Racing: Captain in his element

ILL-PREPARED runners on the sticky going at Ascot today are likely to disappear faster than a republican in the Royal Enclosure. Rain affects the ground at the Berkshire course like few others, and the gatemen could benefit punters (for a change) by excluding any entries with doubtful stamina.

CAPTAIN DOLFORD (nap 2.30) struggled to get a run in a big field at Nottingham last time, but previously won by 15 lengths at Chepstow in conditions similar to today's. Dubacilla's improvement should continue in the next, while One Man (3.35) can repel the challenge of Mudahim.