Spear could pierce leaders' plans

With just over three and a half weeks until the conclusion of the 2016 Qatar Racing 8 to Follow competition it remains tight at the top.

Dhgdale Family moved alongside leader David Jewers when Naval Warfare won at Ayr last week, but Jewers nudged ahead once more when Wayside Flower finished third at Gowran on Sunday. She picked up a precious 5pts for that placing by such margins hangs the winner's cheque for £10,000.

Getting past Jewers will not be easy, but the horse that could spike his guns is Lightning Spear (pictured right), who he overlooked when picking his leading stable. The David Simcock-trained Lightning Spear is, however, on the side of the second to fifth-placed yards, namely Dhgdale Family, Rob Middlemiss, Colin Dewynter and Simon Allen.

Lightning Spear won the Gr.2 Celebration Mile at Goodwood on his latest start, and is now on course for the Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, sponsored by QIPCO at Ascot on QIPCO British Champions day.

Middlemiss and Dewynter have another interesting card up their sleeve in the shape of Velveteen, who trainer Ger Lyons is hoping can win again before the season's end, while EmmaM, who sits in seventh place, has two very useful fillies in her stable. Opal Tiara and Mountain Bell both won last time out, and none of the competitors above EmmaM have either horse in their stables.

The competition ends on QIPCO British Champions day at Ascot on October 15 all profits are being given to the charity Racing Welfare.

You can see the latest positions by clicking on the 8 to Follow logo on the home page of this website, or by going to www.8tofollow.co.uk.