Cambridgeshire (Friday evening update)

Well, I was going to consider backing another horse in the Cambridgeshire as back-up to the Prince after the final declarations, but I'm happy with my bet on its own. I've also had a highly busy day on the racing desk at the Guardian what with the Longchamp cards thrown in, so I'm giving any studying a miss!

The Prince looks to have conditions to suit - as long as there isn't too much rain that's expected to hit Newmarket on Saturday - along with a handy draw that gives Spencer options. I just hope he doesn't overdo the waiting tactics and leave me doing a 'Joe Kinnear'!

I'm off to Costco early on Saturday morning with my wife to meet friends for some shopping where I might spot some more ante-post value goods for Christmas. Then Ikea for some drawyers for the nursery, which I have to assemble in time to watch the Cambridgeshire round my in-laws. The result of that could be a big factor in whether I'll be treating everyone to dinner - sausage in batter or sirloin steak...we'll see!


(From Thursday)
Prince Kalamoun makes the cut and has stall 19.
Here are some quotes from Swinbank we received at the Guardian couretsy of the press association on Thursday lunchtime (can't say I agree with his draw comments though - Formal Decree won it from 17):

Alan Swinbank is looking to Prince Kalamoun to provide him with a second totesport.com Cambridgeshire victory in three years at Newmarket on Saturday.
Formal Decree gave the North Yorkshire trainer his biggest win in this country when Jamie Spencer partnered the improving three-year-old to victory in 2006.
He then went on to prove himself as a Group performer in Dubai after being bought by Godolphin and Prince Kalamoun has a similarly progressive profile at the same stage of his career.
"He's certainly improving, just like Formal Decree was," said Swinbank.
"Saying that, this will be the toughest race of his career by far. We've booked a top jockey but we've not got a very good draw (19).
"He's really well in himself and he's shown a very good attitude for racing.
"He's certainly working as well as Formal Decree did before he won the race and he'd love the firm ground whereas some of the others will not.
"Of the others I'd say Sir Mark's (Master Of Arts) looks the pick."
Prince Kalamoun will face a maximum 34 rivals in the annual cavalry charge in which all the leading fancies stood their ground.
Smokey Oakey heads the weights on 9st 10lb followed by last year' runner-up Docofthebay.
Ante-post favourite Swop has been handed stall two with Yaddree in stall 22 and Premio Loco in stall 18.