Dettori boards Casamento to try and capture Trophy

Trainer Michael Halford expressed his delight at having the Italian on board his Beresford Stakes winner, who is owned by Dettori's boss, Sheikh Mohammed.

Casamento was given the thumbs up to go to Town Moor following a spin on the gallops and after all the routine health checks.

"We're happy with him and we've supplemented him," said Halford.

"He's quite fit so we just wanted to see that he was well. We checked him out, checked his blood and had him scoped. He's fine.

"Frankie rides and it's terrific to have him.

"I've spoken to Doncaster about the ground. They say it's good to soft, so that will be fine."

Declan McDonogh was in the plate when Casamento was just pipped by Pathfork in the National Stakes and he partners Dunboyne Express for his boss Kevin Prendergast.

"They are pretty similar. Both are by Shamardal, show great heart and great toughness," he said.

"It's going to be a good race and both have got great chances. They are good two-year-olds.

"Dunboyne Express did a routine canter this morning. Everyone was really happy with him and he leaves on Thursday for the race. We couldn't be happier with him.

"He's a very uncomplicated horse and there's no great mystery about him.

"You can ride him anyway you want and ground doesn't really matter.

"I don't think the trip will be a problem. He's not a free horse and his pedigree suggests he'll get a mile. That's a help."

And McDonogh is hopeful Dunboyne Express, who is unbeaten in two starts, will have the measure of Casamento.

"I think I can beat him. He's a very good horse, I rode him in the National Stakes and he just lost out by a head," he added.

"He went on and won the Beresford and I was second to him on a horse of Sheikh Hamdan's (Mawaakef).

"But I wouldn't swap my fella for anything. It will be close between them. They are two good horses."

Paul Hanagan's relentless march to the jockeys' championship was further bolstered with a Listed prize at Pontefract yesterday.

The northern-based pilot pulled 11 wins clear of nearest pursuer Richard Hughes when Zenella scooped the totepool Silver Tankard Stakes over a mile.

"Paul gave her an absolutely tremendous ride and that's why he is going to be champion jockey," declared successful trainer Ann Duffield.

Even without the inevitable hyperbole, Duffield's praise was utterly justified. One of Hanagan's biggest assets is his strength in a finish, but his work on Zenella revolved chiefly around awareness and timing.

Come-from-behind tactics had yielded few dividends all afternoon, which was perhaps a reason why the jockey had striven to ensure the Kyllachy filly led from the outset.

And while his cause may have been aided by a protracted barging match between Royal Exchange and Star Surprise, his partner was still good value for her length-and-three-quarters verdict.

Duffield said: "We always knew she was decent, and I was just hoping to get some black type with her as a two-year-old.

"We'll probably put her away now – I don't think there's anything for her now – but she could be a Group Three horse next year if she strengthens up over the winter."

A chilly autumnal afternoon in West Yorkshire was also significant for Martin Lane, who shed his claim when Captain Royale won the first division of the totesuper7 Handicap.

Lane, who is attached to Newmarket trainer David Simcock, showed trademark determination to get Tracy Waggott's chestnut home by a length.

"It's been a long time coming, so it's a great relief," said Lane.

"It's been a good year and David has done very well for me.

"That's 38 winners for the season and the John Smith's Cup winner (Wigmore Hall) made the year."

Spennymoor-based Waggott has also gained many new admirers this term and took her seasonal tally to 19 courtesy of Captain Royale, who had finished ninth in a race at Newcastle on Sunday.

Twice the odds were available about Unknown Rebel winning Division One of the toteplacepot Nursery.

Kevin Ryan's juvenile nonetheless belied his 20-1 starting price when denying the late-rushing Lucy Limelites by half-a-length.

Division two of the one-mile nursery was a similarly prosaic affair, but the Barry Hills-trained One Lucky Lady (4-1) at least emerged a willing ally.

Fieldgunner Kirkup also looks a decent prospect for next season judged by his assured display in the toteswinger Flexi Betting Maiden, while Dan Buoy confirmed his cult status at Pontefract in the toteexacta Flexi Betting Bluff Cove Handicap.

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