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Bordlescott Is Pride Of Scotland In Stewards’ Cup
05/08/06

After 35 years in the business Wetherby trainer Robin Bastiman scored his biggest success when Borderlescott clung on under jockey Roston ffrench to win the £100,000 Vodafone Stewards’ Cup by a neck.

Bastiman bought the four-year-old gelding as a yearling and sold him to a trio of Scotsman - James Edgar, Les Donaldson and Scott Kernacha. Their winner’s name is derived from their names, with Edgar being known as Mr Border because his business is called Border Rail and Plant.

Bastiman said: “It’s the best day of my life. This horse doesn’t show anything at home - he just goes about his work, which I like. I didn’t know whether to run him in Ireland [in a Listed race at Fairyhouse where Borderlescott was second to Osterhase] and he had a hard race there, but freshened up well. I’m a believer in running horses when they’re right.

“I was glad to be drawn with the fancied ones, because the far side is the place to be. Everything went well, and Royston produced him just when we wanted him to near the finish.

“I bought him as a yearling for 13,000 guineas at Doncaster because he was a good walker. Jimmy had a horse with me called Sennen Cove and said he wanted another, so I said come down and see this yearling.

“It was the middle of winter and blowing a gale, so we went out into the field and the horse head butted him and I thought there’s no way this fellow is going to buy this horse, but he took a liking to him.

“It would be nice to go to the Ayr Gold Cup with the owners being Scottish, but the handicapper might have something to say. On the other hand he’s only just won [by a neck and a neck from Mutamared and Firenze].

“This is my best day as a trainer, but I’m just the tractor driver these days. I’ve only got 14 horses in but this might do me a bit of good. I must give credit to my son and daughter, Harvey and Rebecca [who rides in the amateurs’ contest at Thirsk today], who do all the work.”

Donaldson said: “We’ve had a very good bet on the horse, but credit must go to Robin and the Bastiman family and Royston - they’ve done a fantastic job on the horse. We’re thrilled - I don’t know what time we’re going back to Scotland, but it might not be tonight.”

Asked about the £48,000 prize for the winner, Kernacha said: “That’ll do for tonight!”

French, who was riding his third winner of the week, said: “I was just praying for the line in the final strides. I never expected to ride a hat-trick this week - it’s a great feeling.”

The Clive Brittain-trained Excusez Moi was the first horse to emerge when the draw for Saturday’s £100,000 Stewards’ Cup was made at noon on Thursday.

After draw compere Clare Balding randomly selected the four-year-old’s name, Brittain’s representative, former jockey Willie Carson, nominated stall 28, hard against the rail on the far side from the grandstands. The adjacent stall was filled next, when the Dandy Nicholls-trained topweight Tax Free appeared.

Nicholls, who has five runners in the contest, chose 27, a draw from which Patavellian scored three years ago, and he was soon nominating again when Bahamian Pirate emerged and was given stall 25. Nicholls, who won the race as a jockey from stall one on Soba, later chose that trap for Continent, but when speedy Merlin’s Dancer came out he had just three options - and went for stall 11 - while his Peace Offering was the last name picked when 13 was the only option

Trainers and owners were keen to be drawn high or low. The first low-draw nominee, Woodcote, came out fourth and will go into stall four. A well-known pace-setter, he will ensure a good pace on the stands’ side, while ante-post favourite Firenze was the tenth name drawn and her owners, Jan and Peter Hopper, had no hesitation in going for stall 22.

Nicholls’ son, Adrian, will ride Tax Free, of whom the trainer said: “He’s the up-and-coming kid, although things didn’t go right for him last time when he lost a shoe. He’s got the pace to go anywhere. He came out of the draw early and I was happy with 27. I think it’s a lucky stall. A bit of rain would help Continent and Bahamian Pirate, Vicky Behan will ride Peace Offering - she won the Gosforth Cup on him and gets on well with the horse - and Kevin Manning is on Merlin’s. They’re all in good heart and good form.”

Jan Hopper, owner of Firenze (22), said: “We wanted to see where the pace horses were, and were keen to have the far or near rail, but as it’s turned out we think there will be three races, with pace across the course. We’re pleased and expect to see them fan out. If we’d come out first we’d have chosen 22. We need luck but she’s in good form.”

Charles Cruden, an owner with Clive Cox, said of Woodcote (4) and Out After Dark (12): “Clive walked the course last night and felt the ground was a little quicker on the stands’ side. Woodcote front runs so we were pleased to come out of the draw nice and early. We’d have preferred to be lower with Out After Dark, but we came out of the draw late.”

Ollie Cole said of Bentong (20): “Stall 20 was the last high draw available when we came out, but I’m happy with that. There are a lot of fancied horses drawn high. It gives us the opportunity to go right on the far side or three-quarters of the way across in search of better ground.”

Willie Muir, trainer of Texas Gold (2), said : “You’ve got to go very high or very low. I walked all over the course - there’s a very marginal difference between the two sides, but the far side was filling up and the quicker horses - Woodcote, One Putra, Merlin’s Dancer and If Paradise - were on this side. I’m very happy. He got hampered at Ascot last week and he’s jumping out of his skin. If there’s no rain we’re in business.”

