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Last Updated: Friday, 9 November 2007, 21:25 GMT
Sanders takes lead in title race

SANDERS v SPENCER
Seb Sanders and Jamie Spencer
Seb Sanders
Age: 36, Weight 8st 4lb
2007 Wins 188
Jamie Spencer
Age: 27, Weight 8st 6lb
Wins: 187
Seb Sanders is one win ahead of jockeys' title rival Jamie Spencer as the Flat racing championship battle heads towards its climax on Saturday.

Sanders regained the lead as he claimed a winner aboard Northern Boy at Wolverhampton on Friday night.

He went 189-188 ahead with victory on the 13-2 shot, less than half an hour after rival Jamie Spencer drew level.

Spencer scored aboard 4-11 favourite Mafiosa to tie the battle earlier on the same evening fixture.

Sanders had gone one clear in the see-saw duel with victory in the afternoon on 15-8 favourite Alma Mater at Musselburgh.

The closest title battle for 20 years comes to a conclusion at Doncaster on Saturday afternoon, where Sanders has only five rides compared to seven for Spencer.

On Friday, the jockeys had a workload that covered 700 miles each after travelling between their Newmarket homes, Scotland and the west Midlands.

606: DEBATE
BBC Sport's Honest Frank

"The title looks like it is going to go right to the wire now," said Sanders. "I think my best chance tomorrow (Saturday) is going to be Borderlescott in the Listed Sprint.

"He's a lovely horse and he deserves to win a nice race again for himself and for his trainer, Robin Bastiman."

It is winners only which decides the championship, and if they are tied, the title will be shared for the first time since 1923.

The pair are neck and neck despite riding a combined total of more than 2,000 times during the season.

From seven bookings in Scotland on Friday, Spencer had two non-runners, and could not conjure up a winner.

Sanders had one victory at Musselburgh, before the jockeys claimed a win each at the all-weather Wolverhampton track.

Sanders told BBC Radio Five Live he was relishing the race for his first title.

CHAMPION JOCKEYS 2000-06
2006 Ryan Moore 180 wins
2005 Jamie Spencer 163
2004 Frankie Dettori 192
2003 Kieren Fallon 207
2002 Kieren Fallon 136
2001 Kieren Fallon 166
2000 Kevin Darley 155

"It's great. It really got going at the back end of April and I've had a fantastic run since then and I'm still in the mix," he said.

"We won't talk to each other much. When you're focused on one thing, trying to beat someone else, in most sports you keep yourself to yourself and concentrate on the job in hand.

"I've got a great work ethic and my will to win is unprecedented, I suppose.

"I've got a very tough task. It'll be a big disappointment if I don't do it, but it's been a great season whatever."

The 27-year-old Spencer, once known as the 'Babyfaced Assassin' for his cherubic looks, won the title two years ago.

Born in Tipperary, he is the godson of Coolmore Stud owner John Magnier and is married to Channel Four racing presenter Emma.

Sanders, 36, was champion apprentice in 1995 but is seeking his first professional championship.

The Englishman rides regularly for Newmarket trainer Sir Mark Prescott.


Saturday's rides
(All times GMT, approximate betting)

Sanders - 1230 Incomparable 11-2, 1330 Mudhish 16-1, 1435 Borderlescott 4-1, 1510 John Terry, 1540 Backbord 4-1

Spencer - 1230 Horatio Carter 6-1, 1300 Minus Fifteen 5-1, 1330 Generous Thought 7-1, 1405 Gull Wing 15-2, 1435 Zidane 8-1, 1510 Pippa Greene 6-1, 1540 Inchnadamph 7-2

SEE ALSO
Sanders blow dents title charge
08 Nov 07 |  Horse Racing
Spencer hits out over prize money
26 Oct 07 |  Horse Racing


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