Limekilns still hub of activity as Persuasive limbers up for Saturday

PersuasiveJohn Gosden
It is unusual for the Limekilns still to be in use in October but Gosden was not complaining when sending most of his big guns up the long gallop, including Sun Chariot Stakes contender Persuasive. The grey, who was just visible in the early-morning gloom, is bidding to give the trainer his second win in the mile contest, 26 years after his first with Ristna.

Melting DewSir Michael Stoute
It was the last work morning of the year for Michael Holding, who will shortly be swapping big coats and gloves for shorts and flip-flops at his home in Florida. There was plenty for the cricketing legend to see on his farewell tour, including this improving three-year-old, who lit up the round gallop and heads for the valuable Old Rowley Cup at Newmarket on Friday week.

Revived Michael Bell
Owner Steve Parkin was shod more for the sales than the gallops, but was on hand with his bloodstock adviser Jo Foley to see this youngster put her best foot forward on Racecourse Side. The daughter of Dark Angel had one black-type mission aborted at Ayr last month and has the Listed Bosra Sham Stakes at Newmarket on November 3 as a plan B.

Mix And Mingle Chris Wall
Wall's star filly has not had much luck with the ground since scoring in Group 3 company at Lingfield in the spring but appreciated the quick surface of the Limekilns short gallop on Tuesday. The four-year-old will head for the Group 2 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards Challenge Stakes at Newmarket on Friday week, a race that used to open the old Champions Day card.

Great Work!

Cape ByronRoger Varian
Just hours before bagging the highest-priced lot of the first day of the Tattersalls October Sales, Varian sent some of his weekend runners up the trial ground on the Limekilns on Tuesday, with this one-time Classic hope leading the charge. An impressive winner on his belated return to action at Ascot last month, the chestnut is booked for the Listed Prix du Fabuleux at Chantilly on Saturday.

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