FRENCH STAR SMOKY HILL BIDS TO END 67-YEAR DROUGHT IN BETFRED CESAREWITCH

Smoky Hill is "definitely well handicapped” according to his trainer, Mikel Delzangles, as he bids to become the first French winner of the Betfred Cesarewitch Handicap since Monsieur l’Amiral in 1946 at Newmarket’s Rowley Mile Racecourse this Saturday October 12th. Run over a stamina-sapping two and a quarter miles, the Betfred Cesarewitch is, with its total prize fund of £250,000, the joint-richest handicap in Europe. It is one of the highlights of Dubai Future Champions Day along with the Group 1 Dubai Dewhurst Stakes and Group 1 vision.ae Middle Park Stakes. Tiger Cliff, who has already lifted Europe’s other £250,000 handicap, the Betfred Ebor, headed the list of 43 horses still engaged following Monday’s penultimate entry stage. He will have to carry 9st 10lb while Smoky Hill gets in on the 8st 11lb mark. Delzangles, who enjoyed his first big overseas success on the Rowley Mile three years ago when Makfi landed the 2000 Guineas, said: "Smoky Hill is definitely well handicapped off a mark of 90 given that he ran so well when fourth in a Group 3 last time out after the weights came out. "We nearly ran him in the [Group 1] Prix du Cadran but this race is worth more and we can always go for the Cadran next year. With over 30 runners he is going to need some luck but it is always great to race in England. "The distance will suit him as, rather surprisingly given that his dam, Danasakya, was placed in the Cheveley Park Stakes, he is a very strong stayer." Delzangles knows what it takes to win the Cesarewitch. Just a month after he began working for trainer Jimmy Fitzgerald as a 19-year-old, that yard sent out Trainglot to win the 1990 renewal of a race that was first run in 1839. Like Trainglot, Smoky Hill is owned by the Marquesa de Moratalla, Delangles’ godmother. "I remember Trainglot winning the Cesarewitch very well,” Delzangles said. "It is difficult to compare him with Smoky Hill but what I can say is that Smoky Hill is an easier ride – Trainglot could be quite tricky.” On the issue of ground, Delzangles added: "It would be better if we got a drop of rain. But Smoky Hill will still run whatever the ground.” The Chantilly-based trainer may be reassured to hear that the likelihood is for some rain to arrive in Newmarket later in the week. Michael Prosser, head of racing for the East region for the Jockey Club, said on Monday:  "The going is currently good to firm and the forecast is for it to remain mainly dry through until Thursday. Then it is expected to become cooler with rain overnight Thursday and into Friday. There is some uncertainty about volume. "For the entire home straight, we have specifically saved - for Dubai Future Champions Day - a 20-metre strip on the stands’ side that has not been raced upon since May. It is in extremely good condition.” Prosser is very excited about this year's stellar card and pointed out just how good the 2012 meeting proved to be in identifying top-class performers. He said: "The day is all about showcasing the stars of the future. Let’s not forget at the same meeting 12 months ago Dawn Approach, Just The Judge and Trading Leather were successful and all three went on to win Classics in 2013. "We are very pleased with the quality and quantity of entries at the five-day stage and the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes once again looks as if it will be Europe ’s defining two-year-old race of the season.” About the Dubai Future Champions Day The best two-year-old raceday in the world, Dubai Future Champions Day is the glittering highlight of Newmarket's autumn season and boasts prizemoney of more than £1 million. Six Group races, including two Group 1s, plus one of the season's great handicaps, the Betfred Cesarewitch, will light up an afternoon of racing to remember on Saturday October 12th. Advance tickets are available now at the discounted rate of £20.70 for the Grandstand& Paddock and £36 for Premier, with bigger discounts for bookings of 10 or more tickets and free entry for all accompanied children under the age of 18. To book, visit www.newmarketracecourses.co.uk or call 0844 579 3010. For further information please contact: Michael Prosser, head of racing, East region for the Jockey Club, 07802 844 578 or Tony Rushmer, racing PR manager, Newmarket Racecourses, 07702 579 382