GUTSY Gateman (4.15) gets the chance to prove his worth at Group 2 level by picking up this afternoon's £100,000 Scottish Derby.

The battling seven-year-old loves nothing more than to eyeball his opponents in the sort of head-to-head clashes guaranteed to make top-class viewing.

And Gateman became involved in just that sort of thrilling struggle at Ascot nine days ago, shrugging off all challengers before being mugged right on the line by Shot To Fame.

Crucially the contest was over one mile, whereas this afternoon he has an extra two furlongs to travel, a distance which could conceivably bring about significant improvement in his fortunes.

Trainer Mark Johnston is hoping to see some rain at Ayr and admitted: ''The horse is in great form, but any cut in the ground would help his chances.

''It was raining at declaration time yesterday and we decided to declare him, but now I'm a bit concerned that there hasn't been as much as expected.

''I will be going up there early in the morning to walk the track and check that the ground is safe for him.''

Outgoing BHB Chairman Peter Savill is currently enjoying an excellent run with his horses, one of whom, Rancho Cucamonga (2.45), looks nicely in at the weights for the Kwik Keg Nursery Handicap.

Kevin Darley, Savill's retained jockey, was on board when the selection sprang a 14-1 surprise in 17-runner maiden at Nottingham at the beginning of the month.

Despite his generous odds, he left some useful youngsters toiling and with trainer David Barron's string in sparkling fettle I'd imagine there's more to come from his progressive juvenile.

Linda Perratt, who trains so near to the track that she can walk her horses from their boxes to the parade ring, is fancied to land the Giles Insurance Rated Stakes with Seafield Towers (4.45).

The four-year-old chestnut has not enjoyed the rub of the green so far this season, however he's a quirky sprinter with tons of ability and is not one to write off yet even though a cursory glance at his form figures don't exactly inspire right now.

It is still a mystery to me how Desert Island Disc managed to beat Kythia (4.00) at Brighton, but whatever the reasons the latter now has the opportunity to obtain her revenge over course and distance.

One plausible explanation for the unexpected reverse rests with the fact that Hughie Morrison's filly drifted over to the slowest ground on the stands' side of the track, while Desert Island Disc ploughed a more favourable furrow up the centre.

Anyway, as the saying goes lightning doesn't normally strike twice in the same place, and in the rematch by utilising superior tactics, Kythia has the ability to turn the tables on her principal foe.

If looks are anything to go by there can only be one winner of Beverley's Maiden Handicap - Savannah River (8.35).

Chris Thornton's strapping daughter of Desert King ran out of her socks when third in a far stronger event at Catterick last Wednesday, form which entitles her to plenty of respect in tonight's two-mile contest.

The feature event on the card, the £10,000 MKM Building Supplies Handicap, provides Qualitair Wings (7.35) with an ideal opportunity to gain reward for recent consistency.

He's twice made the frame in competitive races at Thirsk and Epsom, a level of form that should be sufficient to capture the extended seven-furlong affair.

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