Events / Noel Bell / 19 October 2007 /

Betfair Radio pundit Noel Bell gives you his thought on Champions' Day at Newmarket

The Darley Stud sponsored Dewhurst Stakes is the race I'm most looking forward to this Saturday.

Frankie Dettori received some criticism for not giving the Godolphin star juvenile Rio de la Plata a more enterprising ride when finishing second to New Approach in the National Stakes at the Curragh in September. However, for me, the game and resolute New Approach would have held the challenge of Rio de la Plata irrespective of the riding tactics adopted by Frankie.

Jim Bolger had initially indicated after the National Stakes triumph that his Galileo colt was unlikely to race again this season. His subsequent change of mind is an indication of the determination of connections to secure top spot in the European two-year-old handicap ratings. Indeed, following the premature end to Teofilo's career, Jim Bolger clearly wants to strike whilst the iron is hot in spite of his colt showing some worrying signs of suspect temperament on the track.

Rio de la Plata has subsequently won a French Group One on Arc Day when beating Declaration of War but will only run provided the ground is not soft. I believe the Godolphin colt is the lay of the race, should he run, and I anticipate that the "Frankie/Godolphin factor" will shorten the price on race day.

John Gosden's Raven's Pass is the horse most likely to give New Approach the biggest competition. This Elusive Quality-colt impressed with a runaway success in the Group Three Solario stakes at Sandown and he is hard to assess. Fast Company slammed a decent yardstick, Lucifer Sam, in the Group Two Acomb Stakes at York last time. His trainer Brian Meehan has a form line to Raven's Pass through City Leader, who was a distant second in the Solario Stakes. Sheikh Mohammed's McCartney impressed on Leger day when winning the Group Two Champagne Stakes. Jamie Spencer has been booked to partner Moynahan who has been supplemented for the race by Paul Cole with Richard Quinn maintaining his association with stable mate Luck Money, the Coventry runner-up at Royal Ascot and the Goffs Million winner at the Curragh.

A fascinating race is in prospect. Let us hope that we will be treated to another thriller similar to the epic duel between two gallant juveniles in 2006 when Teofilo bravely held the late challenge of the gutsy Holy Roman Emperor.

I will be laying Rio de la Plata and most likely backing New Approach to beat Raven's Pass, provided he handles the preliminaries on the day. Do not discount the chances of Moynahan and Fast Company who are both worth considering in the place market.

The Group One Emirates Airline Champion Stakes line-up will be without the enigmatic George Washington who will instead be aimed at the Breeders' Cup Mile at Monmouth Park.

Notnowcato has solid Group One form in the book having won the Coral Eclipse Stakes at Sandown in July. He did not perform to that standard last time in the International Stakes at York but I fully expect Sir Michael to have him ready to win this time. Creachadoir proved himself in Group One company when trained in Ireland by Jim Bolger. This Kings Best-colt has since been acquired by Godolphin and scored impressively in a Group Three over a mile on this course earlier in the month and could be the one for the forecast. The French horse Literato is an interesting contender and comes here with a progressive profile and is worth a place bet. Aidan O'Brien relies on Eagle Mountain and Mount Nelson and I will be laying Eagle Mountain for a place.

The Cesarewitch handicap is always an intriguing betting heat but, apart from Detroit City's exploits last year, has shown a poor record for the favourites in the last ten years. Tony Martin's Leg Spinner should have the ground to his liking but will need to overcome a poor run over timber at Listowel last month. Samurai Way represents a very shrewd yard and was impressive when winning last time at Ascot from Gabier but must cope with a 4lb penalty and in any case, is very short in the market. Fair Along has been targeted specifically for this race since Chester in May and represents a solid win and place bet. I will also be taking a small interest in the place market with Land N Stars.

And finally, I fancy Cesare in the opening Challenge Stakes for James Fanshawe and Jamie Spencer.

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