Ranch Hand takes over Cesarewitch favouritism after strong support

After Kenyan runner Eliud Kipchoge became the first to run a sub two-hour marathon on Saturday morning, the attention switches to another long-distance contest at Newmarket in the afternoon with Ranch Hand the new favourite for the Emirates Cesarewitch Stakes (4.10).

The Andrew Balding-trained three-year-old has usurped ante-post favourite Buildmeupbuttercup at the head of the market after being backed into 9-2 (from 6).

The double-figure prices have all but gone on Mr Everest, with strong support forcing Tony Martin's raider into 9-1 (from 16).

All eyes will be on star juvenile Pinatubo as he bids to extends his unbeaten record to six in the Group 1 Darley Dewhurst Stakes (3.30).

William Buick's mount has received the backing of Frankie Dettori, who said on ITV Racing's The Opening Show: "I looked through the card and can't see anything giving Pinatubo a race."

The ground at Newmarket has been eased to soft (from good to soft) following 8mm of rain overnight with further light showers forecast throughout the day.

An overcast Newmarket on SaturdayCredit: Jonathan Harding

Newmarket clerk of the course Michael Prosser: "We had eight millimetres overnight with the majority falling in two hours after 5.45pm. We then had light rain until 3am and was then dry until 6am. It has been light rain this morning, around a millimetre and a half and then more light rain this afternoon.

"They will be on a nice fresh strip of ground but will get into it readily. I wouldn't be surprised if they start on the rail and move off."

The stalls are on the stands' side.

Chepstow's Silver Trophy fixture has been hit by a high number of non-runners, with 14 coming out by 11.30am all on account of the ground, which is described as soft, heavy in places down the back straight on the hurdle course.

The wet weather has also had an impact on Goodwood with Sunday's fixture subject to an 8am inspection on raceday morning.

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