The Bear to ramble home

RAMBLING BEAR, conqueror of last year's Prix de l'Abbaye winner Hever Golf Rose at Glorious Goodwood, can continue his highly successful summer by lifting today's Listed Portland Place Properties Hopeful Stakes at Newmarket.

Rambling Bear began his season in fine form, winning a minor event at Newbury and a Listed race at Lingfield in June.

His attempt for a hat trick saw him pitched into Group Three company for the Cork And Orrery Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Starting the 6 to 1 third favourite, he found the occasion a bit too much for him, getting worked up before the race and finishing 14th of the 17 runners.

But it was on his most recent start that he put up his best effort, lifting the Group Three King George Stakes over five furlongs at Goodwood.

Today's race is over another furlong, but Rambling Bear is as effective at six as at the minimum trip, and clearly finds fast ground no inconvenience.

Cochrane is back in the saddle, and the combination is taken to net the £11,859 first prize.

Terry Mills' modest self appraisal as a London bin man should not mask the fact that he is very capable trainer of racehorses.

And the Epsom handler can take the Saxham Nursery Handicap with top weight Blue River.

The River Falls colt has to carry 9st 7lb for winning a maiden over course and distance earlier in the month, keeping on strongly to beat Elriyadh by three quarters of a length.

But with just three runs under his belt, Blue River is entitled to continue improving.

The Breheny Handicap over an extended mile and six furlongs can go to the consistent Tudor Island, the mount of Frankie Dettori.

At Sandown, State Approval can complete a hat trick in the Surrey Racing Handicap.

. Richard Hills was hit with a four day ban (September 2nd-4th) for irresponsible riding after his mount, Wardara, was disqualified after winning the opener at Yarmouth yesterday.