Sergeant at ease for Cesarewitch

Sergeant Cecil will bid to crown a magnificent season with victory in the totesport Cesarewitch at Newmarket on Saturday week.

Rod Millman’s six-year-old has already bagged two of the richest handicaps in the calendar, the Northumberland Plate and the Ebor.

The Devon-based trainer has now confirmed his stable star to be on course for the second leg of the autumn double, which carries a prize fund of £130,000 (€191,000).

Sergeant Cecil produced a personal best to finish second to Millenary in the Doncaster Cup on his last outing and the Cesarewitch could be the gelding’s last venture into handicap company.

“We gave him a bit of a break after Doncaster and we’re trying to get him to peak for the Cesarewitch,” Millman said.

“We did consider the Jockey Club Cup. He’s 4lb better off in the Cesarewitch than he would be in future handicaps but I think this could be his last handicap, all being well.

“He’s at his best on fast ground and we are just praying it doesn’t rain too much.

“This time of year you wouldn’t be giving your horse too many testing gallops.

“He had about 10 days rest after Doncaster and we’ve gradually brought him back. He’s had a couple of good bits of work this week and he’ll have his last serious bit on Saturday and then it would be a case of getting him there on the day.”

Sergeant Cecil has been ridden in his seven starts this season by Alan Munro.

The Cullompton handler added: “Alan has got a lot of faith in the horse. He’s been amazing but it has been a help having someone like Alan to ride him all the time, it has made all the difference.

“We’ve had a great time with Sergeant Cecil, he’s won the races we aimed at. The horse has improved with age but we never dreamt he’d be as good as this.

“We are looking forward with Cup races the plan next year.”

Sergeant Cecil is a top-priced 12-1 chance for the Cesarewitch.