One would think that, in a race run over two-and-a- quarter miles, the draw would be insignificant at best, but that certainly was not the case yesterday when the stalls positions were allocated to participants in the Cesarewitch tomorrow.
Although the race takes place over Newmarket's wide, wide expanses, it transpires that which box an animal breaks from is really relevant, because not one winner has come from a stall lower than 17 in the last decade.
This is all bad news for those who have invested in the ante-post favourite, Askar Tau, who has been drawn 14 in the field of 34 that has been declared.
Twelve months ago, Tony Martin's Leg Spinner sprang from No.23 to win, and this time around he will start next to Askar Tau in 15, as well as having to carry top weight in his repeat bid. Martin also runs Arc Bleu (32), who will be ridden by Johnny Murtagh, and Top The Charts, who will have the assistance of John Egan.
Following the draw, one leading firm of odds-layers, Stan James, had a major shake-up in their market, making Gee Dee Nen the new favourite. A spokesman for the company said: "Supporters of the long-time ante-post jolly Askar Tau won't exactly be throwing their vouchers away with stall 14, but they won't be on great terms with themselves as they consider what looks a very ordinary stall.
"Gee Dee Nen is the new 11-2 favourite with us, and supporters of the recent gamble will be delighted with stall 23. Tony Martin's Northumberland Plate winner Arc Bleu (8-1) looks to have been given every chance in 32, and it would be no shock to see him vying for favouritism come post time. Earlier in the week it looked as if Askar Tau would go off a very strong favourite. It is now possible he won't be in the first two in the betting."
A decision on whether the Henry Cecil-trained Ajaan takes his chance is not likely to be made until tomorrow morning. "He's back to his good self, but will only run if the ground is suitable. He must have give in the ground," said Alan Cooper, racing manager to owners the Niarchos Family.
"His last two runs, when it was too fast for him, he didn't finish his races. There has been some rain at Newmarket and more is forecast, so I imagine Henry will make a decision late on Saturday morning."
At the same meeting, the Derby winner, New Approach, will face 10 rivals as he bids to land a third Group 1 of the season in the Champion Stakes. Jim Bolger's colt landed the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on his latest start and was also runner-up to Henrythenavigator in both the English and Irish 2000 Guineas.
The only entry not to take his place in the field from the five-day stage is the Khalid Abdullah-owned Famous Name, with Cecil's Twice Over running instead.
With today in mind, Lucky Find will bid to give Mike de Kock a farewell winner in the Darley Stakes at Newmarket as the trainer's British excursion comes to an end for this season. The South African has saddled four winners from just 15 runners this summer, two of those coming in Group company.
Lucky Find finished sixth in the Dubai World Cup in March and landed a competitive conditions event at Great Leighs on his only start here to date. "He's back on turf now but he's got some useful form on turf back home, he was fourth in the Guineas and second in a Grade One," said De Kock. "He will like the ground." Cesarewitch, 2m 2f, Newmarket, tomorrow (Paddy Power odds) 9-2 Askar Tau, 6 Gee Dee Nen, 8 Mamlook, 10 Arc Bleu, Liberate. 12 Hits Only Vic, 14 Leg Spinner, Wicked Daze 16 Missoula, Top The Charts, Pippa Greene, 20 Stage Manager, Daraahem, Bogside Theatre, Souffleur, 28 others Champion Stakes, 1m 2f, Newmarket tomorrow (Coral odds) 11-8 New Approach, 7-2 Russian Cross, 6 Twice Over, 13-2 Pipe-dreamer, 10 Linngari, 14 Traffic Guard, 20 Hebridean, 25 others
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