MARK JOHNSTON'S position as the leading trainer at Ascot over the past five years seems secure with the likes of Gold History (2.00) poised to top up the Middleham handler's impressive haul at the course.

Much earlier in the season Gold History won a Listed race at Newmarket, so it is a surprise to see him contesting much more lowly events such as the Sodexho Classified Stakes at the Berkshire track.

It all stems from a massive mid-season crisis for the three-year-old, which resulted in a string of poor performances and subsequent drop in class.

Johnston, never a man to throw in the towel, kept on plugging away with his horse and ultimately reaped the reward when Gold History got his head back in front at Goodwood last time out.

Joe Fanning, the successful jockey at Goodwood, who incidentally has always rated Gold History very highly, unfortunately cannot take the ride again due to a cracked collarbone sustained in a horror fall at Hamilton on Sunday.

This is clearly a big blow as Joe gets on swimmingly with the selection, but at least in the guise of Darryll Holland, a super-sub is on hand to take over in the saddle.

Racing North ten-to-follow pick, Granston (4.50), has not really enjoyed the rub of the green since scoring at Ripon in April.

On no less than three occasions the James Bethell-trained grey gelding has failed to obtain a clear passage, suffering the inevitable consequences of being shuffled back through the pack and losing valuable momentum.

One slice of bad luck is to be expected throughout the course of a season.

But three times just isn't cricket and let's hope rider Richard Quinn has his map, compass, and radar at the ready to help steer clear of any similar misfortune in the West End Handicap.

Forecast glue-pot conditions at Haydock will not hinder Santiburi Lad (2.20), who has plenty going for him to create a big upset in the 19-runner Vale UK handicap.

The betting is bound to be wide-open with so many going to post, the market leader almost certain to be Sir Mark Prescott's recent Ayr winner, Straw Bear.

With the favourite likely to be poor value, I reckon Santiburi Lad, a previous track and trip scorer off a similar mark, might just be the each-way steal in the race.

Apart from the fact we know Santiburi Lad is a real old-fashioned mudlark, plus acts well on the course, he also has find-of-the-season top-flight apprentice, Danny Tudhope, up top.

Brace yourselves for yet another telling reason to get financially involved with Noel Wilson's Malton-based gelding - the draw. Emerging from stall number one may prove a monster advantage for Santiburi Lad, principally because from there he'll be able to nip the shortest way round the sharp left-hand bend which comes soon after the start.

Once in the home straight, Santiburi Lad, who loves to be in the front rank from flag fall to winning post, may be able to hold the opposition at bay, especially as he is receiving weight from the majority of the field.

* After a string of near misses, Janus (Colin Woods) got back in the groove with a 7-1 winning nap, Go Tech, at Pontefract yesterday.

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