Racing: Tenby parades his Classic credentials

A VICTORY on Tenby which confirmed Henry Cecil's colt as the brightest Classic prospect seen this season was the highlight of a Pat Eddery treble at Newbury yesterday - a day when he was able to chisel away Michael Roberts's lead in the jockeys' championship as the South African was again forced to rest his injured neck.

Tenby produced a stunning show of ability in the Washington Singer Stakes, dominating three rivals with the utmost ease and causing Ladbrokes to tighten his odds for the 2,000 Guineas from 16-1 to 14-1 and for the Derby from 25-1 to 16-1.

'It's a joke to make him favourite for the Guineas and Derby at this stage. There is such a long time to go,' was Cecil's response, which while accurate will have done little to dissuade those punters who believe they saw a display of genuine class.

'He still has a lot to learn, but is improving all the time,' Cecil added. He will discuss plans with the Caerleon colt's owner, Khalid Abdulla, but entries are held for the Royal Lodge Stakes and Racing Post Trophy.

Roberts was on the sidelines for the fourth successive day after injuring his neck and back in a gallops fall on Tuesday. 'The pain hasn't eased and the physio advised me to give it another day's rest,' Roberts said. 'I'm desperate to get back, but I've got to listen to her. I've got ice packs on my back and I'm taking painkillers. I want to sit on a horse in the morning and then, whatever happens, I'll be racing tomorrow.'