs out. Cheviot Quest briefly threatened, but succumbed by four lengths to the 3-1 favourite, who was stepping up to a mile and a half for the first time in his short career. Spencer said: "I'm a bit sore, but I'm OK (for York). It was a bad race, but his dam is a half-sister to Fame And Glory and he was always going to improve for the step up in trip."

Duke Of York Preview

Champion trainer Richard Hannon is doubly represented in the Duke Of York totepool Stakes on the Knavesmire with Libranno and Elnawin. Libranno made his reappearance this season over a mile in heavy ground and is expected to be much better suited by conditions on his return to sprinting. "It was barely raceable at Sandown, where Libranno disappointed last time, but we know he is better than that and six furlongs suits him as well as seven," said Richard Hannon jnr on www.richardhannonracing.tv. "Elnawin has been off with injury since he won by eight lengths at Salisbury last June, and he will probably need this comeback race." Richard Fahey has always thought highly of Mayson and the four-year-old is now finally starting to deliver on his promise. After finishing third behind The Cheka at Doncaster on his reappearance he was a good winner of the Abernant Stakes at the Craven meeting and he returned to Headquarters last time out. Dropping down to five furlongs for the Palace House Stakes, he showed good speed from a bad draw to win again. Fahey said: "He's in great order at the moment and he knows how to win now. He's progressing the right way, he's won a Listed race, a Group Three and now he's in a Group Two. "The ground should be fine, he goes on anything. He seems as effective over five furlongs or six, but if I had a choice I think he's better over six. He's in both races at Ascot, but we'll get this out of the way first." Godolphin's ex-Australian Soul is an interesting contender. He won at the Dubai Carnival in handicap company, but made no show on World Cup night in the Golden Shaheen. Saeed bin Suroor told www.godolphin.com: "Soul won very well on his first start of the year in Dubai, but then was disappointing in the Golden Shaheen. He looks in good form at the moment and has been working nicely. The return to turf should suit him and I am looking for a better result this time."

News From Ballydoyle

Aidan O'Brien has warned Ernest Hemingway will only run in Thursday's Betfred Dante Stakes at York if conditions are deemed suitable. The Galileo colt won by 10 lengths on his only start to date at Dundalk and is a best priced 25-1 for the Investec Derby at Epsom next month. He is due to test his credentials in the recognised trial on the Knavesmire on Thursday, but his participation is ground dependant. Speaking at a press morning at Ballydoyle, O'Brien said: "Ernest Hemingway is in the Dante, but he would only go to York if the ground was good or better. It is doubtful he would go to Epsom if he misses York."

He is confident Camelot will not lack for stamina when he bids to follow up his 2000 Guineas triumph in the Investec Derby at Epsom. The son of Montjeu rounded off his juvenile campaign with a superb performance in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster and he made a winning return when coming from last to first in the season's opening Classic at Newmarket. "Being by Montjeu, you would have to be optimistic that he will stay, but there are also serious Danehill and Kingmambo traits in Camelot, and he has always been a horse with tremendous speed. However, I have not seen anything to suggest that he will not stay the trip at Epsom, but we won't find out until the day," said O'Brien at a press open day. The Ballydoyle handler admits his charge has other questions to answer, namely how he will handle Epsom's undulations and if his nerves will stand up pre-race.

He also admits his son Joseph was lucky to escape serious injury after parting company with the ill-fated Furner's Green in Sunday's French 2000 Guineas at Longchamp. The three-year-old flew home under the young rider to claim third in the Poule D'Essai Des Poulains, but broke a leg shortly after the line. The young rider came out of the saddle but was unscathed. "It could all have ended in disaster in the French Guineas on Sunday when Furner's Green took a fatal fall passing the winning post," said the trainer. "We were all so very sad for the horse, but Joseph was so very lucky. "If it had happened a furlong earlier, three or four horses could easily have trampled all over him and he could have been seriously hurt as they were travelling flat out."

Musidora Preview

John Gosden's 1000 Guineas fourth The Fugue faces five rivals in the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes at York on Wednesday. The daughter of Dansili finished off well to pick up minor honours in the Newmarket Classic and she now tries her hand over 10 furlongs in this recognised trial for the Investec Oaks at Epsom next month. The Fugue's major rival in the Group Three contest appears to be Aidan O'Brien's Twirl, who was narrowly beaten by subsequent winner Chrysanthemum on her first start of the year at the Curragh in March. Richard Hannon's Nell Gwyn winner Esentepe needs to bounce back to form after finishing last at Goodwood, while Good Morning Star is turned out again quickly following her shock win in last week's Cheshire Oaks. Aniseed and Salford Art complete the line-up.