Willie Carson, on behalf of Clive Brittain (Excusez Moi, 28), said: “Clive left it to me and I was bit shocked to come out first. On what’s happened in the past the high numbers have an advantage and I made the choice and hoped some fast horses would come out high, too, to help him along. We’ve got Mutamared in 26 to help so I’m happy.”

Fulke Johnson-Houghton, trainer of Beaver Patrol (drawn 17), said: “He’s in very good order and will run well, but I’d have liked to have been drawn a little higher.”

Gerard Butler could pull off a cross-border Stewards' Cup double after the Blewbury trainer's Bayeux and Bonus were confirmed among the 102 acceptors at the first forfeit stage for the £100,000 Vodafone Stewards' Cup at Goodwood, revealed today, Wednesday, July 19.

Butler saddled the Michael Tabor-owned Bayeux to capture the John Smith's Scottish Stewards' Cup at Hamilton on July 14, and is hoping for a repeat result in the Vodafone Stewards' Cup at Goodwood on Saturday, August 5.

The trainer reported: "He did very well at Hamilton but the Vodafone Stewards' Cup might be a little bit tougher. The handicapper put him up five pounds but he'll run off a 3lb penalty so I can't complain about that."

Bayeux (8st 13lb) could be joined in the six-furlong showpiece by stablemate Bonus (8st 7lb) who was collared close home when a head second to Taqseem in the John Roarty Memorial Scurry Handicap over six furlongs at the Curragh on July 2.

Butler revealed: "At the moment the plan is for them to go to the Vodafone Stewards' Cup. Bonus may fall short of the cut but hopefully he'll run one more time at Ascot in the Hong Kong Jockey Club Sprint (Sunday, July 30), and if he earned himself another three pounds I'd be very pleased as that would give him a good chance of getting in, but both are intended runners.

"I'm very happy with both of them. They're two nice horses to have in the yard - big strong sprinting geldings - you can't have enough of them.

"Bayeux doesn't want extremes of going. He doesn't want it firm, that's why we went to Hamilton the other day."

A maximum of 28 horses can go to post for the 2006 Vodafone Stewards' Cup.

North Yorkshire trainer David Barker is hoping to make another successful sortie to the West Sussex course with his speedy mares Sierra Vista (9st 3lb) and Mecca's Mate (9st 2lb).

The former won the Zuhair Handicap at the Glorious Goodwood Festival last term before running fifth in the Stewards' Sprint Handicap (the consolation race for those who fail to make it into the Vodafone Stewards' Cup) two days later, while Mecca's Mate was fifth in the Group Three Audi Stakes (King George Stakes) before finishing mid-division in the Vodafone Stewards' Cup.

Barker revealed: "They would either take the Vodafone Stewards' Cup or the Audi Stakes. The plan is to go to Goodwood but they wouldn't be running twice. The idea at the moment would be for one to run in the Audi Stakes and one to compete in the Vodafone Stewards' Cup but we'll decide that nearer the time.

"I couldn't be happier with the pair of them but we need the weather to change before either of them come out again."

The defection of top-weight Baltic King sees the weights for the prestigious six-furlong heritage handicap raised 2lb, with the James Fanshawe-trained Wokingham runner-up Firenze, the current market leader, set to carry 9st.

The handicap is now topped by the Tim Easterby-trained Group One winner, Fayr Jag (9st 10lb), successful in the Group Three Chipchase Stakes over six furlongs at Newcastle on July 1, and subsequently 10th to Les Arcs in the Group One Darley July Cup.

The Hughie Morrison-trained Intrepid Jack (8st 12lb) remains on course for the Vodafone Stewards' Cup following a fine second to Mine in the Ladbrokes Bunbury Cup over seven furlongs at Newmarket on July 14, where Marching Song (8st 10lb) was third.

Tax Free (9st 9lb) is one of 25 Dandy Nicholls-trained sprinters who stand their ground, along with totescoop6 Northern Sprint winner Indian Trail (9st 4lb), who followed his Newcastle success with a sixth-place finish behind Somnus at Haydock on July 8.

The Nicholls team, successful in the Vodafone Stewards' Cup in 2005 with Gift Horse, could also include Gosforth Park Cup winner Peace Offering, who was over one and a half lengths fourth behind Fantasy Explorer in a five-furlong Ayr Handicap on July 17.

Robin Bastiman's smart Borderlescott (9st 4lb) is among those still engaged and could make the trip to Goodwood from his Wetherby base. The progressive gelding won a six-furlong handicap at York in May before running fourth in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot.

Beaver Patrol (8st 9lb), trained by Fulke Johnson Houghton, highlighted his well-being ahead of a possible Vodafone Stewards' Cup bid when a neck second to Wyatt Earp in the John Smith's Extra Cold Handicap at York on July 15, with Connect (8st 9lb), First Order (8st 3lb) and High Reach (8st 6lb) behind.

Tawaassol (8st 5lb), trained by Sir Michael Stoute, did his Vodafone Stewards' Cup credentials no harm when a close fourth behind Pivotal Point, Benbaun and The Trader in the five-furlong Group Three Laurent-Perrier Champagne Sprint Stakes at Sandown on July 8.

Last year's runner-up Fonthill Road (9st 2lb) remains engaged, as do the Kevin Ryan-trained Desert Commander (8st 13lb), Mutamared (8st 12lb) and Distinctly Game (8st 6lb).

