THE big race of the day is the Great St Wilfrid Handicap at Ripon (3.30) and it affords a real chance for the bottom weight Eccleston to return to winning form under Daniel Tudhope.

The four-year-old has only had the 16 starts in three seasons (only raced twice as a juvenile) but has twice been beaten further than five lengths during his career.

The key to his chance in this race is the likely fast pace up front and at least some give in the ground, which is likely given the inclement weather forecast.

If both those factors come to fruition then this 20/1 shot will be firing home off the pace in the closing stages.

There are plenty of dangers as you would expect in such a valuable race and veteran Mass Rally along with twice runner-up in this event Spinatrix should both run well.

The last named has a quite incredible record at the track and is now looking feasibly weighted off a mark of 102 as is his stablemate off 95. Both would also like to see some rain and are preferred to the unbeaten three-year-old Don’t Touch.

Earlier on, the consolation event at 3.00 should go to Flyman if there is some give in the ground.

Formerly with Richard Fahey, David O’Meara moved him back down to six furlongs straight away and the move paid dividends with a last gasp win over course and distance.

A 2lbs rise in the weights looks very fair and he can prove too strong at the weights for the likes of likely outsider Fast Shot, former Steward’s Cup winner Rex Imperator and The Hooded Claw.

At Newbury, the feature Hungerford Stakes at 3.45 looks wide open, but in the hope that at least some rain reaches the track then Cable Bay should go close for Charlie Hills who also introduces a very nice juvenile filly in the form of Jadaayil at 1.25.

There is a valuable card at Newmarket where Steve Prescott can complete a quick-fire double when he carries top weight in the 2.15.

This lightly raced three-year-old won over course and distance last week off 85 and his penalty is partly negated by claimer Jack Garritty taking over from Frederik Tylicki in the saddle.

If the ground does change dramatically then old boy Time Medicean could go well at big odds off his lightweight despite being out of the handicap.

Elsewhere, have a second look at Gold Beau in the opening race at 2.05, while Bertiewhittle (4.25) would have solid e/w claims in the 4.25 if the ground eases after getting a terrible passage through the race at Thirsk last time out.
Tancred has his easiest task for while off 58 in the Lingfield 6.35, while Sheikh the Reins can also defy his welter weight in the finale at 8.05.