Millbank Brennan flies the flag for Oxford tonight in the 80th running of the Cesarewitch.

Ron Bicknell’s charge is an outsider for the prestigious event which sees the winner land a £1,000 prize.

But while the odds are stacked against him, stranger things have happened and trouble at the first bend would aid his cause.

It looks a tricky task to find the winner, with no more than three lengths separating the three heat winners.

Slippery Patch was the quickest with 40.15secs, which included a terrific split time of 15.15.

Mays Millhouse, who finished well to go down by a short head to Slippery Patch, is a big threat. Considering he was almost six lengths adrift at the split, Millhouse ran a cracker to get so close.

However, Millhouse is not best drawn in the orange jacket, and with Patch also posting a 15.10 split in a trial, he must get the nap vote to give Mick Freshwater and Kevin Hutton another success.

Droopys Robles can fill third spot for tricast punters.

Supporting tonight’s final will be the heat of the Clayton Racing Oxfordshire Gold Cup, sponsored by bookmaker Alan White.

The two top two in three will go through to next Saturday’s final.

It will be the last major open of the year at Sandy Lane, although regular Friday night open racing – which now carries £200 to the winner and £40 per runner instead of £150 and £30 – is hoping to attract more entries.

If more sponsors cannot be found for these events it’s a possibility open races my be scaled back.

Bookmakers RD Racing and Claydon Racing have done Oxford Stadium proud with their sponsorship this year, but now it’s time for others to step up.

l TAKE your sunglasses to next Friday’s BAGS meeting for it will be awash with pink as Oxford Stadium does its bit to support Breast Cancer Awareness week.

TONIGHT'S RUNNERS

7.35: Outoftheblack, Whos Joy, Movealong Heidi, LOLLY, Rock It Paul 3, Emporio Black.

7.50: Pennys Bollinger, Lights On, Greencroft Deb, Pengams Princess, Springlawn Goofy 3, ITAI BLACK.

8.05: Shilohs Battle, RETURNTOSENDER, Movealong Hawk 3, Miami Twice, Ace Romeo, Phoenix Messi.

8.20: Roseville Bullet, Pams Tomjo, BALLYMAC EAT, Barnish Booth, Kilmalady Biffo, Matties Mate 3.

8.35: BRITANIA RACHEL, Droopys Franklin 3, Gizmo Senor, Five Alley Pub, Dippy Boy, Barnagrane Ash.

8.50: Glenbane Air, Old Codger 3, WARNING SIGN, Pats Cash, Parkwest Angel, Shilohs Warrior.

9.05: Bramley Rebel 3, Lacken Style, Uncle Des, Holycross Ace, Parkwest Leo, HIDING ESCORT.

9.20: Rockview Sail, Thinkingoutloud 3, Daddys Round, BALLYMAC DROGBA, Inismore Impact, Mash Mad Monkey.

9.35: Royal Parade, WHEN IN ROME, Movealong Penny, Halls Of Oran, Absinthe 3, Baby Bubba.

9.50: Eden Rumble, Millbank Brennan, SLIPPERY PATCH, Droopys Robles 3, Mays Millhouse, Droopys Xavier.

10.05: Bail Out Blues,GLENCORBRY HAKA, Greencroft Jack, Central Banker, Cash Cruncher, Uncle Donal 3.

10.20: Dooey Maeve,Oakfront Ironman 3, AMERICAN DUDE, Kilara Harry, Knockmant Sal, Golden Nugget.

Nap: Slippery Patch.