608 days: Nicholls hoping fragile Sametegal can make successful Wetherby return

Sametegal has not seen a racetrack for 608 days but he will at least be familiar with Wetherby, where he took the Listed juvenile hurdle on the corresponding fixture five years ago.

The winner of the 2016 Greatwood Gold Cup on his last appearance was an intended member of Paul Nicholls's Cheltenham Festival squad last year but suffered a tendon injury.

He returns fit for the Listed Bet365 Handicap Chase (2.35) in which he will face three other Graded-race winners in Royal Vacation, Zamdy Man and Guitar Pete, plus Indian Stream, who won the contest a year ago.

Nicholls said: "He hasn't run since he won at Newbury. He had recurring problems with his legs. He's always been a bit fragile but he's in very good form, soft ground is ideal and I'd say he's fairly straight.

"He's a pound higher than when he won at Newbury last time so if he comes back to form he'd have a good chance. He's as fit as we can get him at home. It's just a question when horses are off all that time whether they're as good as they were, but he's only eight."

Malaya bids to boost Chepstow form

Only four contest the Listed Arkle Finance Wensleydale Juvenile Hurdle (2.00) in which Nicholls, who won it last year with Cliffs Of Dover, runs the filly Malaya.

The winner of a Listed prize at Auteuil in May made her British debut at Chepstow last month, finishing eight lengths second to the well-backed Gumball.

"She ran well at Chepstow, where she just needed the run," said Nicholls. "We hadn't had her all that long and she'd been quite keen in France so we were eager to get a run into her so we could get the freshness out of her.

"She actually carried two penalties that day so didn't run too bad. She carries only one penalty and has a mares' allowance so is better in this time."

Winners flow from River Wylde race

On past results it can pay to follow the Kalahari King Beginners' Chase (2.45) at Uttoxeter in which River Wylde, third in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle in March, makes his chasing debut.

Two years ago it was won by Garde La Victoire and last year Charbel – who was leading Altior in the Racing Post Arkle when falling two out – beat Le Prezien and Top Notch, both subsequent Graded winners.

This year's race is similarly stocked with potential, with River Wylde meeting the lightly raced War Sound, winner of the Swinton Hurdle in 2015, and Hell's Kitchen, absent since running well on his chasing debut at Ascot a year ago.

River Wylde won the Dovecote at Kempton before chasing home Labaik at Cheltenham.

Trainer Nicky Henderson said: "We've another interesting race this time. Like last year I was delighted with Top Notch on the day and look what he went on to do, as did Charbel and Le Prezien. There were three good horses.

"Uttoxeter is a nice place to start. River Wylde has schooled well. He was a very good novice hurdler and we'll see what he can do in this."

Sham stakes under the microscope

Kieren Fallon has devoted a whole chapter to the 'Bosra Shambles' in his autobiography, which refers to the 1997 Eclipse Stakes in which he got boxed in on the brilliant filly.

The horse in question is remembered with the Irish Stallion Farms EBF 'Bosra Sham' Fillies' Stakes (1.45) at Newmarket, where Bosra Sham won the 1,000 Guineas and Champion Stakes.

She ran over six furlongs only once, on a winning debut, but that is the trip at which 10 fillies will vie for a share of black type.

Among them is Looks A Million, who will be having her fifth start in Listed company. She showed improved form to finish third over very soft ground at Chantilly last time but is up in distance and running on good to firm ground.

Trainer Joseph Tuite said: "She ran a very good race in France. We'd have preferred a bit more juice again this time but I'm very happy with her.

"I think the soft ground and five furlongs were key last time, but we're stepping up to six furlongs to see how she copes with that."

Storm brewing in Newmarket

Swiss Storm was being talked of as a 2,000 Guineas hope in the spring but the Frankel colt's first appearance on the Rowley Mile will be in the National Heritage Centre Anniversary Handicap (4.05) that closes Newmarket's card.

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