TIME TO LIBERATE

LIBERATE is a confident selection to take the Cesarewitch on Newmarket’s star-studded Champion’s Day which marks the Flat’s last big hurrah next weekend.

Philip Hobbs, who sent out Detroit City to win the race in 2006 and saddled Fair Along to finish third 12 months ago, reports Liberate ‘in very good form’ and the 16-1 chance looks a good each-way bet.

Liberate has not run since a well-backed third in the Ascot Stakes, the season’s big 2½-mile handicap, at the Royal Meeting in June. I put him up for that race as well but things did not pan out right.

They did not go off at the usual death-or-glory gallop and Jamie Spencer felt he was forced to kick into the lead a bit earlier than was ideal.

Liberate was beaten in a finish in which a well-aimed handkerchief would have covered the first four home.

The Ces has become a jump trainers’ benefit in recent years. In addition to Hobbs’ win, the Pipe yard has taken it twice with Nicky Henderson weighing in as well.

With more than 30 runners, the event favours the sort of boot-tough thorough stayers who have honed their skills in the hurly-burly of hurdling.

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Given that Liberate was heavily supported at Ascot, he is bound to contract to single figures, particularly when punters factor in Philip’s recent record in the race. Take the 16s and 14-1 now.

The Champion Stakes in the main Group One of the day and the sometimes soulless Rowley Mile course will explode if the vastly popular Henry Cecil can land the big one with either Phoenix Tower or Twice Over.

Cecil, still battling cancer, has a major chance.

Phoenix Tower has been second in his last four runs and, arguably, his most recent effort was his best yet in the Juddmonte International.

There could be no more fitting climax to the Newmarket year than a big win for the local hero. Both horse and trainer deserve it.

Read Alastair Down every week in the Racing Post