Nice One Clare is aimed at Ascot

Nice One Clare, a handicapper the bookmakers are wary of this summer, is likely to run in the Tote International Stakes on Saturday unless rain softens Ascot's going. A field of 36 were declared for the seven-furlong race at yesterday's five-day declaration stage.

Nice One Clare, a handicapper the bookmakers are wary of this summer, is likely to run in the Tote International Stakes on Saturday unless rain softens Ascot's going. A field of 36 were declared for the seven-furlong race at yesterday's five-day declaration stage.

Pip Payne's filly has run well on her three starts so far this season to earn a quote of 8-1 from the sponsors of the contest. The four-year-old has also been prominent in some lists for the Stewards' Cup at Goodwood the following weekend.

"As expected it is a very competitive contest for a £150,000 race," commented Payne. "I haven't spoken to the owner yet, which is the most important thing, but I would say Ascot is the favourite.

"If there is any change in the going in that it rains on top of a watered pitch we would go to Goodwood. It's doubtful she would run in both. She wants it on the fast side of good."

Tote International Stakes (latest odds, Tote): 4-1 Caribbean Monarch, 7-1 Tayseer, 8-1 Nice One Clare, 10-1 El Gran Papa, Persiano, Tillerman, 11-1 Speedfit Too, 16-1 Free Option, 20-1 bar.