THE VODAFONE STEWARDS' CUP
Class 2, Heritage Handicap, £100,000 Total Prize Fund. For 3yo+, Goodwood, Saturday, August 5, 2006, 6f. Highest weight: not less than 9st 10lb; minimum weight 7st 12lb. Penalties: after July 1, a winner 3lb; a winner of 2 races 5lb. Entries closed June 21, entries revealed June 27 (129 entries), weights revealed July 5, forfeit stage July 18 (102 remain), weights raised by 2lb, five-day confirmation stage July 31, final declaration stage 10.00am, August 3. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys & correct up to and including the racing of Tuesday, July 18, 2006.

Form Horse Age/Wgt Owner Trainer
20-45010 FAYR JAG (IRE) 7-9-10 Jonathan Gill Tim Easterby
111-330 TAX FREE (IRE) 4-9-09 Ian Hewitson David Nicholls
3-61100 ONE PUTRA (IRE) 4-9-08 HRH Sultan Ahmad Shah Michael Jarvis
0/1342-8 MUSADIF (USA) 8-9-08 Mrs E Kvisla Roy Kvisla
0000204 BECKERMET (IRE) 4-9-08 Bishopthorpe Racing Two Roger Fisher
-(6)05616 INDIAN TRAIL 6-9-04 Martin Love David Nicholls
1231-14 BORDERLESCOTT 4-9-04 Border Rail & Plant Limited Robin Bastiman
1-03304 STRIKE UP THE BAND 3-9-04 The Oak Apple Syndicate David Nicholls
3162-00 AJIGOLO 3-9-04 Timberhill Racing Partnership Mick Channon
41-42430 SIERRA VISTA 6-9-03 David Metcalfe David Barker
10-0300 OUT AFTER DARK 5-9-03 The Night Owls Clive Cox
5202-50 FONTHILL ROAD (IRE) 6-9-02 Una Towell Richard Fahey
2002014 PEACE OFFERING (IRE) 6-9-02 Lady O'Reilly David Nicholls
2-03306 MECCA'S MATE 5-9-02 David Metcalfe David Barker
320300 BAHIANO (IRE) 5-9-02 Clive Brittain Clive Brittain
160(5)040 OBE GOLD 4-9-02 BDR Partnership Mick Channon
00-2005 BOND CITY (IRE) 4-9-02 Reg Bond Bryan Smart
004000 FIRE UP THE BAND 7-9-02 P Crane, A Barker & S Short David Nicholls
564335 BAHAMIAN PIRATE (USA) 11-9-01 Lucayan Stud And G G N Bloodstock David Nicholls
0-0000(2) TEXAS GOLD 8-9-00 Clive Edginton William Muir
630-312 FIRENZE 5-9-00 Jan Hopper James Fanshawe
-(3)(1)(1)041 BAYEUX (USA) 5-8-13 (3lb ex) Michael Tabor Gerard Butler
(3)(3)(0)0001 ONE MORE ROUND (USA) 8-8-13 Nigel Shields Nick Littmoden
461/-101 DESERT COMMANDER (IRE) 4-8-13 R J H Limited Kevin Ryan
024-6402 EXCUSEZ MOI (USA) 4-8-13 Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum Clive Brittain
500-240 COLEORTON DANCER 4-8-12 Coleorton Moor Racing Kevin Ryan
1-2124 OBE BRAVE 3-8-12 BDR Partnership Mick Channon
1420-602 INTREPID JACK 4-8-12 Michael Lynch Hughie Morrison
10-(1)100 MUTAMARED (USA) 6-8-12 Errigal Racing Kevin Ryan
21/0-200 MUNADDAM (USA) 4-8-12 Hamdan Al Maktoum Ed Dunlop
40-44020 TALBOT AVENUE 8-8-12 Mrs C S Wilson Mick Mullineaux
(4)410400 MERLIN'S DANCER 6-8-11 Chalfont Foodhalls Ltd David Nicholls
(6)360300 IF PARADISE 5-8-10 Mrs J Wood Richard Hannon
12-3205 KING'S GAIT 4-8-10 Mrs E J Wills Tim Easterby
500-(5)203 MARCHING SONG 4-8-10 The Queen Richard Hannon
46-01000 ZOMERLUST 4-8-10 P J Carr Jimmy Quinn
0-000040 JUST JAMES 7-8-10 Lucayan Stud David Nicholls
000-03622 WOODCOTE (IRE) 4-8-09 Dennis Shaw Clive Cox
3-(3)01042 BEAVER PATROL (IRE) 4-8-09 G C Stevens Fulke Johnson Houghton
050-05003 CONNECT 9-8-09 Mrs P R Bowring Mark Tompkins
11101-630 GIMASHA 4-8-08 Ziad Galadari William Jarvis
(1)-210 BENTONG (IRE) 3-8-08 H R H Sultan Ahmad Shah Paul Cole
0-060340 CONTINENT 9-8-07 Lucayan Stud And G G N Bloodstock David Nicholls
212-4(0)30 JOHANNES (IRE) 3-8-07 John Nicholls Ltd/David Kilburn David Nicholls
6000-16 DAZZLING BAY 6-8-07 GHMW Racing Tim Easterby
041(1)-(1)52 BONUS (IRE) 6-8-07 The Bonus Partnership Gerard Butler
(6)001207 GOLDEN DIXIE (USA) 7-8-07 Vicki Davies Ron Harris
4601-000 KENMORE 4-8-07 Alfi and Partners David Nicholls
