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IN CASE punters did not have enough difficulties with betting on the Sabbath, a coincidence complicated matters. A previously unraced two-year-old named Averti was the most impressive winner of the day, strolling home by four lengths in the maiden race. Unfortunately, another juvenile with the same name but with the breeding suffix (USA) also made a successful debut just five days previously at Goodwood.

The situation occurs because there is no international cross- checking of the names registered for foals. Yesterday's winner, a colt by Warning trained by Willie Muir, was bred in Britain. Tuesday's winner, a filly by Warning's sire Known Fact trained by Henry Cecil, was bred in the United States.

Both are likely to be heading for the top juvenile contests and Muir, in particular, has great faith in his horse. 'He is the most exciting horse I have had,' the trainer said. 'He is in the 'Heinz 57' in Ireland next weekend but will probably miss it for an easier contest.'

A longer trip awaits Lucayan Treasure, who fetched a record for Lingfield of 21,800 guineas after easily landing the seller. He will now race in Kuwait.

The aftermath of the opening race was less edifying. Ben Zabeedy, the winner, was found to have wheal marks on him and his trainer, Reg Akehurst, was fined pounds 100 by the stewards for not warning the winning jockey, Graham McCourt, that the horse marked easily.

With no on-course betting, the major bookmakers assembled their own prices (shown below) based on betting made on Saturday in cash and through credit accounts yesterday. The Tote also returned dividends.