Racing: It's tough at the Top

TOP CEES, last year's runner-up, is facing "mission impossible" under 9st 3lb in the Tote Cesarewitch next month, according to his trainer Lynda Ramsden. The eight-year-old is on a mark 8lb higher than when he chased home Turnpole in the two-and-a-quarter mile Newmarket handicap last October.

"It's a lot of weight when you think that he will be coming up against some improving young horses," said Mrs Ramsden, who is handing in her licence at the end of the season.

"But it would be great to go out in a blaze of glory and I would love to win the Cesarewitch before I finish. Top Cees does keep surprising us, so who knows what he might do."

Ladbrokes disagree with Mrs Ramsden and make Top Cees 7-1 favourite. Top Cees can meet Turnpole 2lb better for last year's length and three- quarter beating.

TOTE CESAREWITCH HANDICAP (2m 2F)

Horse(Trainer, weight) Coral Wm Hill Ladbrokes Tote

Jaseur (J Gosden/9st1lb) 9-1 10-1 10-1 10-1

On Call (Sir M Prescott/8st10lb) 8-1 10-1 10-1 9-1

Top Cees (Mrs L Ramsden/9st3lb) 10-1 12-1 7-1 9-1

San Sebastian (M Grassick/9st) 16-1 12-1 12-1 16-1

Sandbaggedagain (M W Easterby/7st7lb) 14-1 16-1 14-1 12-1

Turnpole (Mrs M Reveley/8st3lb) 12-1 14-1 16-1 14-1

Cyrian (P Cole/8st 9lb) 20-1 20-1 20-1 16-1

Spirit Of Love (M Johnston/7st13lb) 20-1 16-1 16-1 20-1

Corniche (P Cole/8st3lb) 25-1 20-1 20-1 20-1

Dovedon Star (A Kelleway/8st 9lb) 25-1 25-1 14-1 25-1

Grimshaw (H Cecil/7st8lb) 16-1 25-1 20-1 20-1

High And Mighty (J Gosden/7st1lb) 20-1 20-1 20-1 25-1

Each-way, a quarter the odds, places 1, 2, 3, 4 (Newmarket, 17 October)