Wednesday, March 10, 2004

140 GO FORWARD FOR VODAFONE DERBY GLORY

This year's Vodafone Derby, run at Epsom Downs on Saturday, June 5, will again be easily the richest race run in Europe with £1.25 million in guaranteed prize money and the entries include 39 from Ireland, 16 currently with Godolphin in the United Arab Emirates, seven from France, three trained in Germany and one from Michael Dickinson's stable in the USA.

Dickinson's representative is Master William, winner of a $250,000 event at Woodbine in October, and a decision on whether he will be aimed at the Vodafone Derby will be taken in around four weeks' time. Dickinson made his name in Britain as a ground-breaking National Hunt trainer, saddling the first five home in the 1983 Cheltenham Gold Cup, and has had one previous runner in the Vodafone Derby, Wolf Prince who finished eighth in 1993 when travelling over from the US.

No trainer is better represented in the premier classic than Aidan O'Brien, who saddled Galileo and High Chaparral to success in 2001 and 2002 respectively and has 25 entered in 2004 including Yeats, facile winner of his only start in a Curragh maiden in September.

One Cool Cat, a dual Group 1 winner as a two-year-old, three-time winner Anchor, Go For Gold, Magritte, Mikado and Wolfe Tone are other O'Brien entries with notable winning juvenile form.

The Maktoum family's ground-breaking Godolphin stable has 16 Vodafone Derby entries including Snow Ridge, winner of the Royal Lodge Stakes at Ascot for trainer Marcus Tregoning last year, and Matloob, a dual winner in 2003 for Michael Jarvis.

The unbeaten Grey Swallow, trained by Dermot Weld, and Azamour, representing John Oxx, successful in 2000 with Sinndar, add further strength to the Irish challenge.

American Post, winner of the Group 1s Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere and Racing Post Trophy, and Bago, whose unbeaten run of four juvenile successes culminated in the Group 1 Criterium International at Saint-Cloud, head the strongest French challenge in recent years.

Sir Michael Stoute, successful in 2003 with Kris Kin, has 14 entries including dual winner Imperial Stride, owned like last year's hero by Saeed Suhail, as well as the Queen's Magnetic Pole, who caught the eye when third on a Leicester maiden on his only start in October.

Local interest is provided by Settlement Craic and The Way We Were, trained by Terry Mills in Epsom, and Swainson, based at Philip Mitchell's yard just a few hundred yards from the racecourse.

Stephen Wallis, Managing Director at Epsom Downs Racecourse, said: "The Vodafone Derby represents the ultimate test for the thoroughbred and it's great to see a strong domestic entry joined by contenders from Ireland, France, Germany and the United States all dreaming of victory at Epsom Downs on the first Saturday in June."

There is an £8,000 second entry stage for horses not put into the Vodafone Derby as yearlings on April 7.

SIX OF THE BEST

AMERICAN POST (GB)
3 br c Bering - Wells Fargo (Sadler's Wells (USA))
Form: 2111- Owner: Khalid Abdulla Trainer: Criquette Head-Maarek FR
British-bred American Post was beaten a short-head by Ximb on his debut in an event for unraced colts and geldings at Deauville in July, but benefited from the experience when justifying favouritism next time in a seven-furlong contest at Longchamp in September, when pushed out to beat Dealer Choice by two lengths. Troublesome before the start of his next contest when upped in class for the Group 1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (Grand Criterium) at the same course the following month, he made no mistake in the race when easily beating Charming Prince by four lengths. He won a second Group 1 on his last start, landing the odds in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster by one and three-quarter lengths from Fantastic View on October 25.

BAGO (FR)
3 b/br c Nashwan (USA) - Moonlight's Box (USA) (Nureyev (USA))
Form: 1111- Owner: Niarchos Family Trainer: Jonathan Pease FR
Jonathan Pease trained Act One to finish runner-up in the 2002 French Derby to Sulamani so it could be significant that he considers Bago to be a better two-year-old on the strength of four victories last season. After winning a couple of small events at Deauville and Longchamp, the Nashwan colt was stepped up in class to win the Group 3 Prix Des Chenes at the latter venue in September, running on well to deny Valixir by a length and a half. He then proved himself a top-class colt by winning the Group 1 Criterium International at Saint-Cloud on the first day of November, easily beating Top Seed by six lengths.

GREY SWALLOW (IRE)
3 gr c Daylami (IRE) - Style Of Life (USA) (The Minstrel (CAN))
Form: 11- Owner: Rochelle Quinn Trainer: Dermot Weld IRE
No horse has yet managed to get within eight lengths of Grey Swallow in two starts and when globetrotting Irish handler Dermot Weld describes him as a class act', one knows that this is a very serious racehorse indeed. The son of Daylami won a Galway maiden by 10 lengths from Rock Of Cashel on his racecourse bow in July. Just under three months later, he put in another exhibition in the Group 3 Killavullan Stakes at Leopardstown, where his nearest pursuer Newton crossed the line eight lengths adrift. After this victory Weld speculated that Grey Swallow could have won the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket, but he didn't want to risk jarring him up on fast ground.

SALFORD CITY (IRE)
3 b c Desert Sun - Summer Fashion (Moorestyle)
Form: 1- Owner: Michael Tabor Trainer: David Elsworth
One of the less-exposed Vodafone Derby contenders, Salford City could be anything, having won his only start in a maiden at Newbury in October by seven lengths from Mountain Meadow. Owner Michael Tabor, who has won two of the last three runnings of the Vodafone Derby in partnership with Sue Magnier via Galileo and High Chaparral, certainly thinks the horse has Epsom potential as he was bought privately from previous owner Tony Thompson earlier in the year.

