Michel Blow For Moore Followers

Ante-post punters suffered a blow when the fancied Mon Michel was effectively ruled out of Saturday's totesport Trophy at Newbury.

A sustained gamble on the gelding made him the biggest loser in the sponsors' book but trainer Gary Moore is not satisfied with his current wellbeing.

Mon Michel would have been bidding to provide Moore with a second successive win in the race after Heathcote struck at 50-1 last year.

However, the Sussex trainer said: "He won't run, he's a very doubtful runner anyway. The horse is OK, I'm just not happy with him."

Mon Michel took the Gerry Feilden Hurdle over the same course and distance in December before chasing home Five Dream at Sandown and his old rival has again hardened in the betting ahead of the weekend.

Totesport spokesman Damian Walker reported: "This is a hammer blow for ante-post punters as Mon Michel was a 33-1 shot when we opened betting on the race on January 10 and he was down to just 8-1.

"Mon Michel was our worst ante-post loser in the race. Totesport Trophy favourite Five Dream has hardened at the head of our betting and is now 10-3 from 4-1."

The Wigan-based firm have Mon Michel down as doubtful, while betting exchange Betfair cancelled all unmatched bets.

Richard Hughes will take the reins aboard the hat-trick chasing Blue Bajan and the top Flat jockey will pop the improving novice over a flight of hurdles in preparation.

Explaining the booking, trainer Andy Turnell said: "There was some talk of Richard riding him first time this season but he was then unable to ride him.

"Richard was obviously keen to have a few rides over hurdles this term and his agent Geoff Lester rang to see if we'd be interested.

"I was interested because I think his style of riding will really suit our horse and he'll have a sit on him this week over a hurdle."

Turnell feels the fast-paced nature of a typical totesport Trophy will prove right up Blue Bajan's street.

(C) PA Sport