MARK JOHNSTON'S Tarraman (2.20), who holds an entry in next month's 2,000 Guineas, should have too many guns for his rivals in the Badsworth Maiden Stakes at Doncaster.

Johnston's Middleham stable has made a fantastic start to the new turf season, slotting in four winners over the past five days. His three-year-olds in particular have caught the eye, boding exceptionally well for Tarraman, runner-up on his only start as a juvenile at York in October.

Frankie Dettori did the column a good turn by landing Tuesday's nap, Improvise, and the effervescent Italian should be on the button once again with Saristar (3.25) in the doncaster-racecourse.com Handicap.

Paul Cole's decision to book the reigning champion jockey for Saristar is a hint in itself for the selection, especially as the four-year-old goes well fresh having won first time out last season in a similar standard event at Newmarket.

Although Hurricane Alan's recent all-weather pipe opener in Lingfield's Winter Derby is sure to have improved his level of fitness, Membership has been even busier with four recent runs out in Dubai.

The classy pair lock horns in the one-mile Listed Stanleybet Doncaster, a race in which Membership (4.00), a former winner of the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot, is fancied to come out on top.

Clive Brittain's powerhouse didn't manage to get his head in front at Nad Al Sheda, nevertheless he made the frame three times out of four and is sure to be in the rudest of health.

From a betting perspective the closing Lady Riders' Handicap looks impossible to solve, therefore just a small each-way wager on Santiburi Lad (4.30) is advised.

Nicki Wilson gets on well with Santiburi Lad, who was not only successful at both Beverley and Haydock during a successful 2004 campaign, but has also been given a chance by the Official Handicapper on account of being dropped a few pounds in the ratings.

Despite being pretty desperate stuff at Lingfield's Banded fixture, Escobar (4.20) is worth a second look in the Visit Port Lympne Stakes.

Pam Townsley's ex-Polish gelding didn't run badly on his UK debut over course and distance ten days ago, leading two furlongs from home prior to being swamped by the chasing pack inside the final 200yards.

Jockey Dean Corby seems certain to have learned a lot about his mount from that ride, a point he'll be keen to put into practice aboard Escobar, who faces a bunch of totally modest and exposed rivals for the mile-and-a-quarter event.

Ludlow-bound Mini Dare (4.10) owes backers a few quid after the gelding failed to justify favouritism at Hereford this month.

In fairness to the Oliver Sherwood-trained raider, he only went down by a neck to Fortune Island, who simply would not be denied in a spine-tingling head-to-head duel.

On paper at least Mini Dare's task appears easier than the one he faced at Hereford, paving the way for Tony McCoy's partner to get back on the score-sheet in the Moore Scott Handicap Hurdle.

Get more racing online at www.racing-north.co.uk.