SNOW RIDGE (IRE)
3 b c Indian Ridge - Snow Princess (IRE) (Ela-Mana-Mou)
Form: 119- Owner: Godolphin Trainer: Saeed bin Suroor UAE
Snow Ridge was trained by Marcus Tregoning last season, but has subsequently joined Godolphin after a successful juvenile campaign. The Indian Ridge colt ran out an impressive winner on his racecourse bow in a conditions event at Kempton on September 6, when beating Iqte Saab by three and a half lengths. He remained unbeaten next time in the Group 2 Hackney Empire Royal Lodge Stakes at Ascot three weeks later, readily disposing of Moscow Ballet by three-quarters of a length. He was then beaten on his last start when upped in class to the highest level, finding Milk It Mick four lengths too powerful in the Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket on October 18.

YEATS (IRE)
3 b c Sadler's Wells (USA) - Lyndonville (IRE) (Top Ville)
Form: 1- Owner: Sue Magnier Trainer: Aidan O'Brien IRE
Yeats has only raced once so far but he could not have been more impressive when easily winning a mile maiden at the Curragh in September by four lengths from Haratila. Trainer Aidan O'Brien could not hide his admiration for his charge saying: "This colt is a beauty. It was always going to be the same as Galileo [2001 Vodafone Derby winner] with this fellow - one run and then put him away until next season. We'll go the Galileo route with him next season, starting off in the Ballysax and then taking in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial". The extra half mile of the Vodafone Derby should be right up his street as he is by Sadler's Wells out of Lyndonville, who was successful over 1m 6f as a three-year-old.

THE 2004 VODAFONE DERBY

Class A, Group One, Showcase Race, Epsom Downs, Total Prize Fund £1,250,000 4.00pm, Saturday, June 5, 2004, one mile, four furlongs and about ten yards. Weights: colts 9st; fillies 8st 9lb, closed December 4, 2002 (588 entries), first forfeit stage March 2, 2004 (140 entries remain), £8,000 second entry stage April 7, 2004, second forfeit stage May 19, 2004, £75,000 supplementary entry stage May 31, 2004, five-day confirmation stage noon, May 31, 2004, final declaration stage 10am June 3, 2004. (Form figures from Weatherbys correct up to March 9, 2004 and may not include some overseas form).

Form Horse Owner Trainer
00(4)-(1) ABSOLUTELYTHEBEST (IRE) Saeed Suhail Ed Dunlop
ACE (IRE) Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor, Mrs Harry McCalmont Aidan O'Brien IRE
0163- ACROPOLIS (IRE) Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
AKAREM Hamdan Al Maktoum Kevin Prendergast IRE
16- ALMURAAD (IRE) Hamdan Al Maktoum Sir Michael Stoute
1- ALWAYS FIRST Saeed Suhail Sir Michael Stoute
2111- AMERICAN POST Khalid Abdulla Criquette Head-Maarek FR
2111- ANCHOR Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
6- ANDEAN Sheikh Mohammed David Loder
110- ANTONIUS PIUS (USA) Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
36- ARCH REBEL (USA) Pat Garvey Noel Meade IRE
14- ART TRADER (USA) Matthew Green Amanda Perrett
ASAEEIF Mette Campbell-Andenaes Marcus Tregoning
11- AZAMOUR (IRE) H H Aga Khan John Oxx IRE
111- BAGO (FR) Niarchos Family Johnathan Pease FR
102- BAYEUX (USA) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
50- BELISCO (USA) Michael Watt Amanda Perrett
BIRKSPIEL (GER) Dr Frank Feldmann Andreas Wohler GER
011- BLUE MONDAY Mountgrange Stud Roger Charlton
BOOK OF KINGS (USA) Sue Magnier & Robert Sangster Aidan O'Brien IRE
24- BUCKEYE WONDER (USA) John Phillips Michael Jarvis
BUENA VISTA (IRE) Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor Aidan O'Brien IRE
CAIRDEAS (IRE) Irish National Stud Company Limited Dermot Weld IRE
0(1)(0)- CALEDONIAN (IRE) The Caledonian Racing Society David Elsworth
232- CAPPED FOR VICTORY (USA) Maktoum Al Maktoum Sir Michael Stoute
CHARMED BY FIRE (USA) Hesmonds Stud Amanda Perrett
31- COBRA (IRE) Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor Aidan O'Brien IRE
2- COMING AGAIN (IRE) Abdulla BuHaleeba Barry Hills
COPPICE (IRE) Lord Vestey Luca Cumani
00- CROCIERA (IRE) Roalco Limited Mark Tompkins
DABIROUN (IRE) H H Aga Khan John Oxx IRE
DALAYAN (IRE) H H Aga Khan Alain de Royer Dupre FR
22- DESTINATION DUBAI (USA) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
DUBAI ACE (USA) Maktoum Al Maktoum Jim Bolger IRE
25- DUBOIS Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
310- DUKE OF VENICE (USA) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
EBAZIYAN (IRE) H H Aga Khan John Oxx IRE
ECOMIUM (IRE) Fieldspring Racing Jeremy Noseda
61- EDEN ROCK (IRE) The Celle Syndicate Incorporated Sir Michael Stoute
ELMUSTANSER Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
114- ELSHADI (IRE) Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum Marcus Tregoning
EMIRATES FLYER (IRE) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
14- FIVE DYNASTIES (USA) Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor Aidan O'Brien IRE
2- FLAMBOYANT LAD Maktoum Al Maktoum Barry Hills
GENTLE TIGER (GER) Baron Georg von Ullmann Peter Schiergen GER
GIFT VOUCHER (IRE) Exors of the late Lord Weinstock Sir Michael Stoute
5- GIRONDE The Celle Syndicate Incorporated Sir Michael Stoute
1- GO FOR GOLD (IRE) Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
631- GOLDEN GRACE Saeed Suhail Ed Dunlop
1325- GRAND REWARD (USA) Sue Magnier & Beverley Lewis Aidan O'Brien IRE
32- GREAT EXHIBITION (USA) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
11- GREY SWALLOW (IRE) Rochelle Quinn and Gita Weld Dermot Weld IRE
HAADEF Hamdan Al Maktoum John Gosden
1133- HAAFHD Hamdan Al Maktoum Barry Hills
HANAZAKARI G B Partnership James Toller
24- HILLS SPITFIRE (IRE) Hills Garages (Woodford) Ltd Peter Harris
116- IMPERIAL STRIDE Saeed Suhail Sir Michael Stoute
INTO THE DARK Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
14- ISIDORE BONHEUR (IRE) Bill Gredley & Matthew Green Barry Hills
213- KING HESPERUS (USA) Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
42- KING OF DREAMS (IRE) Saeed Buhaleeba Mark Johnston
41- KINGSWORD (USA) Saeed Suhail Sir Michael Stoute
KYATIKYO Niarchos Family Pascal Bary FR
1204- LEICESTER SQUARE (IRE) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
12- LET THE LION ROAR Neil Jones John Dunlop
510- LORD ADMIRAL (USA) Dr Vincent O'Brien Charles O'Brien IRE
63(1)- LORD MAYOR John Greetham Sir Michael Stoute
41111- LUCKY STORY (USA) Abdulla BuHaleeba Mark Johnston
302- MAALOOF Hamdan Al Maktoum John Dunlop
3- MAGNETIC POLE The Queen Sir Michael Stoute
13- MAGRITTE (IRE) Sue Magnier & Mrs David Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
MAIDSTONE MIDAS (IRE) Fergus Wilson Stuart Kittow
3- MARAAKEB (FR) Hamdan Al Maktoum John Gosden
MARBUSH (IRE) Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum Michael Jarvis
MASSIF CENTRALE Raymond Tooth David Elsworth
410-4 MASTER WILLIAM (CAN) Kenneth & Sarah Ramsey Michael Dickinson USA
113- MATLOOB Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
31- MEATH (IRE) Mrs David Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
4- MENEEF (USA) Hamdan Al Maktoum Marcus Tregoning
211- MIKADO Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor Aidan O'Brien IRE
1- MILLEMIX (FR) Alec Head Criquette Head-Maarek FR
31- MISTER MONET (IRE) Syndicate 2002 Mark Johnston
MONASER (IRE) Hamdan Al Maktoum Dermot Weld IRE
MONCRIEFF (IRE) Highclere Thoroughbred Racing Ltd Eddie Lynam IRE
125- MOSCOW BALLET (IRE) Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
MOTORWAY (IRE) Mountgrange Stud Roger Charlton
031- MUHAYMIN (USA) Hamdan Al Maktoum John Dunlop
MULLINS BAY Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor Aidan O'Brien IRE
14212- MUTAHAYYA (IRE) Hamdan Al Maktoum John Dunlop
01- MUTAWASSEL (USA) Hamdan Al Maktoum Barry Hills
254353- NAADDEY Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum Mick Channon
NAPOLEON (IRE) Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
0- NATIVE TURK (USA) Y Gelgin James Toller
NEWS SKY (USA) Mohamed Obaida Barry Hills
NINCSEN (HUN) Dr I Miklosics Trainer Unknown
21- NORTH LIGHT (IRE) Exors of the late Lord Weinstock Sir Michael Stoute
22- NOTABLE GUEST (USA) Khalid Abdulla Sir Michael Stoute
1- OMAN GULF (USA) Mohamed Obaida Barry Hills
41111- ONE COOL CAT (USA) Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor Aidan O'Brien IRE
2- OVATION (IRE) Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
230- OVER THE RAINBOW (IRE) Harrison, Jamieson, Parker, Snowden Barry Hills
PARLIAMENT SQUARE (IRE) Sheikh Mohammed David Loder
00- PATRIXTOO (FR) Pat Betts Mark Tompkins
211131- PEARL OF LOVE (IRE) Mick Doyle Mark Johnston
PEER GYNT (USA) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
32- PERCUSSIONIST (IRE) Robert Sangster John Gosden