Dunlop Debates

Ed Dunlop is weighing up the options for his luckless sprinter Burwaaz. Although the three-year-old has registered only one victory from nine career starts, he has been placed on a further six occasions. He did well to finish third at Kempton on his return to action at the start of this month after things conspired against him, and Dunlop hopes his day will come soon.

"He's in the Duke Of York Stakes on Wednesday and he's going to be entered in the Carnarvon Stakes at Newbury on Friday. The ground is quite important," said the trainer. "On his last run at Kempton, the bit went through his mouth and he did fantastically well to finish third. "We'll wait and see what the ground does, but it would nice to see him win, as he deserves it. He was the bridesmaid sprinter last year, but we're pretty adamant he's improved." Stablemate Red Cadeaux is on target for Friday's Sportingbet Yorkshire Cup after finishing second in the rearranged Sagaro Stakes at Kempton last time. Having been beaten a nose in the Melbourne Cup before finishing third in the Hong Kong Vase last year, he is another horse who deserves success. Dunlop added: "All being well he'll run in the Yorkshire Cup. He won't run on firm ground, but I don't think we're going to get that."

Definitely Definightly

Roger Charlton will rely on Definightly in Wednesday's Duke of York totepool Stakes after deciding not to run Bated Breath and Genki. The Beckhampton handler had the choice of running all three in the six-furlong Group Two event with Group One-placed Bated Breath the highest rated of all the entries, but with the ground at York currently reported to be on the easy side, Charlton has opted to bypass the race as both Bated Breath and Genki prefer a quicker surface. Charlton tweeted: "Bated Breath and Genki to miss York to await faster ground but Definightly declared and would like more rain if possible!" Definightly is one of 14 declared runners, with Richard Fahey's Mayson heading the betting following successive victories at Newmarket.

Rain, Rain Go Away!

Tuesday's meeting at Newcastle has been abandoned due to a waterlogged track. A total of 150 millimetres of rain fell at the course in April, leaving the ground waterlogged and unraceable in places. Further rain is forecast over the weekend, so clerk of the course James Armstrong has made an early decision to call off the fixture. He said: "We had a look and we had our course inspector here and we are still a long way off being raceable. "We've got a forecast of further rain, upwards of another half an inch, in the next two or three days. We are fighting a losing battle." The British Horseracing Authority has announced an additional fixture at Southwell to fill the gap. Warwick's fixture on Bank Holiday Monday is subject to an 8.30am inspection on Saturday. The course is waterlogged in places following 103 millimetres of rainfall throughout April and the situation was compounded by further 16mm of rain on Thursday. Clerk of the course Sulekha Varma said: "The situation has gradually deteriorated as the week has gone on. Thursday's rain has left us in an unraceable state, with large areas of false ground and some waterlogging. "If there is some improvement on Saturday morning, we might look again on Sunday, but it's not looking great."

2000 Guineas Preview

French trainer Nicolas Clement is looking to improve his curious record in England when the Criterium International winner French Fifteen runs in the Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket. The colt, who will be ridden by Olivier Peslier, beat the other French raiders Abtaal and Hermival in the Prix Djebel at Maisons-Laffitte last month. Although Clement saddled the classy Stormy River to finish second in the St James's Palace Stakes in 2006, his only win in the UK came on a less grander scale - in a Catterick bumper. The French trainer said: "He is all ready to go and he worked nicely on Monday. I don't think he wants extremes of going - not too yielding and not too fast, but if it is just on the soft side of good that will be fine for him. We will see if handles the track. He has performed well on a straight course before, so hopefully he will do well. "He has done really well since the Prix Djebel and I think he has improved a bit too, so I am very happy. He has experience and he has fitness, so it is very exciting. It would be fantastic for the owner, who sponsors the race. He bought the colt during the winter. "I have not had many runners in Britain. Stormy River was second to Araafa in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. The only winner I have had in Britain was in a Catterick bumper! It would be fantastic to win the Guineas. If the horse finishes in the first four, I'll be happy." John Gosden is under no illusions as to the task facing Fencing, who took a Listed race in fine style at Newbury in August but was left trailing behind Camelot in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster. The handler said: "He was meant to run in the Craven, but he got a puncture in his foot which meant he was unable to run. That has put us on the back foot a little, but you need to get these horses out. Obviously, it is not ideal. He needs a race and you have to start the season somewhere. "Realistically he needs to improve a good deal to turn the tables with the favourite from Doncaster and it wasn't the plan to come here without a run. He was well held at Doncaster, but he won't mind the ground."

