Racing: Octane's power stuns bookmakers

Bookmakers took a beating here yesterday as Octane landed a monumental gamble. The Mark Brisbourne-trained gelding, who had been 25-1 in the betting shops in the morning, opened on the course at 7-1 and was backed again at all rates down to 9-2.

Bookmakers took a beating here yesterday as Octane landed a monumental gamble. The Mark Brisbourne-trained gelding, who had been 25-1 in the betting shops in the morning, opened on the course at 7-1 and was backed again at all rates down to 9-2.

But after seeing Octane surge clear, Brisbourne denied all knowledge of the gamble. "Me and the owners were wondering where all the money has come from," he said. Octane, ridden by Martin Dwyer, had been off the track since being withdrawn when refusing to enter the stalls in last year's John Smith's Cup at York.

"This horse used to be with Henry Cecil," said Brisbourne, whose stables are near Shrewsbury.

"He only cost about 10,000 guineas, which is quite a lot for me. We had our best season ever in terms of prize money last year and things are looking good but it has taken me 12 years of hard graft with some moderate horses to get to where we are."

Destination uncertain

Dubai destination was taken out of the betting for the 2000 Guineas by Coral yesterday after the firm of bookmakers received reports that he was unlikely to run in the Classic.

The Godolphin colt had been a 9-2 second-favourite for the Guineas. Coral have trimmed Aidan O'Brien's Hawk Wing to 3-1 clear favourite, from 7-2.

Officials at Kelso will inspect the track at 2.30pm today following recent storms. The ground improved yesterday after a dry day but more rain was forecast last night.