04(3)(1)- PUKKA (IRE) Fittocks Stud Luca Cumani
RETURN IN STYLE (IRE) George Tong Jean de Roualle FR
41- RINJANI (USA) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
(4)- RIVER GYPSY Jeff Smith David Elsworth
01- ROEHAMPTON The Celle Syndicate Incorporated Sir Michael Stoute
3113- RULE OF LAW (USA) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
1016- SABBEEH (USA) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
1- SALFORD CITY (IRE) Michael Tabor David Elsworth
2- SETTLEMENT CRAIC (IRE) Buxted Partnership Terry Mills
SHAABAN (IRE) Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum Mick Channon
SHEIKHMAN (IRE) Saeed Suhail Sir Michael Stoute
SHIROCCO (GER) Baron Georg von Ullmann Andreas Schutz GER
SILVER SILENCE (JPN) Maktoum Al Maktoum Jim Bolger IRE
(3)(1)-(2)(1)(1) SKIDMARK Raymond Tooth David Elsworth
110- SNOW RIDGE (IRE) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
04- SOARINGWITHEAGLES (USA) Kenneth & Sarah Ramsey Dermot Weld IRE
(4) STAGE RIGHT Jeff Smith David Elsworth
STRIKE Lord Hartington John Gosden
2- SUSSEX Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
(3) SWAINSON (USA) Richard Cohen Philip Mitchell
513- TEMPLE PLACE (IRE) M B Hawtin Michael Bell
3123- THE MIGHTY TIGER (USA) Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
3(1)- THE WAY WE WERE Terry Mills Terry Mills
TRIGGERS DOUBLE No Fools Only Horses Partnership Kevin Bell
135- TROUBADOUR (IRE) Robert Sangster & Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
TUMBAGA (USA) Khalid Abdulla Roger Charlton
6212(6)- TUMBLEBRUTUS (USA) Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor Aidan O'Brien IRE
(5)(3)- TURN 'N BURN Mrs Charles Cyzer Charles Cyzer
3215- TYCOON Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
5- VINANDO Evelyn Hankinson Charles Egerton
0- VINTAGE FIZZ (IRE) Mrs P Duffin Paddy Mullins IRE
1- WOLFE TONE (IRE) Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
1- YEATS (IRE) Sue Magnier & Diane Nagle Aidan O'Brien IRE
ZAIYAD (IRE) H H Aga Khan Alain de Royer Dupre FR

