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Examiner, third in last year’s Betfred Cambridgeshire but not seen on a racecourse since landing a handicap at Epsom on Oaks Day in early June, bids to go two better than 12 months ago in the first leg of the Autumn Double at Newmarket’s Rowley Mile Racecourse on Saturday (24th September).
A full field of 35 runners will go to post for this nine furlong £160,000 heritage handicap, including no less than three previous Betfred Cambridgeshire heroes - Bronze Angel, who landed it in both 2014 and 2012; the horse successful in 2013, Educate; and last year’s winner, Third Time Lucky.
But the heavily-backed ante post betting favourite, Sacred Act, was not declared after returning stiff from morning exercise earlier this week.
His absence should enhance the chance of Examiner, who hails from one of the season’s most successful small yards, that of Newmarket trainer Stuart Williams. With over three months to go, Williams has already saddled more winners (43) and accumulated more prizemoney (almost £495,000) than in any other previous season during his 23-year-career.
Examiner was put up just 4lbs in the handicap following that Epsom success and victory here would give Williams his biggest ever payday.
Stuart Williams, trainer of Examiner, said:
“I had planned to run Examiner in a big handicap at Goodwood in mid summer but the ground there came up just too quick for him which was a real nuisance as he had a handy weight and it was a really nice prize.”
“Ever since then the plan has been to go straight for the Betfred Cambridgeshire. I am happy with his draw in stall 18 as it will allow him to tack over to whichever side has more pace, which is very important.”
“He has got form on ‘good to firm’ ground and my personal opinion is that it never gets rattling fast at Newmarket at this time of year.”
“Last year he only just made it to the Cambridgeshire after recovering from a bacterial infection. This time, by contrast, I have been very happy with his condition.”
“It would be fantastic to win a race like this at our home track, the signature race of the meeting. It would be a real feather in the cap of a small yard with hard-working staff who do it all year round.”