Awzaan team hopeful of a Classic triumph

The Middleham trainer won the Classic in 1994 with Mister Baileys and has both Awzaan, unbeaten in four starts over six furlongs as a juvenile, and outsider Greyfriarschorista.

Awzaan is a son of Alhaarth, who himself finished fourth in the Guineas back in 1996 before striking over trips up to 10 furlongs. His dam, Nufoos, was also a seven-furlong scorer.

On that basis, Angus Gold, racing manager to owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, retains every faith in Awzaan's still-to-be-proven stamina.

"He has done nothing but fool me all of the way through and has proven himself a top-class horse so hopefully he goes there with a good chance," he said.

"On his pedigree he should get the mile and while he has only raced over six furlongs, Richard Hills certainly feels he will definitely get the trip as he switches off and waits for you to ask him and then quickens when he has to.

"He is a small horse but that is the way he is made and what we have to play with."

David Elsworth has saddled Norse Dancer (2003) and Stubbs Art (2008) to finish third, both at odds of 100-1, but his Fair Trade is slightly better fancied to make his presence felt this time.

Elsworth said: "He has been fine since his Newbury win.

"I think his credentials are similar to Inler – our colt hasn't had the same glowing reports as him but they both have a similar profile, having won their maidens well. He gets the mile and goes into the race in good form. He has only run twice and has a bit to find on the ratings, although it will no doubt have to alter after he wins on Saturday!"

Aidan O'Brien'sRacing Post Trophy winner St Nicholas Abbey and the John Dunlop-trainedCraven victor Elusive Pimpernelalso feature on the list of intended runners.

Racing For Change's free racing week initiative has resulted in bumper crowds at the participating courses, and today sees Doncaster take its turn.

One runner of real interest is Johnston's Realisation, who makes his return to action in the totepool A Better Way To Bet Handicap.

The three-year-old ran a couple of good races in defeat before opening his account at the third attempt at Epsom.

Though beaten into second at Leicester on his final start of last term, he is expected to be better with another year on his back.

William Knight built on his red-letter Wednesday as William Buick worked his magic aboard Cool Kitten to spark an 18-1 double for the in-form trainer at Folkestone.

An across-the-card treble which yielded an Ascot double and his first winner at the Berkshire track 24 hours earlier resulted in the One Cool Cat filly winning her seasonal bow in the Bet Live In-play At totesport.com Handicap