140 entries remain after March 2 forfeit stage
39 Irish-trained
16 UAE-trained
7 French-trained
3 German-trained
1 USA-trained
1 trainer unknown

BREAKDOWN OF ENTRIES BY TRAINER WITH PAST SUCCESSES IN THE VODAFONE DERBY

25 Entries
Aidan O'Brien IRE
(2001 Galileo, 2002 High Chaparral)

16 Entries
Saeed bin Suroor UAE
(1995 Lammtarra)

14 Entries
Sir Michael Stoute
(1981 Shergar, 1986 Shahrastani, 2003 Kris Kin)

8 Entries
Barry Hills

6 Entries
David Elsworth

4 Entries
John Dunlop
(1978 Shirley Heights, 1994 Erhaab)
John Gosden
(1997 Benny The Dip)
Mark Johnston
Dermot Weld IRE

3 Entries
Roger Charlton
(1990 Quest For Fame)
John Oxx IRE
(2000 Sinndar)
Amanda Perrett
Marcus Tregoning

2 Entries
Jim Bolger IRE
Mick Channon
Luca Cumani
(1988 Kahyasi, 1998 High-Rise)
Ed Dunlop
Alain de Royer Dupre FR
Criquette Head-Maarek FR
Michael Jarvis
David Loder
Terry Mills
James Toller
Mark Tompkins

1 Entry
Pascal Bary FR
Kevin Bell
Michael Bell
Charles Cyzer
Michael Dickinson USA
Charles Egerton
Peter Harris
Stuart Kittow
Eddie Lynam IRE
Noel Meade IRE
Philip Mitchell
Paddy Mullins IRE
Jeremy Noseda
Charles O'Brien IRE
Jonathan Pease FR
Kevin Prendergast IRE
Jean de Roualle FR
Peter Schiergen GER
Andreas Schultz GER
Andreas Wohler GER
Trainer Unknown

SUNDROP HEADS 89 VODAFONE OAKS ENTRIES

Godolphin has won the Vodafone Oaks on three occasions with Balanchine in 1994, Moonshell the following season and Kazzia in 2002. The Maktoum family's stable has nine entries bidding to add to that record including Sundrop, who followed a maiden win at Lingfield in September with an excellent second to Red Bloom in the Group 1 Meon Valley Stud Fillies' Mile at Ascot later that month. The Godolphin entry is completed by the Fillies' Mile third Punctilious, Al Sifaat, Dawn Surprise, Dunloskin, Opera Comique, Possession, Tizdubai and Zosima.

Red Bloom, winner of two of her three races last season, is one of five entries for Sir Michael Stoute, who has trained the winner of the Vodafone Oaks twice (Fair Salinia in 1978 and Unite in 1987) and the others are the unbeaten Top Romance, who won a Newmarket Listed race after opening her account at Yarmouth, Liberty, Poise and Quiff.

Aidan O'Brien, who was victorious in the Vodafone Oaks with Shahtoush in 1998 and Imagine three seasons ago, has 13 representatives including Necklace, who justified favouritism in last season's Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes on August 31 when taking the lead 100 yards out to deny Red Feather by a length.

Other Ballydoyle hopefuls include All Too Beautiful, an unraced full-sister to 2001 Vodafone Derby hero Galileo, Baraka, who was sent off odds-on favourite on her only start in a fillies' event at the Curragh in September when ninth to the John Oxx-trained Treasure The Lady, and Because, an unraced sister to Quarter Moon and Yesterday, who have finished second in the last two runnings of the Vodafone Oaks. Agenda, Bywayofthestars, Follow, Kisses For Me, Last Love, Mi Amore, Oh So Precious, Queen, Royal Tigress and Tu Eres complete O'Brien's powerful squad.

The John Dunlop-trained Hathrah was impressive when winning a Newmarket maiden by eight lengths from Desert Daisy in early August. She then finished runner-up to Kinnaird in the Betdaq May Hill Stakes at Doncaster the following month and filled the same position behind Secret Charm in a Listed event at Newbury in October. Bred to appreciate middle distances, it would not be surprising to see Hathrah turn around the form this term.

Well Known, trained by Roger Charlton, was heavily backed when a length runner-up to the well-touted Park Accord in a Kempton fillies' conditions event on her only start in September. Another to have only seen a racecourse once is the Michael Jarvis-trained New Morning. A full-sister to Islington, last year's Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf heroine, she could only manage fourth in a maiden fillies' event at Ayr in October. However, her handler was unperturbed, pointing out that none of the family won as two-year-olds.

The international flavour of this classic is enhanced by the presence of six French-trained entries - Australie, Bradamante, Cattiva Generosa, all with Richard Gibson, the Criquette Head-Maarek-trained Esneh, the Alain De Royer Dupre-trained Khalilia and Group 3 scorer Green Swallow, trained by Phillipe Demercastel.

THE VODAFONE OAKS

Group One, Class A, Showcase Race, Epsom Downs, Friday, June 4, 2004, one mile, four furlongs and about ten yards, total prize fund £350,000, for three-year-old fillies only. Weights: 9st. Entries closed Wednesday, March 3, 2004 (89 entries). Forfeit stage Thursday, May 20, 2004, £20,000 supplementary entry stage Saturday, May 29, 2004. Five-day confirmation stage Saturday, May 29, 2004. 48-hour declaration stage 10.00am Wednesday, June 2, 2004. (Form figures from Weatherbys correct up to Friday, March 12, 2004 and may not include some overseas form).

