Racing: Friendly favourite

USER FRIENDLY yesterday became the first horse to be a Classic favourite without even being in the race.

Clive Brittain's filly was installed as the 7-4 market leader with Ladbrokes even though her name is not among the entries. The bookmakers offer the proviso of 'with an entry' about User Friendly as she is likely to be added to the field at Saturday's supplementary stage, an introduction which will cost Bill Gredley, her owner, pounds 25,000.

Injury may cost Gredley's Newmarket neighbour Walter Swinburn a place in Saturday's Haydock Park Sprint Cup. Swinburn, who suffered concussion in an accident last week, may be replaced by Bruce Raymond on Sheikh Albadou if he fails to recover.

Alex Scott, the colt's trainer, said yesterday: 'I don't know if Walter will be fit to ride, but Bruce knows the horse well.'

ST LEGER (Doncaster, 12 September): Ladbrokes: 7-4 (with an entry) User Friendly, 3-1 Bonny Scot, 5-1 Sonus, 8-1 Assessor & Rain Rider, 10-1 Allegan, 16-1 Mack The Knife.