Davis set for Palomar mount

Fearghal Davis will bid to keep his unbeaten record on Palomar intact in the valuable totesport Trophy at Newbury on Saturday.

Nicky Richards’ young conditional jockey has won three from three on the improving six-year-old this season.

And as a result, connections are keen to keep him on board the Sir Robert Ogden-owned gelding in one of the most hotly-contested handicap hurdles of the season.

“The intention is to run, he hasn’t run since Kempton with this race in mind but it is a massive step up,” said Barry Simpson, Ogden’s racing manager.

“He started off at a very low mark initially and that is because he wasn’t very good.

“A lot of the credit for this horse must go to the jockey who has been able to switch him off and he will be riding him next Saturday.

“His riding style suits our horse and he has been a significant factor in finding the key to him.

“This has been the target for a long time but I think we need a dry week.

“If it was very testing ground I would have some doubt about him running.

“We have been forced down this route really because of the hike up in the weights and the race he won last time has not worked out.

“We’ve won three moderate races with a horse that has looked impressive but we know from his days on the Flat that he travels well but finds very little off the bridle.

“If he doesn’t run next week we will be looking at similar races and the Imperial Cup springs to mind.”

Palomar is currently 7-1 second-favourite with the sponsors for the totesport Trophy behind 5-1 jolly Five Dream.