Lee Westwood's battle to lower handicap

Ryder Cup hero Lee Westwood will turn his attention from the golf course to the racecourse this weekend when he bids to plunder one of Flat racing's most historic handicaps.

The 37-year-old, who is closing in on Tiger Woods to become the world's No1 golfer, is joint owner of Cesarewitch Handicap hopeful Swinging Hawk.

The ex-French import, who is now trained by Ian Williams, has had two runs in this country. He finished a close second to Markington at Pontefract over 2m2f in June and was last of eight behind Colloquial when favourite for a 1m 6f handicap at Sandown shortly after.

Williams says anything Swinging Hawk does in the 2m2f Cesarewitch Handicap at Newmarket on Saturday will be a bonus.

The trainer said: "His future lies over hurdles. I was pleased with his debut at Pontefract but I had to run him quickly before his handicap mark was revised.

"The race came too soon for him, unfortunately. He'll be a big outsider but he's been going well and, going forward, he's a nice horse for Lee to have."

Swinging Hawk is 33-1 with Sky Bet for the race and the trainer also saddles Cotillion, a 25-1 shot with the same bookmakers. Cotillion won a Haydock handicap in July and was a fine second over 1m 6f at Yarmouth last month. Williams said: "He's in great form. He'll be suited by Newmarket and by stepping up in trip."

Eoin Griffin's highly consistent Admiral Barry, the ante-post favourite, is one of 41 acceptors for the Cesarewitch.

Queen Alexandra Stakes winner and March Stakes runner-up Bergo, who is trained by Gary Moore, tops the weights on 9st 10lb.