Cesarewitch Handicap at Newmarket (this Saturday)

Since the weights were published for Saturday's Cesarewitch Handicap at Newmarket (3.45), the money has continued to pour onto the Nicky Henderson-trained Afrad, who looks sure to go well under Kieren Fallon. However, at odds of around 6-1, he looks way too short in a race of this nature and, despite the fact that Odiham has cost me a couple of quid on more than one occasion this season, I reckon that Hughie Morrison's charge is well worth another chance in the Cesarwitch Handicap for which he is generally a 10-1 chance at the time of writing. Newmarket's Rowley Mile is a galloping track and has a long straight, which I strongly believe will play to Odiham's strengths, as will the stamina sapping 18-furlong trip. He's only won twice in his 15-race career, but has posted countless solid efforts in top-class handicaps. Take last time out at Doncaster for example, the son of Deploy became outpaced half-a-mile from home when the tempo increased in the Listed Handicap won by Sendintank, but stayed on well when finding his stride and, despite being hampered close home, managed to finish fifth, coming home under four lengths behind the winner. Considering that the 14-furlong trip was way too sharp for him that was a sterling effort. Over this four furlong farther trip - a 7lb pull at the weights notwithstanding - Odiham should have little trouble in reversing the placings with Sendintank this time. Admittedly, his two efforts prior to that race at Town Moor - including when eighth in the Ebor - were not so good. But, again, those races were not run on suitable tracks and provided insufficient tests of stamina. His excellent effort in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle in June, where he stayed on to finish three lengths fifth to Sergeant Cecil, is another piece of form that gives him solid claims. That was run over two miles and, on my interpretation of the race, Odiham would have prevailed if there were the extra two furlongs to travel that he will have on Saturday. In addition, the selection will be meeting Sergeant Cecil on 12lb better terms.For his part, Sergeant Cecil has been a revelation this season, winning both the Northumberland Plate and the Ebor, before finishing a cracking second to the classy stayer Millenary in the Group Two Doncaster Cup last time out. Despite his weight, and the fact that he's had a tough season, it's hard to envisage him not reaching the frame, as he is a much-improved performer and is nothing if not consistent. Afrad landed the two-mile, five-furlong Goodwood Stakes off a 5lb lower mark in July, and he has been trained for this race ever since. His trainer Nicky Henderson won this in 2003 with Landing Light, so knows what it takes to prepare a horse for this event. As such, Afrad merits considerable respect. However, both races he has won on the level this season have been weak compared to the competition he will face on Saturday, so I'd be in no rush to back him at around the 6-1 mark.Land 'n Stars shocked just about everyone apart from his trainer Jamie Poulton when landing a two-mile Listed race on this course last time, belying odds of 50-1. The five-year-old was a creditable sixth behind Contact Dancer in this last year, despite not being too enamoured by the good to soft going that day. With his stamina proven, a bold show would not surprise.There are plenty of others with chances. The Sir Mark Prescott-trained duo, Cordial and Elusive Dream, have definite claims, particularly the latter, while Baddam is not without a shout off a feather weight, despite the fact that three-year-olds have a poor record in the race.One that makes each-way appeal too is King Revo, for whom Philip Robinson is an eyecatching jockey booking.Betting verdict: 1pt e/w Odiham @ 10/1 (VCBet)