HAVLIN’S BACK AND READY TO WIN AGAIN

ROBERT HAVLIN is an odds-on chance to end his 10-month absence from the saddle with victory when he returns to action at Lingfield today. The Scottish rider has been sidelined by a six-month suspension imposed by France Galop after he tested positive for a prohibited substance at Saint-Cloud in October 2016. He partners the strongly fancied Purser and Damocles for his boss John Gosden before heading to Chelmsford tonight to team up with Heather Lark. Havlin maintained his innocence and made several attempts to clear his name, but voluntarily stood himself down in January and was finally forced to serve the suspension which officially took effect on April 4. Havlin said: ‘Obviously it’s been frustrating. I’m glad now it’s finally behind me and I can get on to where we left off. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t angry. ‘You’ve got to put it behind you. I’ve spoken to plenty of people and you can’t be bitter.’ He told At The Races: ‘The first few months were frustrating, but you just had to deal with that. Let’s hope I can start banging some winners in.’ A WEALTH of equine talent remains on target for Britain’s richest race day at Ascot on October 21. The seventh QIPCO British Champions Day, which offers £4.3million in prize money, is attracting horses such as Harry Angel, Ribchester, Cracksman, and Big Orange with 35 Group One winners still entered at the latest forfeit stage.