Minstrel aiming for Ces gold

John Ryan has high hopes of a big run from Ocean’s Minstrel in the totesport.com Cesarewitch at Newmarket tomorrow.

The local trainer has booked top apprentice Martin Lane for the ride on the four-year-old, who shaped well when third in a dress rehearsal for the marathon handicap last month.

“He’s very been very well coming out of that trial. We freshened him up after that and he seems in good order,” said Ryan.

“Martin Lane has sat on him in a piece of work and we are hoping everything goes to plan, but there are 32 runners and a lot will be thinking the same thing.

“His draw (17) is perfect for me. He’s a hold-up horse, so I’d rather be there than inside or out and the ground should be perfect.”

Brian Meehan believes last year’s seventh Aaim To Prosper has “each-way” prospects.

“He’s very tough and a reliable stayer who showed up well in this a year ago before fading late on into seventh. Each-way hopes,” the trainer told his website, www.brianmeehanatmanton.com.