Fanshawe in warning to punters

James Fanshawe advised punters to hold their bets today as the gamble on Frizzante for Saturday's Tote Ayr Gold Cup continued to gather momentum.

The lightly-raced Efisio filly has thrived this season and followed her cosy wins in handicaps at Leicester and Doncaster by finishing an excellent fourth from a poor draw behind Patavellian in the Stewards' Cup at Glorious Goodwood.

Sustained support over the past week has forced Frizzante down to 6-1 favourite for Saturday's £100,000 showpiece with William Hill, but Fanshawe is anxious to see a break in the weather before the weekend.

"Jamie Spencer is booked to ride and she'll be declared at tomorrow's 48-hour stage, but she doesn't want the ground too quick. If the forecast rain doesn't arrive and it comes up firm we might have to think again," he said.

Fanshawe also had news of his stable star Soviet Song, who is pencilled in to renew rivalry with Sir Michael Stoute's 1,000 Guineas winner Russian Rhythm in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on Saturday week. "I saw Russian Rhythm working well on Newmarket Heath this morning. She's beaten us twice this season, but Soviet Song ran very well to finish fourth in the Prix du Moulin at Longchamp last time and, as she's come out of that race very well, the plan is to go to Ascot next," Fanshawe said.

Meanwhile, a crucial meeting in the Midlands on Sunday will decide whether Britain's jockeys continue to boycott meetings after the failure to reach agreement with the Jockey Club over restrictions on mobile phones.