510-42535 ICE PLANET 5-8-06 David Faulkner David Nicholls
0000-00 DISTINCTLY GAME 4-8-06 Mr & Mrs Julian and Rosie Richer Kevin Ryan
00(3)24110 FOLGA 4-8-06 (3lb ex) The Thrill Seekers James Given
0(4)24025 IDLE POWER (IRE) 8-8-06 The Idle B'S Jim Boyle
00-30005 HIGH REACH 6-8-06 Mrs D Edginton William Muir
-0022006 RISING SHADOW (IRE) 5-8-05 G Morrill David Barron
00303/-3 CRIMSON SILK 6-8-05 Mick White Partnership Bryan Smart
3-12124 TAWAASSOL (USA) 3-8-05 Hamdan Al Maktoum Sir Michael Stoute
060-5100 DON PELE (IRE) 4-8-05 Pedro Rosas Kevin Ryan
1-410064 SWINBROOK (USA) 5-8-04 Matthew Green & Lady Sophia Topley James Toller
4(6)50030 PIETER BRUEGHEL (USA) 7-8-04 David Faulkner David Nicholls
/-(0)(0)0(2)54 FIRST ORDER 5-8-03 Andrew Reid Ernst Oertel
160-40403 MINE BEHIND 6-8-02 M Folan, R Lees, R Crampton John Best
302(6)-605 TONY THE TAP 5-8-02 K J & Mrs S Mercer Bryn Palling
(0)021112 BLUE TOMATO 5-8-01 (3lb ex) Dab Hand Racing Milton Bradley
04-200051 GALLANTRY 4-8-01(3lb ex) The Circle Bloodstock I Limited David Barker
02412426 HANDSOME CROSS (IRE) 5-8-01 Cereal Partners David Nicholls
0-(0)00000 TRAYTONIC 5-8-01 Clipper Group Holdings David Nicholls
5-3(0)5000 HIDDEN DRAGON (USA) 7-8-01 Jane, Victoria, Aimee & Thelma Whiting Jeff Pearce
-(0)101246 MY GACHO (IRE) 4-8-00 Grant Mercer & R G Toes David Barron
0-601304 BOND BOY 9-8-00 Reg Bond Bryan Smart
-(6)052105 DHAULAR DHAR (IRE) 4-8-00 Jim Goldie Jim Goldie
-0603314 CARIBBEAN CORAL 7-7-13 (3lb ex) Dawson, Green, Quinn, Roberts John Quinn
006050314 FANTASY BELIEVER 8-7-13 (3lb ex) The Fantasy Fellowship B John Quinn
00-6(0)463 FAST HEART 5-7-13 Tony Perkins David Nicholls
(0)206(1)52 HARRY UP 5-7-12 The Fishermen Kevin Ryan
00-(0)0040 FUNFAIR WANE 7-7-12 The Wayward Lads David Nicholls
0-502400 KINGSCROSS 8-7-11 Mrs D Ellis Michael Blanshard
(6)(0)00303 DESPERATE DAN 5-7-10 Mountgrange Stud Jamie Osborne
4065316- ABIENTOT (IRE) 4-7-10 Leslie Donnelly David Barker
4333-000 GOODWOOD SPIRIT 4-7-10 Raymond Tooth Milton Bradley
355102 ROYAL CHALLENGE 5-7-10 Killarney Glen Mark Tompkins
013232(4)(2) NAUTICAL 8-7-09 Gary Roberts Tony Carroll
0(0)(0)-45000 SMOKIN BEAU 9-7-09 Vanessa Church David Nicholls
0611000 DON'T TELL SUE 3-7-09 J R May Julia Tooth
0-300000 WANCHAI LAD 5-7-08 Ambrose Turnbull David Nicholls
05645020 PLATEAU 7-7-08 Ian Hewitson David Nicholls
(0)(4)(0)-110 BALAKIREF 7-7-07 Septimus Racing Group Michael Dods
130-(0)0004 PACHELLO (IRE) 4-7-05 Eddie Hayward Milton Bradley
-10(1)60(0)40 HIGH RIDGE 7-7-05 James Bookmakers Ltd Milton Bradley
/-(1)(5)5(2)(0)0 FINANCIAL TIMES (USA) 4-7-04 Stef Liddiard Stef Liddiard
023414 BLACKHEATH (IRE) 10-7-03 Middleham Park Racing XX & Streamhill David Nicholls
03302036 CHINALEA (IRE) 4-7-03 Gwyn Powell and Peter Ridgers Clive Cox
003350000 TROJAN FLIGHT 5-7-03 Timothy O'Gram David Chapman
0(0)-00(1)5 PRINCE CYRANO 7-7-03 I Johnson Willie Musson
(0)1(2)0230 CIRCUIT DANCER (IRE) 6-7-03 David Fish David Nicholls
004400 DANZIG RIVER (IRE) 5-7-02 Anna Graves David Nicholls
-0(6)00502 CURRENCY 9-7-00 Robert Bailey Milton Bradley
02356(0)0 BRIGADORE 7-6-13 White Rose Poultry Ltd James Given
(4)-041430 DIVINE SPIRIT 5-6-12 The Newcastle Racing Club Michael Dods
100-00050 BETSEN (IRE) 4-6-11 T G Meynell David Nicholls
160-0(0)005 HYPNOTIC 4-6-11 Bill Wallace / Gary Butters David Nicholls
664430 KEMPSEY 4-6-11 Terry Thorn John Bridger
(5)-0(2)30345 SUMMER RECLUSE (USA) 7-6-11 Clifton Hunt Milton Bradley

102 entries remaining

The James Fanshawe-trained Firenze has emerged as the leading market fancy following the publication of the weights for the Vodafone Stewards' Cup, which will be run at Goodwood on Saturday, August 5, 2006.

