Racing: Jackdaws eyes Ascot prizes

David Nicholson plans to field a strong team of runners at Ascot on Saturday. The trainer's Champion Hurdle hope Relkeel, so impressive at Sandown on his most recent start, is an intended runner in the Knights Royal Hurdle, while Hebridean, who ga ined asmooth success at Newbury, is set to contest the Long Walk Hurdle.

Martin's Lamp, a Cheltenham winner on his first start for the Nicholson stable, is due to contest the Noel Novices' Chase.

In Ascot's main event, the Betterware Cup, Jackdaws Castle is likely to be represented by Dubacilla. "She worked very well on Saturday morning. We don't know what happened to her in the Hennessy," Nicholson said yesterday. The mare was yesterday made an 11-2 chance by William Hill.

Raymylette, unbeaten over fences, is the 9-4 favourite, even though it will be the first time the gelding has tackled three miles. Nicky Henderson, his trainer, said: "We think the trip will suit him. He still has a long way to go before he is genuinely Gold Cup class, but has been impressive so far and has a nice way of doing things.''

BETTERWARE CUP (Ascot, Saturday) Latest odds (William Hill): 9-4 Raymylette, 5-2 with a run Lord Relic, 11-2 Dubacilla, Country Member, 6-1 Whispering Steel & Young Hustler, 14-1 Very Very Ordinary & Zeta's Lad, 16-1 Mr Boston, 25-1 Nevada Gold, 33-1 Cool Ground.