Roger Charlton admits Top Offer will need to show "considerable" improvement if he is to win the Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket. The once-raced colt was an impressive winner of a Newbury maiden last season, but missed his intended trial in the Greenham Stakes due to very soft ground, and the trainer still harbours doubts about his ability to be seen at his best in those conditions. "Top Offer has been our big hope since last August and finally we are nearly there. He is a wonderful looking colt with great presence and an easy action that may not be suited by the soft ground," said the Beckhampton handler. "He has to show considerable improvement from his easy maiden victory last August at Newbury. It looks competitive, as you would expect, with three good colts from France and three from Ireland in the field. "His work has been good but we won't know until we try as to whether he is quite up to this class, but I am sure he is a Group horse," he told his website, www.rogercharlton.com. Aidan O'Brien insists he has not "forced" Camelot to be ready in time for the race. The eclipse of St Nicholas Abbey two years ago is still a raw memory for the Ballydoyle team and they admit it took him a good year to get over those exertions. With Camelot by the same sire in Montjeu, and having followed the Racing Post Trophy route, comparison has been drawn, but while O'Brien was reluctant to commit the unbeaten colt to the Classic until only recently, the last few weeks have seen him discuss his chances in a far more bullish mode.

John Smith's Melling Chase Preview

Finian's Rainbow steps up to two and a half miles for the first time over fences on Friday as he bids to follow up his famous Cheltenham Festival success in the John Smith's Melling Chase at Aintree.

The nine-year-old won over that trip in his novice hurdle days back in 2010 but has been kept at around two miles since graduating to the bigger obstacles and landed the Queen Mother Champion Chase in dramatic fashion last month, beating Sizing Europe in a thrilling finish.


His rider Barry Geraghty told At The Races: "He's come to himself since the Victor Chandler. We were a bit disappointed on the day, he travelled brilliantly and looked the winner but on the day he wasn't just seeing out the race the way he should."

He added: "At Cheltenham he travelled brilliantly and came up the hill well. There was a lot of talk about the last fence being in or out, but if you ask me if there were two more fences to be jumped it would have been the same result. He was full of running and finishing his race well.

"Two-four should suit him and he really seems to have come to himself. He was keen last year as a novice and didn't give himself a chance to get home. He did too much in the Arkle, I felt he'd have won that if he'd settled better.

"He's settling better and should be seeing out his races - he did at Cheltenham but he didn't for whatever reason at Ascot (in January). I'm looking forward to the ride."


Albertas Run took this race two years ago and was second behind Master Minded 12 months ago.

Jonjo O'Neill's 11-year-old usually comes good at this time of year and was runner-up in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham.

"He's in good nick but I hope we don't get too much rain," said owner Trevor Hemmings' racing manager Michael Meagher.

40 Go To Post In National

Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Synchronised heads a maximum field of 40 for the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree on Saturday.

Tony McCoy's mount, trained by Jonjo O'Neill, will bid to become the first horse since Golden Miller in 1934 to win the Gold Cup and Grand National in the same season.

All the other leading fancies are in the final line-up, including last year's winner Ballabriggs, trained by Donald McCain.

He will attempt to be the first since Red Rum, trained by McCain's father Ginger, to land back-to-back victories in the world's greatest steeplechase some 36 years ago.

On His Own, the mount of Ruby Walsh, heads Willie Mullins' team while the Irish jockey's sister Katie will be aboard Seabass for their father, Ted Walsh.

Nina Carberry, who is also bidding to become the first female rider to win the race, will be aboard Organisedconfusion for her uncle, Arthur Moore.

Among the other major contenders are Giles Cross, West End Rocker, Junior, Cappa Bleu, Chicago Grey and Killyglen.


Le Beau Bai has been withdrawn, and connections had warned earlier in the week the ground may not be soft enough for the Welsh National winner, who was a top-priced 40-1. Always Waining, who runs in Friday's Topham Chase instead, was the only other defector from the 47 qualified five-day entries.

That means Hello Bud and Neptune Equester can now take their chance.

Four reserves were declared - the first reserve being Any Currency followed by Our Island, Abbeybraney and Smoking Aces. They have until 9am on Friday morning to get a run.

Jefferson Follows Up In Style

Malcolm Jefferson's Cape Tribulation followed up his Cheltenham victory off top-weight in the Silver Cross Handicap Hurdle at Aintree.

Winner of the Pertemps Final last month, the eight-year-old did not travel as well this time off an 8lb higher mark, but Denis O'Regan nursed him into contention and moved up alongside the bottom weight American Spin, who was up making the running with Buena Vista throughout.

Cape Tribulation (14-1) had to work much harder than at Cheltenham but prevailed by three-quarters of a length with six lengths back to Trustan Times and Ringaroses, placed in the race for the third year in a row.

Jefferson said: "Denis said he was never going, they went some gallop but he stays well. It's some performance, he's a good horse. He came into the race in some fettle, the lad who rides him at home said he felt better than Cheltenham.

"You begin to wonder if he's gone because he's normally so lazy at home and he'd been flying up the gallops.


"Denis gave him some ride today, I didn't bring my binoculars but I could just keep seeing him and I knew where he was at.

