EPSOM boasts a sensational supporting card to the Derby and the man most likely to take full advantage of the massive prize money on offer is Mark Johnston.

The record-breaking Middleham maestro, who has his stable in sublime form at present, might easily come back up the motorway with at least three winners via Mister Marvel (2.00), Royal Island (2.30) and Gateman (3.00).

Master Marvel staked his claim for the opening £75,000 Vodafone Handicap by routing a top-class field of milers at Newmarket last month. He shapes as if he'll be even better over today's extra couple of furlongs and is marginally preferred to stable-mate Mystical Girl, who won a shade cosily at Sandown's evening meeting this week.

Johnston, successful in last year's Woodcote Stakes with Parkview Love, has an excellent chance of following up with his unbeaten colt Royal Island, a speedy son of Trans Island.

Gateman took the honours in the 2003 Diomed Stakes, and since the gallant seven-year-old appears to have improved over the past 12 months, there seems no logical reason why he won't pick up the valuable Group 3 prize for the second time in succession.

Another northern handler worth noting at the meeting is Dandy Nicholls, who'll be hoping Loyal Tycoon (5.40) can repeat his victory of 12 months ago in the six-furlong Vodafone Stakes.

After a couple of promising warm-ups, Loyal Tycoon should be primed to perfection to once again harvest the £40,000 affair, although a saver is recommended on stable-companion Pax, bound to be in the firing line after scoring in a similarly competitive event at York last week.

Patrick Haslam's promising filly Strathtay was a bitter disappointment when carrying the nap at Hamilton on Thursday, however there could be quick-fire compensation to hand courtesy of Aire de Mougins (4.00) at Doncaster.

Despite the fact that Aire de Mougins could only occupy eighth place on her racecourse debut at York, she actually ran a blinder to finish on the heels of the leaders, having wasted vital energy by pulling like a train over the first couple of furlongs.

In the earlier Carling Extra Cold Stakes, don't be put off backing King's Thought (2.50), even though the official ratings give him something to find with one or two of his rivals.

King's Thought, a big, bold individual, who generally looks as if he could do with losing a few pounds, often takes several outings before attaining peak physical condition.

Trainer Steve Gollings has been sending his five-year-old up and down the land to get his charge ready to plunder some big summer prizes, and for my money now could be the time to lump on the beefy yet useful gelding.

Another horse clearly fond of his food is Hanseatic League, who appeared to be positively porky when strolling round the paddock prior to his Ripon debut.

Hanseatic League (3.10) belied his burly appearance on that occasion to finish a most encouraging runner-up to Tim Easterby's Mizz Tee, who has since gone on to frank the form in Listed company at Beverley.

With the benefit of the outing, which will have significantly enhanced both fitness and experience, Hanseatic League (3.10) seems nothing short of a "steering job" in the Brian Dunn's EBF Maiden Stakes at Haydock.

Worcester stages the cream of the jumps action, attracting an excellent field for the most valuable contest of the fixture, the £10,000 Ron Sims Handicap Chase over two-and-a-half-miles.

Richard Guest's Lik Wood Power will be popular with punters in his attempt to complete a hat-trick, but the one I prefer is the enigmatic Lord Youky (3.50), fancied to shrug off his 177-day absence for his multi-talented handler, Ian Williams.

* John Gosden's Day Flight is one of 17 runners declared for the Prix du Jockey-Club at Chantilly on Sunday. Day Flight was added to the field for the French Classic following an impressive 20-length win in the Michael Seely Memorial Glasgow Stakes at York.

Richard Hughes' mount will start from stall two in the mile-and-a-half race.

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