Surrey make light work of Notts to close in on title

Surrey took another step towards winning the Specsavers County Championship as they thrashed Nottinghamshire at the Oval.

The Division One leaders won by an innings and 125 runs after dismissing Notts for 149 three overs after lunch on the third day.

Conor Mckerr returned figures of four for 26 in his seventh first-class match, while Morne Morkel took three for 39. Surrey’s eighth win of the season moves them closer to a first title since 2002.

Nearest challengers Somerset need eight wickets on the final day of their clash with Yorkshire to avoid falling further behind.

Tom Abell hit an unbeaten 132 as Somerset declared on 339 for seven at Headingley, setting Yorkshire a victory target of 419.

The White Rose lost openers Harry Brook and Adam Lyth before stumps as they ended the day eight for two.

Reigning champions Essex are in a dominant position against

Hampshire after three days, with the visitors following on and still 246 runs behind with eight wickets remaining.

Division Two leaders

Warwickshire are closing in on an instant return to the top tier after thrashing bottom club Glamorgan by an innings and 35 runs, Jeetan Patel taking seven wickets.

Middlesex kept themselves in the promotion race with a 55-run win against second-placed Sussex.

Too Darn Hot attempts to build on the positive impression he created on his debut when he returns to Sandown Park today for the 188Bet Solario Stakes (3.35).

John Gosden’s colt was made 16-1 second favourite for the 2019 Derby after winning by seven lengths at the track last month and has reportedly thrived since. He was well backed for next year’s 2,000 Guineas yesterday and is now a 12-1 chance for the colts’ Classic.

Owned by Lord Lloyd-webber, the son of Dubawi is a full-brother to high-class fillies So Mi Dar and Lah Ti Dar and steps up to Group Three level to contest a race won in 2017 by this year’s Derby winner Masar.

“He ran very well at Sandown first time out. It probably wasn’t the greatest maiden, but he couldn’t have won it much better and he has been in good form since,” said Gosden’s son, and assistant, Thady.

“He has always pleased us at home. He has got a great mind on him and you don’t have to ask him too many questions,” he added.

Kieren Fallon’s son Cieren had his first ride in a race at Thirsk yesterday and acquitted himself well, riding the William Haggas-trained 25-1 chance Rhigolter Rose into second place behind comfortable winner Face Like Thunder.