Pendragon ‘unlikely’ to take Cesarewitch chance

Sir Mark Prescott’s wait for an elusive victory in the Cesarewitch looks set to continue after he revealed big-race favourite Pendragon is unlikely to take his chance in the Newmarket marathon.

As short as 4-1 at one point for the prestigious handicap on October 11, all three victories in the three-year-old’s nine-race career have come this season, as the Heath House master has overseen a remarkable rise through the ranks.

Having begun the season rated 69, Pendragon is now at a mark of 109 following his honourable second in the Doncaster Cup, with his fine performance behind Sweet William leaving Pendragon 12lb well-in for the Cesarewitch.

However, only fast ground on the Rowley Mile will see connections deviate from a plan to run abroad early next year.

Prescott said: “He’s unlikely to run in the Cesarewitch and I left him in at this stage in case the ground came quick but that is the only reason he would run.

“It’s our intention to turn him out and then send him off on his travels and head for the race in Saudi Arabia (Red Sea Turf Handicap, Riyadh, February 14) but I will just wait until I see the conditions for the Cesarewitch first.

“It was a good run at Doncaster and I don’t like going up 12lb in one hit, but the fact he did go up 12lb for it tells you it was a good performance, it was just a shame not to win.

“His owners are not getting any younger and have had quite a few offers for the horse, but they have taken the view they would like to enjoy him to the full.”