Newmarket stages the second leg of the Autumn Double on Saturday 12th October when the 2013 edition of the Cesarewitch Handicap takes centre stage in a high quality one day card, which also features six group races.

As ever, a competitive field will line-up for the class two graded 2m 2f handicap.

Tiger Cliff and Domination are disputing favouritism for the race, with the former set to shoulder a weight of 9st 101b in ground conditions which may soften by the weekend. Trained locally by Lady Cecil, Tiger Cliff is priced at 7/1 by Coral and won his latest start over 1m 6f at York during August. He acts on most surfaces and is a reasonably fresh horse after a light campaign.

Domination is available at 7/1 with Betvictor and won the Cesarewitch trial last season but is escaping a penalty for this year’s renewal by being campaigned over hurdles at Cork in his two previous races. However he does tend to favour a sound surface with the majority of his best performances reserved for good to firm conditions.

Nicky Henderson is expected to saddle Lieutenant Miller for the race with Ryan Moore booked to ride the seven year old gelding. With an ability to handle any going, he may just lack the necessary speed to win a quality grade two handicap despite a modest weight of 8st 11lb, but he can be backed at 10/1 with Ladbrokes.

Of more interest is the Sir Mark Prescott trained Pallasator. The four year old will appreciate any significant rain and was third in his seasonal reappearance last month at Haydock when staying on in a 1m 6f handicap. He was unbeaten in three races during 2012, giving the impression that he is suited by a genuine test of stamina. William Hill are offering 11/1 for his chances.

Mark Johnston has once again engaged Cambridgeshire winning rider Johnny Murtagh for Oriental Fox who won the Cesarewitch trial last month after a disappointing season. That was Murtagh’s first booking aboard the five year old and he is priced at 12/1 with Paddy Power to claim a quick double for both jockey and horse.

Meanwhile, the progressive Yorkshire based trainer Philip Kirby saddles Platinum which is set to carry a four pound penalty for winning a class two event at Haydock last time. That was a significant increase in grade for a horse which has been campaigned on the Northern tracks throughout a busy season. He may be decent each value at 16/1 with Boylesports.

A horse with even better prospects of claiming a place may be Seaside Sizzler trained by Ralph Beckett. This dour consistent stayer is set to carry only 8st 8lb and has claimed a first four placing in each of his races this season onvarious going. He appreciates a test of stamina and will be staying on towards the end up the Newmarket hill with Sportingbet quoting him at 25/1.

Should the forecast rain arrive at Newmarket at the end of the week, any potential winner of the race will need real reserves of stamina.

Recommended Bets

10pts Pallasator to win – 11/1 at William Hill
5pts EW Seaside Sizzler – 25/1 at Sporting Bet
2pts EW Platinum – 16/1 at Boylesports