Racing: Bearing on course to echo Weld's Vintage victory

Ten years after Vintage Crop memorably turned the Cesarewitch into a procession, Dermot Weld today saddles a runner in the marathon for the first time since.

The Curragh trainer was yesterday in an upbeat mood over his charge's prospects. "The last time I had a Cesarewitch runner was Vintage Crop, who won by 10 lengths. I'd better say that Direct Bearing is no Vintage Crop, but I am positive about his chance tomorrow."

Weld, who does not send forlorn hopes to British tracks, added: "He's in very good form having run a good second at 14 furlongs in a competitive race at Tralee. The extra distance tomorrow [18 furlongs] will suit him. I don't want to see any rain. Good, fast ground will be ideal."

Direct Bearing carries the colours of Dr Michael Smurfit, the owner of Vintage Crop, who went on to win the Melbourne Cup a year after his Newmarket victory. Coral bookmakers were due to offer 25-1 against Direct Bearing today, but made a late change to 16-1 last night.

n Kieren Fallon expects to be passed fit to ride at Newmarket today following an injury sustained there yesterday. Fallon banged his left arm on leaving the stalls on Hufflepuff in the Bentinck Stakes and missed the last two contests.