Firenze, who had a far from straight-forward passage in finishing a length and a half second in the Wokingham Handicap at Royal Ascot when 5/1 favourite, has been allotted 8st 12lb, and is the 8/1 market leader with totesport for the £100,000 six-furlong contest.

Fanshawe and owner Jan Hopper could also be represented by Zidane (8st 4lb), who would be an appropriately-named winner, should France, captained by Zinedine Zidane, go all the way in the football World Cup.

The four-year-old was a cosy winner of a six-furlong Newmarket Handicap on June 24 and is currently a 12/1 chance.

Firenze's Royal Ascot conqueror, Baltic King, a 14/1 shot with totesport, has been shouldered with top-weight of 10st for the race, which has attracted a high-quality 128-strong entry.

Morrison's other two entries are York William Hill Trophy victor Prince Tamino (12/1 with totesport) and Wokingham 10th Intrepid Jack (14/1), who are both set to carry 8st 10lb.

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained Tawaassol (14/1) was a length and a half second to Prince Tamino at York and is set to carry 8st 3lb.

Trainer Clive Cox is hoping to mount a strong challenge for the Vodafone Stewards' Cup following the unveiling of the weights for the prestigious six-furlong handicap.

Cox saddled Out After Dark to finish fifth in the 2005 Vodafone Stewards' Cup before securing the totesport Portland Handicap, and the five-year-old, last of seven behind Etlaala in a six-furlong Salisbury Listed contest on June 18, is set to carry 9st 1lb.

The trainer revealed: "I was very happy with him last season and he's run some pleasing races this year but had a little bit of a hiccup after his last outing at Salisbury. It was nothing serious and I hope he'll be right for the Vodafone Stewards' Cup. We'll see how he progresses but the race is very much on the agenda."

Cox could also run Kostar (8st 8lb) who was beaten only five lengths when seventh to Baltic King in the Wokingham Handicap at Royal Ascot on June 24.

The trainer said: "Kostar ran a very nice race in the Wokingham. He's a horse that we may just cover other options with. Six furlongs or an easy seven furlongs would be suitable for him and he's a top of the ground performer who wouldn't want it too slow, so all these things will determine whether he goes for the race."

The Lambourn trainer's strong hand also includes Woodcote (8st 7lb) who was a length third to Wokingham runner-up Firenze in the Empire Property Group Handicap over the course and distance on June 10, and ran second to Indian Trail in the totescoop6 Northern Sprint at Newcastle on July 1.

Cox reported: "Woodcote ran a super race at Newcastle and I was very pleased indeed with that effort behind one of Dandy Nicholls' Vodafone Stewards' Cup runners.

"Obviously his form with Firenze down at Goodwood reads well. He's a course and distance performer so he doesn't mind the track and he likes top of the ground."

The trainer's five-strong entry is completed by Pearly Wey (8st 5lb) and Chinalea (7st 1lb).

He said: "Pearly Wey is only a three-year-old but we'll see how we go. We have all options open with him at the moment.

"I'd say Chinalea probably won't get in with 7st 1lb but we'd be looking more at the second race, the Stewards' Sprint Stakes Handicap, if that was to happen."

Bonus (16/1) narrowly missed out on big-race success when a head second to Taqseem in the John Roarty Memorial Scurry Handicap at The Curragh on July 2, and the Gerard Butler-trained six-year-old will bid for compensation off 8st 5lb.

Roger Charlton has trained the winner of the race twice with Harmonic Way in 1999 and Patavellian in 2003. The latter followed his Vodafone Stewards' Cup success with Group One glory in that season's Prix de l'Abbaye, and is set to carry 9st 9lb this time.

Another Group One winner, the Tim Easterby-trained Fayr Jag, winner of the Group Three Chipchase Stakes over six furlongs at Newcastle on July 1, is set to carry 9st 8lb.

Dandy Nicholls saddled Tayseer to victory in 2000 and followed up with Gift Horse last term.

Tax Free (12/1), with 9st 7lb, is the highest weighted of the Thirsk handler's 24-strong entry, which also includes 12/1 shot Indian Trail (9st 2lb) who was sixth in the Wokingham prior to winning the totescoop6 Northern Sprint at Newcastle on July 1, when he defeated Woodcote by length.

Peace Offering (9st) won the Gosforth Park Cup at Newcastle on June 30 and could be joined by stablemates Strike Up The Band (9st 2lb), Fire Up The Band (9st), Merlin's Dancer (8st 9lb), Ice Planet (8st 4lb), Pieter Brueghel (8st 2lb), and the veteran Group One winners Bahamian Pirate (8st 13lb) and Continent (8st 5lb).

