Exceedingly Bold did 'tremendous piece of work'.

2.05 Newbury Totesport 0800 221 221 Stakes 7f G3 C4/RUK Card page 3Key stat Jim Crowley and David Simcock are 5-16 (31%) when teaming up this season for a profit of pounds 5.88. Crowley rides Dubawi Phantom for SimcockWhat they say Charlie McBride, trainer of Audacity Of Hope "He's in good form but he's had a hard season, so I hope it's not one race too many. If they get overnight rain he probably won't run, as he's a good-to-firm horse." Saeed Bin Suroor, trainer of Burnett "He is working well, in good condition, and ready."

Richard Hannon, trainer of Cadley Road, Carnaby Street and Red Badge "Cadley Road is the highest rated - and Richard Hughes's pick, understandably - and should be right in the thick of things. Red Badge is worst rated of ours but I can see him running a big race, too. Carnaby Street is trying the trip for the first time and he looks to be getting better and better."

Tom Dascombe, trainer of Classic Colori "This wasn't the plan, as he had a bad scope a couple of weeks ago before a conditions race at Ascot. He was in the nursery at Doncaster but giving upwards of 5lb all round, so I hope to see him run a nice race, although he's going to be a nicer three-year-old." Charlie Hills, assistant to his father Barry, trainer of Critical Moment "He did well to win his Newbury maiden and we are very happy with him." David Simcock, trainer of Dubawi Phantom "Things didn't pan out for him at Ascot last time, when he did too much early on. We've left the blinkers off, but the ground would be a concern if it rains."

Gay Kelleway, trainer of Exceedingly Bold "He did a tremendous piece of work this week and is in good form. He should go on the ground, although it won't be ideal for him."

Hughie Morrison, trainer of Pastoral Player "I was surprised he didn't go into the stalls last time, as there is nothing malicious about him - he just needs to grow up. We could have done without the rain on Thursday and, with more forecast, it could be a real test, but he will run unless it gets very soft." Bruce Raymond, racing manager to Jaber Abdullah, owner of Pleasant Day "He's a much improved horse since the blinkers were put on. It's a bit ambitious for what he's done, but he's heading in the right direction, looks great and is working well."

MICK CHANNON, who won this race in 2003 with Imperial Dancer, runs a similar sort in Halicarnassus today, writes Bruce Jackson.

With career earnings of more than pounds 500,000 each, both can be labelled globetrotting stars, with Imperial Dancer having bragging rights after landing a Group 1 in Italy following humble beginnings.

Halicarnassus was far from disgraced when fourth to Schiaparelli in a Group 1 in that country six days ago, having started his year in Dubai and taken in Turkey, where his Group 2 Bosphorus Cup win saddles him with a 6lb penalty here.

Three-year-olds have a good record in this race, with seven wins in the last ten years, and Gordon Stakes winner Harbinger heads a quartet this time.

Clowance was declared a non-runner yesterday, as she heads for the Group 1 Prix Royal-Oak at Longchamp tomorrow.What they say Sue Harding, racing secretary to Mick Channon, trainer of Halicarnassus "He's come back great from Italy. If the ground went very soft, there might be a rethink." William Knight, trainer of Illustrious Blue "This will be his last run of the year but he still seems in good form. It is a competitive race but the ground is in his favour."

Roger Varian, assistant to Michael Jarvis, trainer of All The Aces "He ran back a bit quick in the Irish St Leger. He only ran a week before in the September Stakes and was a bit flat in Ireland. He's had a break and is fresh and well." Mark Johnston, trainer of Drill Sergeant "On paper he has to do a personal best to win this race. He was in at Newmarket and bypassed that in the hope some rain would come. He handles any ground but is better on soft.

I think there'll be give in the ground for him to do a personal best."

Alan Swinbank, trainer of Merchant Of Dubai "He's a decent handicapper and it's the owner's choice to come here as I think there could be easier races for him, but there is a decent pot on offer."

s

Charlie Hills, assistant to his father Barry, trainer of Tastahil and High Heeled "We've been very patient waiting for the rain with Tastahil, who is in great nick, and High Heeled will appreciate the cut in the ground. She's a very tough filly who still looks tremendous." Harry Herbert, managing director of Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, owners of Harbinger "It's hard to know what to expect after his horror show in the Great Voltigeur. Something happened at York and it might be that his tongue got over the bit, but he stopped so fast. He's running in a cross-noseband and tongue-tie today."

Saeed Bin Suroor, trainer of Chock A Block "He won his first race for us last time and came back from that very well. He's in good form and the distance is no problem for him."

Richard Hannon, trainer of Heliodor "He is just as good on turf and has run some super races in top company. It's tough for three-year-olds but they have a good record in this race."

2.35 Newbury Totesport.com St Simon Stakes 1m4f G3 C4/RUK Card page 3Key stat Saeed Bin Suroor is 4-11 (36%) in Group/Listed races at Newbury this season, for a pounds 28.60 level stakes profit. He runs Chock A Block

CAPTION(S):

Halicarnassus: "has come back great from Italy"