totesport Cesarewitch and Vc Bet Challenge Stakes Update

All of the main contenders remain engaged in the big handicap on Champions´ Day, the #130,000 totesport Cesarewitch. Just five horses were removed at the September 27 forfeit stage, meaning that 67 horses go forward for the famous two mile, two furlong contest.

Currently vying for favouritism are Nicky Henderson´s Afrad, a winner at both Newmarket´s July Meeting and Glorious Goodwood on his last two starts, and Elusive Dream, a very promising fourth on his seasonal debut at Haydock earlier this month and one of six remaining entries for Sir Mark Prescott. The pick of Prescott´s other possible starters looks to be the progressive Tempsford, a winner at Carlisle earlier in the season. The totesport Cesarewitch is one of the few big handicaps to have eluded the Heath House handler.

Land N´Stars put himself in with a good chance when taking the Listed toteexacta Fenwolf Stakes at Newmarket on September 24 while other leading contenders to go forward include Sergeant Cecil, winner of both the Northumberland Plate and totesport Ebor this season, John Dunlop´s Baddam, successful on his latest start at Newmarket, Inchnadamph from the northern yard of Tim FitzGerald and Hughie Morrison´s Odiham.

Latest Totesport Prices For The Cesarewitch: Totesport Cesarewitch 2 Mile 2 Furlongs (Handicap), Newmarket, Saturday, October 15

13/2 Afrad, 7 Elusive Dream, 8 Land´ N Stars, 10 Baddam, 10 Odiham, 10 Sergeant Cecil, 14 Tempsford, 16 Inchnadamph, 16 Hippodrome, 16 King Revo, 16 Lets Roll, 20 Cordial, 20 Corrib Eclipse, 20 Cover Up, 20 Escayola, 20 Swift Sailor, 20 Tungsten Strike, 25 Bronwen, 25 Bulwark, 25 Cold Turkey, 25 Fortune Island, 25 High Action, 25 Highland Games, 25 Mirjan, 25 Mr Ed, 25 Nation State, 25 Saint Alebe, 25 Sweet Indulgence, 25 Unleash, 33 Big Moment, 33 Cruise Director, 33 Distant Prospect, 33 Dr Sharp, 33 Football Crazy, 33 Genghis, 33 High Point, 33 Inchpast, 33 Penny Pictures, 33 Quedex, 33 Quizzene, 33 Regal Setting, 33 Stoop To Conquer, 33 Ten Carat, 33 True Lover, 33 Vinando, 40 Calamintha, 40 Historic Place, 40 Serbelloni, 40 The Last Cast, 40 Total Turtle, 40 Patrixprial, 50 Always Waining, 50 Establishment, 50 Malarkey, 50 Master Wells, 50 Saltango, 50 Theatre, 66 Mostarsil, 66 Our Monogram, 66 Vicars Destiny, 100 Considine, 100 Domenico, 100 Salut Saint Cloud, 100 Treason Trail, 150 Kaluana Court, 250 Madiba

Each-Way 1/4 The Odds A Place 1-2-3-4-5

Special Bet - 3/1 Sir Mark Prescott To Train The Winner Of Cesarewitch

Damian Walker, spokesman for totesport, said: 'Most of the big names have stood their ground, including our two worst ante-post losers - Afrad and Odiham.

'Nicky Henderson has a terrific record and Afrad must have a great chance, while Odiham´s trainer Hughie Morrison appears to be returning to form.'

42 Entries For Vc Bet Challenge Stakes

A star-studded entry of 42 has been received for the #90,000 Group Two VC Bet Challenge Stakes, run over seven furlongs at Newmarket on Champions´ Day, Saturday, October 15.

Dubawi, who was possibly unlucky when second to Starcraft in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Newmarket on September 24, heads the list of possibles for Godolphin, whose other entries are Ancient World, Blatant, With Reason, Council Member, Crimson Sun, Great Britain and Firebreak, successful in this race 12 months ago.

Aidan O´Brien has entered a strong contingent from his Ballydoyle base, including last year´s Shadwell Stud Middle Park Stakes victor Ad Valorem. Other leading entries from Ireland include David Wachman´s Indesatchel, who ran below par when only beating one home in the six-furlong Group Three Ballygallon Stud Renaissance Stakes at the Curragh on September 17, but earlier this season found only Shamardal too good in the French 2000 Guineas at Longchamp while John Oxx could run Caradak, successful on his last three starts.

Sir Michael Stoute could make the short journey from Freemason Lodge to the course with his strongest contenders appearing to be Chic and Peeress, both owned by Cheveley Park Stud. Chic ran a great race to be second behind Attraction in the Group One Matron Stakes at Leopardstown last time, having won her second Group Two Celebration Mile at Goodwood in August while Peeress landed the Group Two Windsor Forest Stakes at Royal Ascot at York back in June. Stoute has also entered Arakan, successful in Group Three company at Goodwood on September 27.

Another Newmarket trainer, Jeremy Noseda, has entered his progressive sprinter Soldier´s Tale, who was fourth in the Darley July Cup behind Pastoral Pursuits. The horse was a winner over seven furlongs as a two year old. Another Royal Ascot at York winner, Iffraaj, comes from yard of Michael Jarvis. Iffraaj landed the Wokingham Handicap at Royal Ascot at York before putting up a disappointing effort in the Darley July Cup. A return to form last time saw him beat Sleeping Indian at Doncaster in the seven-furlong GNER Park Stakes and Jarvis now believes that this may be the horse´s best distance.

Other leading contenders include Sunday´s Group Two totepool Diadem Stakes victor Baron´s Pit, front-running Brunel, triple Group One scorer Somnus, while there would surely be no popular winner on the Rowley Mile this autumn than Henry Cecil´s Camacho, whose best effort came when second to Proclamation in the Group Three Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot at York.