Form Horse Owner Trainer AGENDA (IRE) Takashi Watanabe Aidan O'Brien IRE
21- AL SIFAAT Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
42161- ALEXANDER DUCHESS (IRE) Miriam O'Callaghan James Burns IRE
301221- ALEXANDER GOLDRUN (IRE) Miriam O'Callaghan Jim Bolger IRE
ALL TOO BEAUTIFUL (IRE) Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
ANNA PALLIDA Aboobaker, Harris & Taylor Peter Harris
ARICIA (IRE) George Strawbridge John Gosden
AUSTRALIE (IRE) Ecurie Jean-Louis Bouchard Richard Gibson FR
0- BARAKA (IRE) Diane Nagle & Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
BECAUSE (IRE) Roisin Henry & Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
0- BOWSTRING (IRE) Robert Sangster & Sue Magnier John Gosden
BRADAMANTE Anthony Oppenheimer Richard Gibson FR
2- BRINDISI Mark Dixon Barry Hills
BYWAYOFTHESTARS Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor Aidan O'Brien IRE
5- CATTIVA GENEROSA Haras de Saint Pair du Mont Richard Gibson FR
(1)(2) CHASING THE DREAM (IRE) Mrs L R Lovell Andrew Balding
32- CHERUBIM (JPN) Sheikh Mohammed David Loder
0- CRYSTAL (IRE) Fergus Wilson Brian Meehan
21- CRYSTAL CURLING (IRE) Urs E Schwarzenbach Barry Hills
3- DAWN SURPRISE (USA) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
01- DERAASAAT Hamdan Al Maktoum Ed Dunlop
(1)0- DONNA VITA Five Horses Ltd Gerard Butler
4- DREAM SCENE (IRE) Sue Magnier & Robert Sangster John Gosden
235- DUNLOSKIN Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
ESNEH (IRE) Wertheimer et Frere Criquette Head-Maarek FR
2210- FOLLOW (USA) Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
GENUINE CHARM (IRE) Moyglare Stud Farms Ltd Dermot Weld IRE
4- GRABLE (IRE) Diane Nagle David Wachman IRE
314- GREEN SWALLOW (FR) Newsells Park Stud Phillipe Demercastel FR
311- HALICARDIA Persistent Partners Peter Harris
4122- HATHRAH (IRE) Hamdan Al Maktoum John Dunlop
HIGH SCHOOL Sheikh Mohammed David Loder
6(1)- INCHENI (IRE) Emily Oppenheimer Turner Geoff Wragg
JOJEEMA Newgate Stud Jeremy Noseda
03- KARAMEA (SWI) Mrs Sybille Egloff John Dunlop
KASTORIA (IRE) H H Aga Khan John Oxx IRE
121334- KELUCIA (IRE) B Scanlon & Frank Brady Jim Goldie
KEY IN E D Kessly and Mrs A Jenkins Barry Hills
KHALILIA (FR) H H Aga Khan Alain de Royer Dupre FR
115111- KINNAIRD (IRE) Mrs R J Jacobs Patrick Haslam
1- KISSES FOR ME (IRE) Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor Aidan O'Brien IRE
LAST LOVE (IRE) Sue Magnier & Robert Sangster Aidan O'Brien IRE
LAUGH 'N CRY Annie Cyzer Charles Cyzer
21- LIBERTY Cheveley Park Stud Sir Michael Stoute
LIGHT OF MORN Matthews Breeding and Racing Rae Guest
2- LISIEUX ORCHID (IRE) Moyglare Stud Farms Ltd Dermot Weld IRE
2- MAID TO TREASURE (IRE) Normandie Stud Ltd John Dunlop
44434-(2) MENHOUBAH (USA) Saeed Manana Clive Brittain
31- MISS LANGKAWI John Pearce Geoff Wragg
3142- MISTY HEIGHTS Lady O'Reilly Dermot Weld IRE
13- NATALIYA Kirsten Rausing John Dunlop
2110- NECKLACE Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
4- NEW MORNING (IRE) Nicholas Springer Michael Jarvis
0- NORTH SEA (IRE) Jaber Abdullah Mick Channon
2- NUZOOA (USA) Hamdan Al Maktoum Marcus Tregoning
530005- OH SO PRECIOUS (IRE) Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor Aidan O'Brien IRE
13- OPERA COMIQUE (FR) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
313- OUIJA BOARD Lord Derby Ed Dunlop
2- POISE (IRE) Cheveley Park Stud Sir Michael Stoute
POSSESSION (USA) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
1- PROUD TRADITION (USA) Sue Magnier & Robert Sangster John Gosden
113- PUNCTILIOUS Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
120- QASIRAH (IRE) Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum Michael Jarvis
QUEEN (IRE) Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor Aidan O'Brien IRE
(1) QUICKSTYX John Breslin Mick Channon
5- QUIFF Khalid Abdulla Sir Michael Stoute
61- RAVE REVIEWS (IRE) Prince A A Faisal John Dunlop
311- RED BLOOM Cheveley Park Stud Sir Michael Stoute
2- ROYAL TIGRESS (USA) Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor Aidan O'Brien IRE
61- SAHOOL Hamdan Al Maktoum Marcus Tregoning
SCRIBONIA (IRE) Jackie Bolger Jim Bolger IRE
1- SI SI AMIGA (IRE) Dick Bonnycastle Barry Hills
2211- SILK FAN (IRE) Harris, Clark, Swinburn & Harris Peter Harris
SPARKLE OF STONES (FR) Niarchos Family Henry Cecil
2- ST FRANCIS WOOD (USA) Sanford R Robertson Jeremy Noseda
STAGE LEFT Khalid Abdulla Henry Cecil
(1)2- SUNDROP (JPN) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
2215-(5)(2) TAMARILLO H E Sheikh Rashid Bin Mohammed Mazin Al Kurdi UAE
TARFAH (USA) Abdulla Al Khalifa Gerard Butler
(1)- TIZDUBAI (USA) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
11- TOP ROMANCE (IRE) Denis Haynes Sir Michael Stoute
13- TREASURE THE LADY (IRE) Anne Coughlan John Oxx IRE
1- TREE CHOPPER (USA) Warren Rosenthal Marcus Tregoning
504- TU ERES MI AMORE (IRE) Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
161- UNAVAILABLE (IRE) East Wind Racing Ltd Mikael Magnusson
2- WELL KNOWN Khalid Abdulla Roger Charlton
WHIRLY BIRD Woodcote Stud Ltd Gerard Butler
4- ZAQRAH (USA) Hamdan Al Maktoum John Dunlop
(1)(5)- ZOSIMA (USA) Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE

89 entries
22 Irish-trained entries
10 UAE-trained entries
6 French-trained entries

Breakdown Of Vodafone Oaks Entries By Trainer And Past Successes

13 Entries
Aidan O'Brien IRE (1998 Shahtoush, 2001 Imagine)

9 Entries
Saeed bin Suroor UAE (1995 Moonshell, 2002 Kazzia)

6 Entries
John Dunlop (1984 Circus Plume, 1990 Salsabil)

5 Entries
Sir Michael Stoute (1978 Fair Salinia, 1987 Unite)

4 Entries
John Gosden
Barry Hills

3 Entries
Gerard Butler
Richard Gibson FR
Peter Harris
Marcus Tregoning
Dermot Weld IRE (1981 Blue Wind)

2 Entries
Jim Bolger IRE (1991 Jet Ski Lady)
Henry Cecil (1985 Oh So Sharp, 1988 Diminuendo, 1989 Snow Bride, 1996 Lady Carla, 1997 Reams Of Verse, 1999 Ramruma, 2000 Love Divine)
Mick Channon
Ed Dunlop
Michael Jarvis
David Loder
Jeremy Noseda
John Oxx IRE
Geoff Wragg

1 Entry
Mazin Al Kurdi UAE
Andrew Balding (2003 Casual Look)
Clive Brittain (1992 User Friendly)
James Burns IRE
Roger Charlton
Charles Cyzer
Phillipe Demercastel FR
Alain De Royer Dupre FR
Rae Guest
Jim Goldie
Patrick Haslam
Criquette Head-Maarek FR
Mikael Magnusson
Brian Meehan
David Wachman IRE

109 REMAIN IN THE FREEPHONE STANLEYBET LINCOLN

The maximum number of runners for the £100,000 handicap on Doncaster's straight mile is 24 on Saturday, March 27, and luckily there is a consolation race the day before - the Freephone Stanleybet Spring Mile Handicap.

The ante-post market for the big race is currently jointly headed by the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Fremen, a lightly-raced colt owned by the Niarchos family who was impressive in winning two races at Windsor and Ripon last season. The son of Rahy is rated a 12/1 chance with the sponsors, along with Marcus Tregoning's Alkaadhem, another lightly-raced type who won two of his three starts in 2003. Alkaadhem was last seen out when taking a classified stakes at the Glorious Goodwood meeting in July, 2003.

The 2003 Freephone Stanleybet Lincoln winner Pablo is due to bid to become only the third dual winner of the famous handicap and the first since Babur in 1957 and 1958, while Norton, third 12 months ago and winner of the Royal Hunt Cup in 2002, is also set to take part.

Other leading contenders include Chivalry, winner of the Cambridgeshire at Newmarket last season when trained by Sir Mark Prescott and now under the care of Howard Johnson after being purchased by owner Graham Wylie. Chivalry has been hurdling over the winter months, winning two of his three starts.

There could be some Doncaster clues at Wolverhampton on Saturday in the Littlewoods Bet Direct Lincoln Trial. Among the 27 entries for the contest are Freephone Stanleybet Lincoln entries Quito, who may attempt a historic big handicap double, having won the Ayr Gold Cup in September, Cornelius, representing Lincoln specialist Paul Cole, and Kevin Ryan's Cardinal Venture, a three-time winner on the all-weather at the end of last season.

Trainer Gay Kelleway should be able to decide which of her horses will run at Doncaster after Wolverhampton on Saturday as she has Lygeton Lad and Te Quiero entered in both races.

LESLEY GARRETT TO MAKE THE DRAW FOR THE FREEPHONE STANLEYBET LINCOLN

Lesley Garrett CBE, Britain's internationally-acclaimed soprano, will preside over the famous draw ceremony for the Freephone Stanleybet Lincoln.

The draw will take place at noon on Thursday, March 25, following the final declarations, in the Flying Fox Suite at the racecourse - the opening day of the three-day Lincoln meeting on Town Moor.

Lesley will pick the names of the 24 runners out of a hat at random, with each horse's representative given the opportunity to choose a starting stall position from those remaining. Pablo (owned and bred by Yorkshire businessman Guy Reed) won in 2003 from stall six - a favoured number.

Lesley hails from the Doncaster region and she will also present the prize for the fourth race on Thursday afternoon, the Lesley Garrett 'So Deep Is The Night' Stakes - a handicap for sprinters over six furlongs named after her latest album.

This is the seventh year of the draw ceremony for the Lincoln which is conducted by a sporting or showbusiness personality two days before the race. Prior to Lesley, the others have been actor Steve Huison of 'The Full Monty' fame (1998), former Leeds United manager and Republic of Ireland international footballer David O'Leary (1999), snooker ace Jimmy White (2000), Doncaster-born Manchester City manager and former England captain Kevin Keegan (2001) and actress Claire King (2002), while former Republic of Ireland footballer and racing fanatic Niall Quinn performed the honours last year.

Steven Clarke, Doncaster's Racecourse Manager, commented: "The countdown to the Freephone Stanleybet Lincoln is now hotting up and this year's contest looks to be particularly strong.

"We are delighted that Lesley Garrett has agreed to undertake the draw for the Freephone Stanleybet Lincoln."

THE FREEPHONE STANLEYBET LINCOLN

Class B, Showcase Handicap, Total Prize Fund £100,000, one mile, Doncaster, Saturday, March 27, 2004. For 4yo+. Weights: Lowest weight 7st 12lb. Highest weight not less than 9st 10lb. Any horse rated above 110 shall initially be treated as having that rating and the highest weight allotted shall be 9st 10lb. Subsequently, the excess over 110 in any rating shall be added to that horse without limitation to the highest weight to be carried. Penalties: after January 17, a winner of a Class A to C race 5lb. Entries closed Wednesday, January 7 (141 entries), weights revealed Wednesday, January 21, first confirmation stage January 27 (130 remained), second confirmation stage March 9 (109 entries remain), five-day confirmation stage March 22, final declaration stage 10.15am March 25. Horses eliminated at the 48-hour declaration stage may be nominated for the Freephone Stanleybet Spring Mile on Friday, March 26, 2004. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Tuesday, March 9, 2004. May not include some overseas form.