Last year's runner-up, the Richard Fahey-trained Fonthill Road (16/1) , is set to shoulder 9st, and could line up alongside his stable companions Philharmonic (9st 4lb), and Green Park (8st 4lb).

One Putra (9st 6lb) landed a Windsor Listed contest prior to finishing midfield in the Wokingham, and, along with Empress Jain (8st 9lb) and Dhekraa (8st 7lb), could bid to give Michael Jarvis his second Stewards' Cup to go with Petong's 1984 triumph.

Beckermet (9st 6lb), last in the Wokingham, returned to form when second to Fayr Jag at Newcastle, while Borderlescott (12/1) followed two York triumphs with a fine fourth behind Baltic King at Royal Ascot and has been allotted 9st 2lb.

Trainer David Barker saddled Sierra Vista (9st 1lb) to success in the Zuhair Stakes at Goodwood's July Festival Meeting in 2005, while stablemate Mecca's Mate (9st) ran fifth in the Group Three King George Stakes before finishing 14th in the 2005 Vodafone Stewards' Cup.

Desert Commander landed a six-furlong handicap at Ripon on June 6, from Zidane and is set to carry 8st 11lb. The four-year-old is one of six entries for trainer Kevin Ryan, which includes Coleorton Dancer (8st 10lb) and Mutamared (8st 10lb).

The Ed Dunlop-trained Nidhaal was two lengths fifth to Donna Blini in the Group One Cheveley Park Stakes in September and finished runner-up to Paradise Isle in a six-furlong Listed race at Haydock on June 10. She has been allocated 9st and could be joined by Easy Air (8st 4lb) who was runner-up to Sir Gerard in the Britannia Handicap at Royal Ascot.

For more information, please contact Rod Fabricius, Managing Director of Goodwood Racecourse, on 07836 321254 or 01243 755022

THE VODAFONE STEWARDS' CUP
Class 2, Heritage Handicap, £100,000 Total Prize Fund. For 3yo+, Goodwood, Saturday, August 5, 2006, 6f. Highest weight: not less than 9st 10lb; minimum weight 7st 12lb. Penalties: after July 1, a winner 3lb; a winner of 2 races 5lb. Entries closed June 21, entries revealed June 27 (129 entries), weights revealed July 5, forfeit stage July 18, five-day confirmation stage July 31, final declaration stage 10.00am, August 3. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys & correct up to and including the racing of Monday, July 3, 2006.

