LOCAL trainers aren’t having many runners at the moment, but David Evans is keeping the flag flying and he has been making long-range entries for some of his horses.

Sea Fox, who won at Kempton a fortnight ago, is entered in the Lincoln on 24 March. So many higher-rated horses have been entered that it’s odds against him getting a run. But if he can build on that recent win and get closer to the form of his third place in a Group 2 as a two-year-old, or when he finished just nine lengths behind Barney Roy in the Greenham Stakes – which was less than twelve months ago – there could be a good handicap in him.

Evans is renowned for doing well with speedy, inexpensive two-year-olds. Three of his more costly juveniles are in the ownership of Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, whose “two shades of green” colours are carried by numerous classy National Hunt horses.

These youngsters have been entered for a valuable sales race at York’s Ebor meeting in August. Whether they make it there or not, Temple Of Wonder (who cost £44,000), Disruptor (£52,000) and Awake In Asia (£65,000) will be worth watching out for when they make their debuts.

Cherubic was the stable’s most recent winner, at Southwell last Tuesday. The grey three-year-old filly was making her debut for the yard after a disappointing juvenile career in which she beat only four rivals in five races and was rated a lowly 51. The previous owners, having paid 85,000 euros for her as a yearling, decided to cut their losses and let Cherubic go for 10,000 guineas.

Richard Kent, who runs the Mickley Stud in North Shropshire, bought her. He sent her to Evans, who has trained quite a few winners for him, including the intriguingly-named Pastamakesufaster. The Evans magic certainly made his new filly faster, for she won her first start for the yard by seven lengths, making all the running. The starting price of 25/1 suggests this was a surprise.

The prize money of just over £3,000 is secondary to the fact that the filly’s value as a future broodmare has been greatly enhanced by having won a race.

Racing fans will be tuning in to the Ascot Chase this Saturday hoping that the much-loved Cue Card can win the race for the third time. He’s twelve years old now and a lacklustre autumn campaign fuelled fears that he’s not the horse he was. The Tizzard stable is in much better form now, but another poor display will hasten his retirement.

Chepstow’s Winter Ladies Day meeting on Saturday 24th could be the excuse for a belated Valentine’s treat.

As well as the racing there will be Best Dressed Lady, Best Dressed Man, Best Dressed Couple and Best Vintage Outfit competitions, plus a fashion show.

Racegoers will also be able to watch the Six Nations games between Ireland v Wales (starting at 2.15) and Scotland v England (a 4.45 start) on TV screens around the course during and after racing.