Form Horse Age/Wgt Owner Trainer
424415- SUGGESTIVE 6-9-10 Barbara Bassett William Haggas
00421(0)- BABODANA 4-9-08 M P Bowring Mark Tompkins
346(0)(0)-(4) LUNDY'S LANE (IRE) 4-9-08 Saeed Manana Clive Brittain
045302- DANGER OVER 7-9-06 Paul Dixon and Mountgrange Stud Jamie Osborne
31/1455- PABLO 5-9-06 Guy Reed Barry Hills
121- ALKAADHEM 4-9-01 Hamdan Al Maktoum Marcus Tregoning
013240- PENTECOST 5-9-01 J C, J R and S R Hitchins Andrew Balding
30041(0)- CORNELIUS 7-9-01 Sir George Meyrick Paul Cole
05(2)(6)(4)(5)-(1) QUITO (IRE) 7-9-01 (5lb Ex) Michael Hill David Chapman
411130- HIT'S ONLY MONEY (IRE) 4-8-13 Clive Whiting Paul Blockley
320000- NORTON (IRE) 7-8-13 Terry Mills Terry Mills
0000(3)(4)- CAMP COMMANDER (IRE) 5-8-11 Tony & Simon Richards Clive Brittain
610304- EL COTO 4-8-11 R J H Ltd & J P Hames Bryan McMahon
123126- CONVENT GIRL (IRE) 4-8-11 Axminster Carpets Ltd Nerys Dutfield
11304/1- CHIVALRY 5-8-10 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
142110- DESERT OPAL 4-8-10 Khalid Abdulla John Gosden
002500- ONLYTIME WILL TELL 6-8-10 J Hair & D Faulkner David Nicholls
600021-(0) TURBO (IRE) 5-8-09 Peter Richardson Toby Balding
221330- TOUGH LOVE 5-8-08 The Gordon Partnership Tim Easterby
100000-(4) OUR TEDDY (IRE) 4-8-08 The Beare Family Andrew Balding
402600- JAY GEE'S CHOICE 4-8-08 John Guest Mick Channon
23110- FREMEN (USA) 4-8-08 Niarchos Family Sir Michael Stoute
550200- ALMOST FAMOUS (IRE) 5-8-07 Jackie Bolger Jim Bolger IRE
620000- UNSHAKABLE (IRE) 5-8-07 Unshakable Partnership Bob Jones
540233- WING COMMANDER 5-8-07 Bee Health Ltd Richard Fahey
251132- COAT OF HONOUR (USA) 4-8-07 E B Rimmer-Osborne House Sir Mark Prescott
504300-(0) SERIEUX 5-8-07 Mrs S L Whitehead Amanda Perrett
4(1)4110- CHINKARA 4-8-07 Susan Roy Brian Meehan
500403-(0) DUMARAN (IRE) 6-8-07 Propak Sheet Metal Limited Willie Musson
01633(4)-(1)(5) BLUE SKY THINKING (IRE) 5-8-07 Triple Trio Partnership Karl Burke
014322- FLIGHTY FELLOW (IRE) 4-8-07 Mrs Peter Easterby Tim Easterby
152204- FINISHED ARTICLE (IRE) 7-8-05 The Caledonian Racing Society David Elsworth
101250- CRAIOVA (IRE) 5-8-05 Ahmed BuHaleeba Barry Hills
414004- BLUE SPINNAKER (IRE) 5-8-05 G Sparkes G Hart S Curtis & T Dewhirst Mick Easterby
520400- DARK CHARM (FR) 5-8-05 George Leatham Richard Fahey
206011- THIHN (IRE) 9-8-05 The Square Milers John Spearing
660163- IRONY (IRE) 5-8-04 John Nicholls Ltd/Mobley Homes Andrew Balding
01005(0)- DIAMOND MAX (IRE) 6-8-04 Diamond Racing Ltd David Evans
(3)11400-(0) MYSTIC MAN (FR) 6-8-04 R J H Limited Kevin Ryan
30153(4)- MARSHMAN (IRE) 5-8-04 John Ellis Mark Tompkins
500420- JABAAR (USA) 6-8-04 P Lake & S Hull David Nicholls
132412- ARCALIS 4-8-03 R C Thompson Lynda Ramsden
221623-(1)(0)2 SWIFT TANGO (IRE) 4-8-03 Khalifa Sultan Ed Dunlop
00/4220- DANELOR (IRE) 6-8-02 Mark Leatham Richard Fahey
105053- DUNASKIN (IRE) 4-8-02 Mrs I Battla Don Eddy
200(1)(1)(1)- CARDINAL VENTURE (IRE) 6-8-02 Tony Fawcett Kevin Ryan
006141- SPANISH DON 6-8-01 Richard Cohen David Elsworth
446305- WINNING VENTURE 7-8-01 A Bloom David Nicholls
2/(1)(2)015-(4) ARRY DASH 4-8-01 Mike & Denise Dawes Mick Channon
5/50005- GO TECH 4-8-00 Ryedale Partners No 4 Tim Easterby
63543(0)-(0)(0)(4) AVENTURA (IRE) 4-8-00 APB Racing Mark Polglase
023000- EVEREST (IRE) 7-8-00 I S Sandhu and Partners Brian Ellison
025362- ACE OF HEARTS 5-7-13 Lady Stuttaford & W G Bovill Chris Wall
5000(0)(0)- SAHAAT 6-7-13 Paul Dixon Jamie Osborne
622(4)(2)(6)- ALRAFID (IRE) 5-7-13 Gillespie Brothers Gary Moore
101- ANGLO SAXON (USA) 4-7-13 Sheikh Mohammed David Loder
111150- UNICORN REWARD (IRE) 4-7-13 Mrs A Kane & Mrs M Crane Micky Hammond