Form Horse Age/Wgt Owner Trainer
2-00361 BALTIC KING 6-10-00 Thurloe Thoroughbreds VIII Hughie Morrison
30154-6 PATAVELLIAN (IRE) 8-9-09 John Deer Roger Charlton
220-4501 FAYR JAG (IRE) 7-9-08 Jonathan Gill Tim Easterby
111-330 TAX FREE (IRE) 4-9-07 Ian Hewitson David Nicholls
23-6110 ONE PUTRA (IRE) 4-9-06 HRH Sultan Ahmad Shah Michael Jarvis
30/1342- MUSADIF (USA) 8-9-06 Mrs E Kvisla Roy Kvisla
3600002 BECKERMET (IRE) 4-9-06 Bishopthorpe Racing Two Roger Fisher
1220224 PHILHARMONIC 5-9-04 R Cowie Richard Fahey
60-(6)0561 INDIAN TRAIL 6-9-02 Martin Love David Nicholls
1231-14 BORDERLESCOTT 4-9-02 Border Rail & Plant Limited Robin Bastiman
21-0330 STRIKE UP THE BAND 3-9-02 The Oak Apple Syndicate David Nicholls
3162-00 AJIGOLO 3-9-02 Timberhill Racing Partnership Mick Channon
041-4243 SIERRA VISTA 6-9-01 David Metcalfe David Barker
10-0300 OUT AFTER DARK 5-9-01 The Night Owls Clive Cox
5202-50 FONTHILL ROAD (IRE) 6-9-00 Una Towell Richard Fahey
4200201 PEACE OFFERING (IRE) 6-9-00 Lady O'Reilly David Nicholls
02-03306 MECCA'S MATE 5-9-00 David Metcalfe David Barker
132030 BAHIANO (IRE) 5-9-00 Clive Brittain Clive Brittain
3160(5)04 OBE GOLD 4-9-00 BDR Partnership Mick Channon
300-200 BOND CITY (IRE) 4-9-00 Reg Bond Bryan Smart
1215-2 NIDHAAL (IRE) 3-9-00 Hamdan Al Maktoum Ed Dunlop
004000 FIRE UP THE BAND 7-9-00 P Crane, A Barker & S Short David Nicholls
00-0000 TEXAS GOLD 8-8-12 Clive Edginton William Muir
056433 BAHAMIAN PIRATE (USA) 11-8-13 Lucayan Stud And G G N Bloodstock David Nicholls
630-312 FIRENZE 5-8-12 Jan Hopper James Fanshawe
(3)(3)(0)0001 ONE MORE ROUND (USA) 8-8-11 Nigel Shields Nick Littmoden
24(4)0002 COMPTON'S ELEVEN 5-8-11 PCM Racing Mick Channon
461/-101 DESERT COMMANDER (IRE) 4-8-11 R J H Limited Kevin Ryan
245000 ROYAL STORM (IRE) 7-8-11 The Cloran Family Amanda Perrett
024-640 EXCUSEZ MOI (USA) 4-8-11 Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum Clive Brittain
500-240 COLEORTON DANCER 4-8-10 Coleorton Moor Racing Kevin Ryan
1-2124 OBE BRAVE 3-8-10 BDR Partnership Mick Channon
(1)(2)-(2)411 PRINCE TAMINO 3-8-10 Thurloe Finsbury II Hughie Morrison
1420-60 INTREPID JACK 4-8-10 Michael Lynch Hughie Morrison
10-(1)100 MUTAMARED (USA) 6-8-10 Errigal Racing Kevin Ryan
21/0-200 MUNADDAM (USA) 4-8-10 Hamdan Al Maktoum Ed Dunlop
40-4402 TALBOT AVENUE 8-8-10 Mrs C S Wilson Mick Mullineaux
(4)410400 MERLIN'S DANCER 6-8-09 Chalfont Foodhalls Ltd David Nicholls
641-1106 EMPRESS JAIN 3-8-09 Dennis Yardy Michael Jarvis
(6)360300 IF PARADISE 5-8-08 Mrs J Wood Richard Hannon
12-3205 KING'S GAIT 4-8-08 Mrs E J Wills Tim Easterby
500-(5)20 MARCHING SONG 4-8-08 The Queen Richard Hannon
10(2)-(2)10 KOSTAR 5-8-08 Mrs P Scott-Dunn And Mrs F J Ryan Clive Cox
46-0100 ZOMERLUST 4-8-08 P J Carr Jimmy Quinn
0-(3)(1)(1)04 BAYEUX (USA) 5-8-08 Michael Tabor Gerard Butler
000-0000 JUST JAMES 7-8-08 Lucayan Stud David Nicholls
(1)(2)1453 AKONA MATATA (USA) 4-8-08 Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum Clive Brittain
22-12300 JUDD STREET 4-8-08 Fulke Johnson Houghton Fulke Johnson Houghton
0130-24 DHEKRAA (IRE) 3-8-07 Hamdan Al Maktoum Michael Jarvis
2000-0362 WOODCOTE (IRE) 4-8-07 Dennis Shaw Clive Cox
63-(3)010 BEAVER PATROL (IRE) 4-8-07 G C Stevens Fulke Johnson Houghton
050-0500 CONNECT 9-8-07 Mrs P R Bowring Mark Tompkins
11101-63 GIMASHA 4-8-06 Ziad Galadari William Jarvis
(1)-210 BENTONG (IRE) 3-8-06 H R H Sultan Ahmad Shah Paul Cole
1220 PEARLY WEY 3-8-05 Dennis Shaw Clive Cox
00-06034 CONTINENT 9-8-05 Lucayan Stud And G G N Bloodstock David Nicholls
212-4(0)3 JOHANNES (IRE) 3-8-05 John Nicholls Ltd/David Kilburn David Nicholls
6000-16 DAZZLING BAY 6-8-05 GHMW Racing Tim Easterby
01(0)-1600 ZOWINGTON 4-8-05 O Pointing Chris Wall
041(1)-(1)52 BONUS (IRE) 6-8-05 The Bonus Partnership Gerard Butler
0(2)(6)0012 GOLDEN DIXIE (USA) 7-8-05 Vicki Davies Ron Harris
4601-00 KENMORE 4-8-05 Alfi and Partners David Nicholls
510-4253 ICE PLANET 5-8-04 David Faulkner David Nicholls
(1)-(1)4(2)2 EASY AIR 3-8-04 Gainsborough Stud Ed Dunlop
1-02121 ZIDANE 4-8-04 Jan Hopper James Fanshawe
0-021360 GREEN PARK (IRE) 3-8-04 G A Fixings Ltd Richard Fahey
