Syrian Pearl bids for back-to-back wins in unique contest

Michael Bell has really got into the grey theme at Newmarket on Saturday, and although his intended first runner in the Grey Horse Handicap is a non runner, the unique contest will be preceded by another, in which his own hack Miller – a grey – takes part in a pre-race show.

The local trainer is hoping Miller kicks off a good day for his team in the trainers' hacks show but will have to take a watching brief in the Randox Health Grey Horse Handicap, a unique contest restricted to greys and in its 15th year.

Chris Wall is not represented in the hacks' show but is the trainer behind Syrian Pearl, who bids to become the first winner of the Grey Horse Handicap in successive years.

Wall said: "Syrian Pearl was on a roll before winning it last year but it's difficult to say she's in the same form for it this year, although she did run a bit better last time."

Dean Ivory fields three-year-old Cappananty Con, who returned to winning ways on the all-weather at Wolverhampton last time.

Ivory said: "His best form is on the all-weather, but I do expect him to run a big race. He's still a young horse and there's more to come."

Hack attack

Before the sea of grey – at 12.45pm in the parade ring to be precise – comes the trainers' hacks' class, which will be judged by Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony.

The free-to-enter class for as important a bunch of horses as there is in Newmarket, will include two elements, one ridden and another in-hand.

The hacks, who come in all shapes and sizes, will be partnered with either their trainer or a member of the yard’s team. All riders taking part will have to adhere to standard showing dress code, including a jacket, tie or stock, and also light-coloured breeches.

Mahony said: “The hacks' class will be a fantastic addition to racing and I'm very much looking forward to seeing the line up.

"Both aspects of the class are equally important and will offer me the best opportunity to select the champion."