0(0)(0)(2)(1)-(0)(2) LINNING WINE (IRE) 8-7-12 Favourites Racing Brendan Powell
(0)(6)(1)-(3)(0)(5) LABRETT 7-7-12 Tony Griffin Gay Kelleway
0(3)(3)(1)(3)5- CHEESE 'N BISCUITS 4-7-11 D T L Limited Gary Moore
501030- SAWWAAH (IRE) 7-7-11 Fayzad Thoroughbred Limited David Nicholls
033430-(1) UHOOMAGOO 6-7-11 Platinum Racing Club Limited Kevin Ryan
(1)(0)(0)(3)1(5)- ST PETERSBURG 4-7-11 P Heath Mark Tompkins
050105- ATLANTIC ACE 7-7-11 Richard Page Bryan Smart
33(5)(1)(1)(0)- STRONG HAND 4-7-11 Jean Turpin Mick Easterby
054040-(0) KRUGERRAND (USA) 5-7-11 The Square Table II Willie Musson
140- AUTUMN GLORY (IRE) 4-7-11 Mollers Racing Geoff Wragg
0-(0)(2)(0)(0)(0)(2) INTERNATIONALGUEST (IRE) 5-7-10 John Guest George Margarson
100226-(6)(1)(0)(1) AFRICAN SAHARA (USA) 5-7-10 Debbie Mountain Debbie Mountain
(2)6(3)(5)(1)-(2)(0) J R STEVENSON (USA) 8-7-09 Claret & Blue Army Michael Wigham
1(2)(1)(1)(2)-(0)(0) STAR OF NORMANDIE (USA) 5-7-09 Norcroft Park Stud George Margarson
500000- COMPTON DRAGON (USA) 5-7-09 John Connor David Nicholls
634215- TRUE NIGHT 7-7-09 Benton and Partners David Nicholls
000000- ZUCCHERO 8-7-09 Philip Banfield David Arbuthnot
110/000- RED GALAXY (IRE) 4-7-09 Red Alert Racing David Arbuthnot
621006- TAGULA BLUE (IRE) 4-7-09 Boston R S Ian Bennett Jeremy Glover
1//4(2)(3)/- TAKRIR (IRE) 7-7-09 David Wilson Denis Coakley
5060(1)-(4)(3)(1) TOPTON (IRE) 10-7-09 Liam Sheridan Paul Howling
(3)(0)-(0)(0)(0)(2) TE QUIERO 6-7-09 Tony Griffin Gay Kelleway
33(0)(0)(1)-(0) WOOD FERN (UAE) 4-7-09 Wooden Tops Partnership Mick Channon
030010- PRINCE HECTOR 5-7-08 David Heath William Haggas
(1)/130(6)0-(0) TIDY (IRE) 4-7-07 Peter Davies Micky Hammond
21(5)4(0)(1)-(4) WHAT-A-DANCER (IRE) 7-7-07 A Barnes Alan Swinbank
5(6)(4)(4)-(2)(2) BLUE TROJAN (IRE) 4-7-07 The Ex Katy Boys Sylvester Kirk
(2)14100-(0) JOOLS 6-7-07 Anthony Parsons Dean Ivory
35223(1)- LEOBALLERO 4-7-07 Cliff Lines and M Mason Hugh Collingridge
0(2)/11(0)(1)- FLOWERDRUM (USA) 4-7-06 J Capla William Haggas
/(6)(5)0-(1)(4)(0) HAIL THE CHIEF 7-7-06 Peter Crane David Nicholls
10000-(0)(5) NO GROUSE 4-7-05 Valley Paddocks Racing Limited Richard Fahey
06(1)(2)(1)-(0) NIMELLO (USA) 8-7-04 Gerardine O'Reilly Tony Newcombe
(1)254(0)-(0)(0) HOV 4-7-04 G A Lucas John Quinn
(1)(0)(1)-(5)(5)(6) LYGETON LAD 6-7-03 J McGonagle & B J McGonagle Gay Kelleway
630360- BAND 4-7-03 D J Allen Bryan McMahon
002110- PAGAN PRINCE 7-7-02 Gap Partnership & Mrs James Toller James Toller
11050-(0)(0) MAMORE GAP (IRE) 6-7-02 The South-Western Partnership II Richard Hannon
062342- PACIANO (IRE) 4-7-01 The Beech Nuts Clive Cox
4(1)(3)00(0)- PRINCE OF GOLD 4-7-01 Horne, Hollinshead, Johnson Reg Hollinshead
(5)-(2)(4)(0)(0)(0) LAKOTA BRAVE 10-7-01 Valley Fencing Stef Liddiard
05(2)(0)(0)(0)- SWIFT ALCHEMIST 4-6-13 The Kennet Connection Karl Burke
632213-(0)(0) HARRY POTTER (GER) 5-6-13 Elaine Burke Karl Burke
2/(3)(0)(1)-(0)(3)(3) SANGIOVESE 5-6-13 Kentisbeare Quartet Hughie Morrison
(3)(0)-(5)(0)(3)(3) FREE OPTION (IRE) 9-6-12 Valerie Bennett Willie Musson
1(0)1112-(0) REAP 6-6-10 Stephen Robinson Jeff Pearce
(0)11000-(0) TANTRIC 5-6-09 J Saul John O'Reilly
064404- CLANN A COUGAR 4-6-09 Sue Pidcock Ian Wood
010104- THE WIZARD MUL 4-6-07 Gremlin Racing Wilf Storey
360(6)(4)-(0)(3) MIDDLETON GREY 6-6-07 Andy Beard Tony Newcombe
401542- MEGAN'S MAGIC 4-6-03 Steve Howard and Tony Peters Wilf Storey
(5)(2)-(3)(5)(4)(5) WALTZING WIZARD 5-6-00 Paul Dixon Alan Berry

109 entries remain after March 9 forfeit stage
1 Irish-trained

For old articles (from 1st March 2000) go to the Newslink Archive

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