Atavus favourite to land mile George Margarson`s Atavus, a real revelation in two of this season`s biggest handicaps, is 5-1 clear favourite to land another in the Stg #100,000 William Hill Mile at Goodwood tomorrow. The Leeds-based firm have also removed Surprise Encounter from their list after trainer Ed Dunlop revealed the Royal Hunt Cup winner is likely to tackle the Theo Fennell Lennox Stakes at the same track on Friday. Surprise Encounter, who was an 8-1 chance with Hills, missed last Saturday`s Tote International, won by Atavus, as he suffered a slight setback after his Royal success. 'He`s 99 per cent certain to go for the Lennox,' said Dunlop. 'He sadly missed Ascot (Tote International) because of the over-reach. He would have top-weight on Thursday and, if he got drawn one, would face a virtually impossible task, although obviously we will never know. 'Friday`s race also looks competitive, as you would expect for a Group race. As he is a gelding it won`t improve hispaddock value but it will show us the level we should be aiming at for the rest of the season.' Dunlop confirmed that stablemate Soviet Flash will now almost certainly take his chance in Thursday`s contest. Atavus is reported in 'great shape' by Margarson but his trainer will wait on the ground at Goodwood before committing his charge to the race. In addition to his Ascot triumph, Atavus has also landed the Bunbury Cup this term and Margarson is very tempted to let him take his chance. 'He`s in good form,' said Margarson. 'I`m just waiting on the ground. He goes on firm but Goodwood can get pretty hard. At the moment it`s similar to Ascot, just a little bit firmer underneath.'
