Ante-post favourite First Mohican heads a maximum field of 23 for the Betfred November Handicap at Doncaster on Saturday.

The Sir Henry Cecil-trained four-year-old puts his unbeaten record on the line in the feature race on the final day of the Flat turf season. Once considered a Derby prospect after winning his only start as a juvenile in October 2010, the Tobougg gelding was then sidelined for almost two years until returning last month with wins at Redcar and Nottingham.

The weights are headed on 9st 10lb by Retrieve, one of three Godolphin-owned horses from Saeed bin Suroor's stable. Songcraft and Darley Sun complete their trio.

All the leading fancies have been declared, among them Nicholascopernicus, Blue Surf, Communicator and Kirthill.

Of the original top 23 in the handicap, only Licence To Till, Noble Alan and Cubanita were withdrawn at the final declaration stage. Their absence has allowed Party Line, Hanoverian Baron and Bollin Greta to make the field.

Ed Walker is looking forward to a big run from Nicholascopernicus, who staked his claim with an emphatic victory at Goodwood four weeks ago.

"We're really happy with him. He's in good nick and he's come out of his Goodwood win well," the Newmarket trainer told At The Races.

"He's never been a flashy worker. He just does what he has to do and he had a gentle spin on Tuesday morning and we're very happy with him. I don't think the ground is going to be as testing as probably hoped.

"They are calling it good, good to soft in places. There's a little bit of rain forecast on Friday. I think it's down to two millimetres forecast which won't even touch the sides. He'll be fine on it. He just doesn't want any firm in the going description, which we won't get. He just seems to cope with really testing conditions better than others."

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests