COUNT on course specialist King Harson (4.00) to hold court in the Derby Stabling Handicap at Catterick this afternoon.

A single figure draw is absolutely vital over seven furlongs, so the fact that King Harson is emerging from stall six has got to be considered a massive advantage for the James Bethell-trained gelding.

Another major bonus to take into account is the selection's previous track and trip success, which combined with his liking to race up with the pace are two more compelling reasons to support King Harson at a venue ideally suited to front-running tactics.

If there are any early-morning market moves on the betting exchanges for Free Will (5.00) in the closing Stockton Handicap then my advice is to join in on the gamble.

Originally in the care of Luca Cumani and later the late Andy Scott, Free Will was no mug when campaigned on the level as a four-year-old.

He's since moved to Richard Guest's stable at Brancepeth and there was more than a hint of encouragement when the gelding put in sterling late work to take fourth spot over jumps at Hexham earlier on this month.

Considering that outing came following a lengthy absence, it's not hard to envisage Free Will's state of fitness being significantly improved for the spin over the sticks.

Add into the equation the well being of Guest's yard - he had a nice winner at Hamilton yesterday - and all seems set fair his seven-year-old to make a fruitful return to the Flat.

David Barker, who trains within a stones throw of the course, has a couple of live chances in the shape of Chairman Bobby (3.00) and Fox Covert (4.30), both partnered by one of the strongest apprentices currently plying his trade on the northern circuit, Lee Enstone.

Chairman Bobby is a bonny looking sprinter with an enviably powerful set of hindquarters.

Although he'll need to be on top of his game to beat 16 speedy rivals in the Project Management Scotland Handicap, one thing's for sure, there'll be no-one trying harder when push comes to shove at the end of the six-furlong contest.

Fox Covert ran too badly to be true when a distant fifth at Redcar last time out and is far better judged on his previous third placing to Miss Chicaf and Bridgewater Boys at York.

It was an especially good performance to get within a length of the Bridgewater Boys, who went to score in decisive fashion at Ripon on his very next appearance.

There's plenty of evening action to enjoy, including a busy meeting at Kempton where Jacaranda (6.40) is fancied to put the local bookmakers on the back foot in the opening Amateur Riders' Handicap.

Annabel King's representative has yet to prove his stamina over nine furlongs, however if he does get the trip, Jacaranda may prove head-and-shoulders above the opposition, especially as he has attracted the services of the two-time ladies' amateur champion jockey, Carol Williams.

In the later Clear Channel Handicap, Penrith (8.10) is going to take all the beating provided he reproduces the form of his blistering reappearance victory at Pontefract in May.