Racing: Magnier and Tabor tryTriple whammy

SUE MAGNIER and Michael Tabor could spoil the party on both sides of the Atlantic today. Not only are their King Of Kings, Second Empire and Saratoga Springs the main obstacles to an emotional win for Walter Swinburn on Greek Dance or a historic one for the filly Cape Verdi in the Derby, but the owners could also throw a spanner in the works in New York where Real Quiet attempts to become the first horse in 20 years to complete the US Triple Crown by lifting the Belmont Stakes.

The Tabor/Magnier colours will be carried by the Illinois Derby winner Yarrow Brae, who could give D Wayne Lukas a fourth win in the race in five years after Tabasco Cat (1994), Thunder Gulch (1995) and Editor's Note (1996).

"Real Quiet is the one to beat but he's no cinch because that is an elusive crown," Lukas said. "This is a big step up for us but Yarrow Brae has got the pedigree and the combination of great tactical speed and the ability to stay. The Belmont catches this type of horse that is improving - he fits the mold and maybe we can catch a break."

Real Quiet is described as "98 per cent certain" to win by his jockey, Kent Desormeaux. Bob Baffert, his trainer, came within a whisker of winning the Triple Crown last year with Silver Charm, who won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes and finished second in the Belmont.

The weekend's other Classic, tomorrow's Prix de Diane (French Oaks) at Chantilly, will be an all-French affair with the Aga Khan's Zainta the short-priced favourite. John Dunlop's Taipan and Paul Cole's Yorkshire are among nine acceptors for the Grand Prix de Chantilly on the same card.