"He made up his ground in a nice way and once he gets there he is tough. I hope it's a good omen for Saturday (when he runs According To Pete in the Grand National)."

17 And Counting!

Big Buck's created history in the BGC Partners Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree by winning his 17th successive race, breaking the modern-day jumps total of Sir Ken.

The Paul Nicholls-trained nine-year-old maintained his unbeaten record over hurdles in England, winning this Grade One event for the fourth time, and having also won the last four renewals of the World Hurdle at Cheltenham, the Andy Stewart-owned gelding rewarded punters who took the 2-9 on offer about the favourite.

Ruby Walsh settled the superstar in third position and he travelled well through the early stages. Crack Away Jack travelled well to challenge but failed like so many before him and eventually trailed in well beaten in second.

Nicholls said: "It was straightforward today. He jumped and travelled and did everything right. We're happy with him. Now he's got older it pays to give him a race between the Long Walk and Cheltenham, so the Cleeve is ideal. We'll follow the same route."

Walsh added: "The easy part is riding him. He's an incredible horse. He's skated in today. It wasn't as competitive a race as Cheltenham. He's bolted in and the last couple of years he's been better here than at Cheltenham.

"We're lucky we've never got to the bottom of him. He's never been extended over hurdles. I would say there's more there."

Stewart said: "He seemed to be idling a little in front. Alan King's horse (Smad Place) was right behind us until unfortunately he came to grief. I was glad to see them all get up.

"We take every race as it comes and we are totally flattered by the reception he has been given by everyone here. He hasn't had an off-day since unseating in the Hennessy a few years ago.

"Undoubtedly (this win means the most), this is absolutely marvellous."

Kirsty`s Back...Soon

Kirsty Milczarek is set to return to action next week after winning her appeal against a two-year ban for passing information for reward and for committing a corrupt or fraudulent practice.

She has already taken steps to regain her licence and will resume work-riding at the weekend.

"I've spoken to my solicitor and he's going to fast track it once it's been re-applied for, I won't be back riding this week purely because I won't be ready physically," Milczarek told At the Races.

"What everybody has got to remember, and a lot of people didn't realise, was that I wasn't actually allowed into a racing yard, so I haven't sat on a racehorse for a good four months.

"I'll be back riding work on Saturday morning. I've kept very fit and I started eventing. I hunted all winter and I've thrown everything into my horses at home and I've been schooling.

"The heaviest I got was 8st 8lb and I was 8st 4lb the last time I rode. I'm back down to eight three and a half which is brilliant."

Milczarek is looking forward to getting back in the groove.

"I've spoken to the boss (Luca Cumani) and he wants me back as soon as possible, but I've been working as a 'nag and nanny' back home in Essex looking after horses and children and I don't want to let the family I've been employed by down," she told the Daily Telegraph.

"I'll need to ride a good few bits of work before I'm ready to race-ride. It certainly won't be this week, but it won't be long."

Aintree's Betfred Bowl Looks Good For Theatre

Ryanair Chase victor Riverside Theatre heads a three-strong team from the Nicky Henderson stable in Aintree's Betfred Bowl.

The eight-year-old got up in the dying strides at Cheltenham and his jockey Barry Geraghty is confident he will be even better over this longer distance.

"I'd be more than happy over three miles, he looked like a stayer at Cheltenham, maybe he even wanted further. He didn't jump the first two well, he jumped OK during the race but never really travelled and he found everything hard work for a horse that's won the Ascot Chase twice," said the Irish rider.


"Whether he slightly had an off-day, maybe that was it. He was a different horse to what we saw at Ascot but I wouldn't blame the track. Maybe he was just a bit flat having his second run back (after a long absence). His best runs might be right-handed but that's just where he's been, he's won at Newbury so I wouldn't read much into that."

17 In A Row?

Owner Andy Stewart believes Big Buck's is as enthusiastic as ever as he goes for an amazing 17th win on the spin in the BGC Partners Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree.

The Paul Nicholls-trained nine-year-old has won the extended three-mile event, which opens the three-day John Smith's Grand National meeting, for the last three years and made Cheltenham history when lifting the Ladbrokes World Hurdle for a fourth time last month.

"Obviously he is feeling it because he is nine years of age, so youth is just on his side, but it's not quite the same as when he was seven. One day he will turn around and say I don't want to do this any more but I think we are miles away from that at the moment," said Stewart.

"After this year's World Hurdle you wouldn't have known he had a race - he could have gone round again.

"I wouldn't say he is better at Aintree as the fields he's been facing there haven't been as strong as at Cheltenham. Saying that, last year he beat Grands Crus one and three quarter lengths in the World Hurdle and then five lengths on the bridle in the Liverpool Hurdle.

"I think Grands Crus just had a very hard race at Cheltenham, and, albeit we had a race, Big Buck's just seems to recover so quickly."