USING the tried and tested formula of backing "horses for courses", Najeebon (3.30) looks nailed on to win Goodwood's Sharp Commercial Handicap for the second year in succession.

Twelve months ago Mick Channon's sprinter triumphed in the six-furlong contest off precisely the same rating of 84, but rather like a lot of Channon's string, Najeebon has been blowing hot-and-cold over the past few weeks.

Normally such a lack of consistency would be all doom-and-gloom as far as his supporters go, but judging by the selection's most recent second-placing at Kempton, the time is right to lump on Sam Hitchcott's mount.

In order to attempt to get off to a winning start, I strongly advise having an each-way interest on Velvet Waters (2.20), a leading contender for the opening Macphie Classified Stakes over 1 miles.

A glance at Velvet Waters' exemplary form figures demonstrates just what a reliable filly she has been of late. Every time Fulke Johnson-Houghton brings her to the table, the admirably brave three-year-old goes out and serves it up to her rivals.

Win or lose, Velvet Waters is guaranteed to give nothing less than 100 per cent and taking her latest third-placing to Leg Spinner at Kempton as a yardstick, career victory number three is far from an impossible dream.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing and my failure to nap Racing North ten-to-follow pick, Jeepstar, in the Edinburgh Gold Cup at Musselburgh eight days ago was undoubtedly an error.

At least we know the form is rock-solid, which means the horse to chase Jeepstar home on that occasion, Mr Tambourine Man, has a great chance of taking the £10,000 Crosse & Blackwell Stakes.

Paul Cole's game and genuine representative has hardly run a bad race in 2004, so despite having to shoulder a big weight in the mile-and-three-furlong event, he still gets a confident vote.

Perth stages a really excellent jumping card with the Duke Of Atholl Challenge Cup attracting a particularly decent line-up.

There are several possibilities, including the one I like the best, Gangsters R Us (4.15), who rattled off an extremely impressive hat-trick over fences last season for his able trainer, Andrew Parker.

Gangsters R Us is a superb jumper, travels better than most on the bridle, and acts well on sharp right-handed tracks such as Perth. Given that all three of those factors are in his favour, the eight-year-old gelding is well worth considering in the three-mile affair at the popular Scottish track.

For the closing Morag Gray Handicap Hurdle Gargoyle Girl (5.25) seems certain to give her supporters a good run for their money.

Jim Goldie's mare is in quite sublime heart at present, and having won her most recent couple of races at the course appears to be poised to complete a well-deserved three-timer.