London & The South team is getting prepared for the Windsor leg of the Racing League
Matt Chapman’s London & The South team is preparing with a full lineup for the Windsor leg of the Racing League. Currently, in third place with 374 points after three weeks of the six-week competition, Chapman's squad will feature two runners in strong form, having secured victories at Chepstow last week.
The East leads the standings with 434 points, though their advantage has been reduced by a smaller team of runners in the previous week. Wales & The West are closing in with 426.5 points.
Chapman noted that the team is significantly overachieving, particularly in comparison to Ireland's team of 49 trainers. He emphasised the importance of team spirit and a non-overbearing captain. Although winning the competition may still seem unlikely, the team remains determined to put in their best effort.
He also mentioned that a strong squad will be fielded this week, including key contenders such as Great Acclaim, Lieber Power, and God Of Fire, with two of these having secured victories at Chepstow last week. The supporting runners are also competitive, featuring notable performers from Goodwood like Chief Manikato and Racingbreaks Ryder. Additionally, Capote’s Dream is set to compete in the 7.30 pm race, aiming for a repeat win and looking well handicapped.
Last year’s feature £75,000 handicap was won by Richard Fahey’s Spirit Dancer, who subsequently enjoyed overseas success in the Bahrain International Trophy and Riyadh’s Neom Turf Cup. The runner-up, Tiffany, won the Group Three Hoppings Stakes at Newcastle in June and finished second in the Lancashire Oaks, while third-placed Tregony ended last season with a Listed win at Newmarket.
The East’s entry for the 10-furlong contest includes Roger Varian-trained Inspiritus, who has finished first or second in six of his last seven starts. He is joined by George Margarson’s Mythical Guest, a winner at Great Yarmouth and Newmarket this season.
Assistant team manager Charlie Fellowes expressed satisfaction with their position at the halfway point of the competition. He noted that being ahead after Chepstow would have been a notable achievement, considering the challenges of that week. Despite a disappointing turnout, he understood the reasons and refrained from criticising fellow trainers.
Fellowes also highlighted that the team is heading to Windsor with strong prospects and plenty of points to be earned. He identified Roger Varian as a key trainer for the week, with Nazron, Warren Hill, and Inspiritus all set to run. Fellowes is optimistic about their chances, noting that Varian reported Inspiritus had worked particularly well on Saturday.