/ Editor / 28 June 2007 /

Top-weight might not be sufficient to stop the in-form Mambazo winning Wolverhampton's 6f Handicap at 15:20.

The Stuart Williams-trained sprinter won with a bit in hand over a similar distance at Lingfield last week, a victory for which he's picked up a 6lbs penalty. But even with the additional weight, Mambazo is still 4lbs lowers than when recording a track-and-trip triumph in September 2006 - favourable figures which speak volumes for his prospects of a quick-fire follow-up.

Plenty of dangers lurk in the shadows, notably Caustic Wit, another recent Lingfield scorer who must shoulder an identical 6lbs penalty. That was the evergreen nine-year-old's 12th career win from 75 starts, which combined with eight seconds represents a magnificent career haul, albeit at a relatively low-level. Caustic Wit also boasts a previous course and distance win and doesn't look lay material, unless drifting like a barge when trading gets underway in earnest.

Royal Orissa, who was a bitter disappointment when only eighth at the track four days ago, had previously posted a battling 7f polytrack success, the form of which has since proved to be rock-solid. Given the five-year-old has an excellent inside draw in stall one, he could easily bounce back on a surface which clearly suits.

The draw has not been so kind to Ryedane, virtually stranded out in the car park in box 13. Tim Easterby's horse was once rated 84 and a cut above this lot, however he's been unable to take advantage of a much-reduced rating and together with his lousy draw will be targeted by many layers.

Up-and-coming star apprentice, William Buick, has been booked for Mistral Sky, which has got to be regarded as a plus point for Stef Liddiard's prolific winner. His ten wins from 96 starts warns would-be layers that he knows the precise position of the winning post. The eight-year-old has prevailed three times at the course during the past couple of years and can never be discounted from calculations.

Four seconds, but no wins for Turkish Sultan shouldn't necessarily put investors off the scent. He's having his first try on the polytrack, which added to the fitting of cheekpieces, plus Kevin Ghunowa's 5lbs claim, make him a potential good value win and place player.

Mystical Ayr to smoke out Newcastle rivals

Mystical Ayr holds strong claims in Newcastle's opening 1m2f Handicap at 18:45, having finished runner-up on her most recent couple of starts at Hamilton and Ayr.

Linda Perratt's mare went agonisingly close at the last-named venue, going down by a neck to Whitinghamvillage, the pair 4l clear of the third-home on that occasion. Having finished in the first three on 11 of her 21 career outings, Mystical Air represents a solid bet for win and place players at a course where she's performed with credit in the past.

Best Of The Lot had Hawkit (2nd), Ruby Legend (3rd), Decipher (4th), Royal Flynn (7th), and Thornaby Green (10th) all behind over course and distance 27 days ago, when Richard Fahey's gelding held a big field at bay by just under 2 lengths. Banged up a whopping 9lbs for the victory, it'll be no surprise if one or two reverse the form, especially Royal Flynn, successful at Haydock last week and a gelding who goes particularly well at the Tyneside track.

After a dreadful run of results throughout the winter, Micky Hammond's Middleham stable is now firing on all cylinders. When one of the yard's inmates is fancied they rarely go unbacked, which means keeping a close eye on trading for Tidy. He will relish the prevailing easy underfoot conditions, plus has shaped as if he might be ready to strike again. Although beaten a fair way when fifth at Ripon last week, Tidy wasn't entirely disgraced and is also dropping down to the sort of mark off which he must be of serious interest to discerning investors.

Trouble Mountain has been a wonderful stable servant for Mick Easterby, winning 9 of his 98 starts. The eleven-year-old found a new lease of life last year, picking up no less than three handicaps on ground varying from heavy to good to firm. He didn't cut much ice on his seasonal return, but ran better than his final placing suggests and if attracting positive trades, needs to be included in betting calculations.

Despite winning eleven times in a long and distinguished career, Everest has never got his head in front beyond 9f and is opposable on that basis alone.

Para Siempre to keep Smart's stable on a roll

Few trainers have their horses in better fettle than Bryan Smart, in with a shout of maintaining his excellent current strike-rate with Para Siempre in Newmarket's Fillies' Conditions Stakes at 20:10.

Traders will most likely want to wait and check the market vibes for Para Siempre on account of her 164-day absence from the track, but even if not 100% fit, the filly showed during the winter that she possesses stacks of ability. The three-time Southwell 6f fibresand winner, which included an astonishing 12l victory, left the impression there was plenty more to come from the progressive three-year-old.

Medley was a desperately disappointing hot-favourite when beaten 5l into the runners-up' spot at Leicester (7f), but may have failed to stay that day. A track-and-trip winner last year, her previous excellent listed third-placing to Hoh Mike at Ascot should ensure she'll have her fair share of supporters in the win and place market.

Useful if a shade inconsistent, Diamond Diva was back on song when scorching to an easy win at Wolverhampton (6f) earlier this month. Her 6l third to subsequent Group 1 heroine Indian Ink at Ascot (6f) last year in soft ground, is now looking top-notch form, doubtless persuading a good few backers to side with Chris Catlin's mount.

Gutsy Gloved Hand produced a typically battling performance to edge home at this track over 7f last week. That was a pretty competitive handicap, nonetheless all the indications are that the step back in trip will not be ideal, a point some layers will be keen to try and exploit.

Dizzy Dreamer, down the field at Longchamp (5f) last month, is better judged on emphatic Leicester (6f) triumph on her final start in 2006. The Chapple-Hyam team love to fill their boots whenever possible, so if the cash comes for the filly, it may prove wise to take the hint and follow the money.

Pusey Street Lady (77) has picked up a couple of minor sprints, however she's got well over a stone to find with the entire field bar the similarly rated Daniella (82), so unless either make a quantum leap of improvement, they are going to struggle big-time in the much higher grade.

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