0000-00 DISTINCTLY GAME 4-8-04 Mr & Mrs Julian and Rosie Richer Kevin Ryan
1(2)0(4)240 IDLE POWER (IRE) 8-8-04 The Idle B'S Jim Boyle
00-3000 HIGH REACH 6-8-04 Mrs D Edginton William Muir
0-002200 RISING SHADOW (IRE) 5-8-03 G Morrill David Barron
00303/-3 CRIMSON SILK 6-8-03 Mick White Partnership Bryan Smart
3-1212 TAWAASSOL (USA) 3-8-03 Hamdan Al Maktoum Sir Michael Stoute
0060-510 DON PELE (IRE) 4-8-03 Pedro Rosas Kevin Ryan
31-41006 SWINBROOK (USA) 5-8-02 Matthew Green & Lady Sophia Topley James Toller
51346-(1)0 ALGHARB 4-8-02 Hamdan Al Maktoum William Haggas
4(6)50030 PIETER BRUEGHEL (USA) 7-8-02 David Faulkner David Nicholls
113(2)/60-0 CYCLICAL 4-8-01 The Schtum Partnership Gerard Butler
62/-(0)(0)0(2)5 FIRST ORDER 5-8-01 Andrew Reid Ernst Oertel
00(3)2411 FOLGA 4-8-01 The Thrill Seekers James Given
160-4040 MINE BEHIND 6-8-00 M Folan, R Lees, R Crampton John Best
2302(6)-60 TONY THE TAP 5-8-00 K J & Mrs S Mercer Bryn Palling
(0)-(0)(1)000 THE JOBBER (IRE) 5-7-13 Rosemary Wilkerson & Partners Michael Blanshard
(0)024124 HANDSOME CROSS (IRE) 5-7-13 Cereal Partners David Nicholls
00-(0)0000 TRAYTONIC 5-7-13 Clipper Group Holdings David Nicholls
5-3(0)5000 HIDDEN DRAGON (USA) 7-7-13 Jane, Victoria, Aimee & Thelma Whiting Jeff Pearce
4-21610 MR SANDICLIFFE 3-7-13 Henry Barton Barry Hills
(5)-(0)10124 MY GACHO (IRE) 4-7-12 Grant Mercer & R G Toes David Barron
0-60130 BOND BOY 9-7-12 Reg Bond Bryan Smart
1-(6)05210 DHAULAR DHAR (IRE) 4-7-12 Jim Goldie Jim Goldie
0(2)(0)(0)-(0)0 RUSSIAN SYMPHONY (USA) 5-7-12 Evelyn Hankinson Charles Egerton
000-6(0)4 FAST HEART 5-7-11 Tony Perkins David Nicholls
(1)-(0)(0)206(1) HARRY UP 5-7-10 The Fishermen Kevin Ryan
30(0)0211 BLUE TOMATO 5-7-10 Dab Hand Racing Milton Bradley
00-(0)0040 FUNFAIR WANE 7-7-10 The Wayward Lads David Nicholls
04-20005 GALLANTRY 4-7-10 The Circle Bloodstock I Limited David Barker
0-50240 KINGSCROSS 8-7-09 Mrs D Ellis Michael Blanshard
(1)(6)(0)0030 DESPERATE DAN 5-7-08 Mountgrange Stud Jamie Osborne
4065316- ABIENTOT (IRE) 4-7-08 Leslie Donnelly David Barker
(6)00000 MOAYED 7-7-08 Nigel Shields Nick Littmoden
54333-0 GOODWOOD SPIRIT 4-7-08 Raymond Tooth Milton Bradley
00-0603 CARIBBEAN CORAL 7-7-08 Dawson, Green, Quinn, Roberts John Quinn
035510 ROYAL CHALLENGE 5-7-08 Killarney Glen Mark Tompkins
0-006050 FANTASY BELIEVER 8-7-08 The Fantasy Fellowship B Jimmy Quinn
013232(4) NAUTICAL 8-7-07 Gary Roberts Tony Carroll
0(0)(0)-45000 SMOKIN BEAU 9-7-07 Vanessa Church Nick Littmoden
0611000 DON'T TELL SUE 3-7-07 Mr & Mrs Peter Orton Barry Hills
333-263 ROL'OVER BEETHOVEN (FR) 3-7-06 Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
0-300000 WANCHAI LAD 5-7-06 Ambrose Turnbull David Nicholls
0564502 PLATEAU 7-7-06 Ian Hewitson David Nicholls
60-0000 CALYPSO KING 3-7-05 Norman Brunskill John Hills
3(0)(4)(0)-11 BALAKIREF 7-7-05 Septimus Racing Group Michael Dods
130-(0)00 PACHELLO (IRE) 4-7-03 Eddie Hayward Milton Bradley
(0)-10(1)60(0) HIGH RIDGE 7-7-03 James Bookmakers Ltd Milton Bradley
2/-(1)(5)5(2)(0) FINANCIAL TIMES (USA) 4-7-02 Stef Liddiard Stef Liddiard
002341 BLACKHEATH (IRE) 10-7-01 Middleham Park Racing XX & Streamhill David Nicholls
0330203 CHINALEA (IRE) 4-7-01 Gwyn Powell and Peter Ridgers Clive Cox
0033500 TROJAN FLIGHT 5-7-01 Timothy O'Gram David Chapman
0(0)-00(1)5 PRINCE CYRANO 7-7-01 I Johnson Willie Musson
(0)1(2)023 CIRCUIT DANCER (IRE) 6-7-01 David Fish David Nicholls
004400 DANZIG RIVER (IRE) 5-7-00 Anna Graves David Nicholls
00-0(6)005 CURRENCY 9-6-12 Robert Bailey Milton Bradley
002356(0) BRIGADORE 7-6-11 White Rose Poultry Ltd James Given
(4)-041430 DIVINE SPIRIT 5-6-10 The Newcastle Racing Club Michael Dods
Form Horse Age/Wgt Owner Trainer
100-000 BETSEN (IRE) 4-6-09 T G Meynell David Nicholls
160-0(0)00 HYPNOTIC 4-6-09 Bill Wallace / Gary Butters David Nicholls
664430 KEMPSEY 4-6-09 Terry Thorn John Bridger
(5)-0(2)3034 SUMMER RECLUSE (USA) 7-6-09 Clifton Hunt Milton Bradley
(0)(2)(0)(0)062 WHITBARROW (IRE) 7-6-06 Seasons Holidays Rod Millman
2-1 BUACHAILL DONA (IRE) 3 NQ Mike Browne David Nicholls

129 entries
1 Irish-trained