OXFORD’S hopes face a tough task to reach the first round of the £1,000 Fairview Kennels Trafalgar Cup at the Stadium tonight sponsored by Oxford trainer Tony Magnasco, writes John Gaisford.

Champagne Perry (Richard Yeates), Spencers Lad (Angie Kibble) and Shelbourne Cheri (Nick Colton) all have chances.

But Oxford have produced only five winners since the event began at Wembley in 1929, the latest being Freedom Emma in 2009.

The opening heat looks the strongest where the eventual winner could emerge, with the likes of Norah McEllistrim’s Zodiac Zeus, who has a dream draw, while Droopys Tsinga ran a 26.99 trial.

Crime Wave trialled in 27.15 and reached the semi-finals of the Ladbroke Puppy Derby.

All are well fancied, but only the first two in each of the three heats qualify for next Thursday’s final.

TONIGHT’S RUNNERS

7.35: All Spice 3, VEVAS TIGER, Malbay Davy, Mild Steel, Madam Hawk, Benvista Energy.

7.50: Pennys Awesom, TIPP ARE BACK, Caribbean Bill 3, Glencorbry Haka, Kates Noblestile, Sniper Sammy.

8.05: Nacho Libre, Killer Kangaroo, Pengams Princess, Ring The Chief, ROSKEEN POINT, Swift Kep 3.

8.20: Greencroft Tomy 3, Last Word Early, Pennys Nine, RoadstownKettle, TERRYDRUM VAL, Corporate Award (W)

8.35: Oi Oi Romeo, Silmore Sunset, KILKEEDY MALDINI, Craufurd Boy, Shelbourne Lucy 3, Terrydrum Terry.

8.50: ZODIAC ZEUS, Rathdaniel Oak, Holdem Joe, Dorcas Lane, Droopys Tsonga 3, Crime Wave.

9.05: Bargain Key, RUN FOR COVER, Fagans Wish, Dilton Ellie, Fridays Africa 3, Talksport Bolt.

9.20: SPENCERS LAD (nap), Freedom Brave 3, Hugo You Go, Aero Seppi, Inky Blaze, Dynamo Joe.

9.35: Parkill Be Good, Bluejay Risky, CONDUIT, Thandis Bob Bi,Yahoo Pat, Holycross Lady 3.

9.50: Droopys Bach, CHAMPAGNE PERRY, Shades Of Nobby, Shelbourne Cheri, Poirot,Jewel Magic 3.

10.05: GREYFOX MILLIE, Fit Chick, Lazy Jim, Mixababe 3, Ballydine Butch, Shelbourne Fizz.

10.20: SHELBOURNE CASSI, Home Taylor, Pennys Castro, Sierra Lobo, Pawseys Pride, Movealong Max 3.