JIM BOLGER can preserve his Midas touch in the Jumeirah Dewhurst Stakes by saddling Chabal to Group One glory at Newmarket.
The Coolcullen master bids to become the first trainer in over 70 years to win the twoyear- old heat four times in a row after the victories of Teofilo, New Approach and Intense Focus.
Frank Butters was the last man to achieve the feat way back in the 1930s, which shows the scale of the task but in Chabal he has the prime candidate.
The Galileo colt did not make his debut until September but comfortably landed a Leopardstown maiden.
He then belied his experience to run current 2000 Guineas favourite Kingsfort to a neck less than two weeks later.
Godolphin were so impressed by that race they have since bought both horses, but Chabal can sign off for Bolger with a little piece of history.
The Emirates Airline Champion Stakes has attracted Irish Derby winner Fame And Glory but it looks something of a retrieval mission after his below-par effort in the Arc.
Aidan O’Brien’s charge is also better over a mile and a half so at the prices, it is worth taking him on with Doctor Fremantle.
Reg Hollinshead might be the oldest trainer with a licence in Britain but he has never won the totesport.com Cesarewitch.
However, that could change with Viper, who has slipped under the radar of many people.
A dual-purpose performer - he actually started under National Hunt Rules – he fits the profile for this race and should stay the trip, unlike many.
Main Aim can bounce back to winning ways in the Victor Chandler Challenge Stakes on his return to seven furlongs, while Akmal should not be deserted in the Jockey Club Cup.
Crystal Capella should also take some beating in the Pride Stakes.
Kempton’s opening jumps fixture of the season tomorrow is showcased by the Listed williamhill.com - Casino Bonuses Novices’ Hurdle, which could go the way of Australia Day.
Paul Webber’s charge was a close second in a Ludlow handicap hurdle this time last year that has worked out well.
He has since acquitted himself impressively on the level, as well as getting off the mark over timber with a 34- length stroll at Worcester.
His most recent effort, when chasing home course specialist Record Breaker at Ascot off a Flat mark of 96 last month, shows he is in the form of his life.
Australia Day may lack experience over hurdles, but he seems to be progressing at a rate of knots.
This looks an ideal opportunity for the six-year-old.
Howard Johnson has his string firing on all cylinders and he has a couple of live candidates at the Sunbury venue, including Red Moloney in the 0800 444 044 (Bonus 25) For Sign Up Offer Hurdle.
The five-year-old looked a star in the making when reeling off three effortless wins at Musselburgh, and was far from disgraced in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
Aintree may have proved a race too far for the improving gelding so freshened up after a break, he must be one to consider – with the configuration of the track likely to suit.
■ Jamie Poulton hopes his long search for a jockey for Sweetheart has a happy ending when Davy Moran teams up with the mare in the totesport.
com Cesarewitch at Newmarket today.
With both Neil Callan and Liam Jones unavailable, Poulton asked Kevin Manning to ride.
‘‘Kevin Manning said he couldn’t do the weight but said Bolger’s second jockey could, so we got him,’’ said Poulton.
‘‘I phoned a couple of friends in Ireland and they said he was a very good rider.’’
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