HOUSE PARTY SET TO ROCK

Raheen House can mark himself as a potential leading player in the staying division this term with victory on his seasonal bow at Ascot tomorrow.

The four-year-old steps up to two miles for the first time in the Longines Sagaro Stakes, but having won over 14 furlongs last term, it would not take much more to bridge that gap.

Winner of the Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket last July, when he beat the reopposing Desert Skyline off level weights, trainer Brian Meehan then opted to take a break before going all-in for Classic glory in the St Leger at Doncaster.

That plan did not quite pay off as he could finish only seventh in what was a strong renewal of the race and while the ease in the ground could have been a negative factor, Raheen House subsequently blew that theory out of the water when winning on good to soft going on his penultimate start at Ascot.

His final outing of the year resulted in a solid second at Newbury, but he really was up against it that day as he conceded weight to the winner in a Group Three over an inadequate 12-furlong trip.

While two miles is a question mark, there is stamina in his pedigree and Jamie Spencer is renowned for delivering his mounts with a late challenge - a tactic which could pay dividends.

Abel Handy rounded off last year with Group Three glory and can pick up where he left off in the Merriebelle Stable Pavilion Stakes.

He meets with old adversary Sound And Silence again and with the scores currently standing at one all, Abel Handy can take the advantage.