FIRM ground holds no fears for Enchantment, who has travels all the way from Chepstow in south Wales to try her luck at Redcar this afternoon.

With £15,000 up for grabs, the Constant Security Sprint Handicap has attracted some pretty smart three-year-old performers, but provided Enchantment (3.15) is in the mood, she should have the pace to pulverise today's opposition.

It was like concrete underfoot when Milton Bradley's improving sprinter dished out a severe drubbing to her seven rivals at Bath 11 days ago, and following a sun-drenched Bank Holiday weekend, conditions promise to be nigh on identical for her attempt to complete a quick-fire double.

Nigel Tinkler appears to have Apache Point (2.45) spot-on for a repeat of his success in the Levy Board Handicap 12 months ago.

Partnered by Nigel's wife, Kim, Apache Point looked as if she was going to steer her horse to victory as the combination hit the front at the two-furlong pole over a mile-and-a-quarter at Nottingham last month.

Unfortunately just as Kim seemed to have matters under control, the fuel gauge dipped to empty and the combination faded into fifth place. Now back on his favoured quick surface and over a furlong less, it could be a case of dj vu for Kim and Apache Point.

When interviewed for this year's Racing North pullout, Chris Thornton put in a good word for Savannah River (4.15), a solid each-way contender for the mile-and-three-quarter Maiden Handicap.

Thornton's judgement is rarely flawed and his faith in Savannah River has already been partially repaid since she's made the frame on her last couple of starts.

Mick Easterby, triumphant with Blue Spinnaker in the Zetland Gold Cup at Redcar yesterday, has more success in his sights courtesy of Sandown raider, Acomb (7.50).

Although Acomb must shoulder a 6lb penalty for his recent all-the-way win at Thirsk, the form of the contest is already working out well and with Kieren Fallon in the saddle the Sharp Minds Betfair Handicap is there for the taking.

The prize for the preceding Brigadier Gerard Stakes might also be heading back up the M1 if Mark Johnston's Bandari (7.50) maintains his splendid resurgence.

After a blank 2003 campaign Bandari has returned all guns blazing this year, reeling off back-to-back wins at Newmarket and Chester. This particular Group 3 affair is without question his stiffest task to date. Nonetheless he's still expected to pass with flying colours.

Philip Robinson is riding on the crest and his booking for Bumptious (8.20) in the Betfair Handicap is a hint worth taking.

Bumptious demonstrated a willing attitude when battling on gamely to score over a mile-and-a-half at Haydock and this evening's extra two furlongs can only help his cause.

The only other evening fixture takes place at Hexham where punters are going to have to be patient if they are to wait for Palisander (8.35) in the Mark Harvey Birthday Handicap.

Richard Ford's gelding didn't quite get home when caught in the dying strides over three-and-a-quarter-miles at Southwell but he'll have no such problems in this much shorter contest.

l Gatwick and Hazyview were both added to the Vodafone Derby field yesterday at a cost of £75,000 each.

The pair were the only horses to be supplemented for the premier Classic at Epsom on Saturday.

Gatwick, owned by a syndicate that includes Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, has yet to race beyond nine furlongs.

But he is clearly a progressive colt and won the totesport Silver Bowl at Haydock from a seemingly impossible position last time out.

l Favourite-backers got off to a good start at sun-drenched Redcar yesterday when Karl Burke's Bold Marc made it two wins from four starts in the Enter Today's Racecard Competition Novice Auction Stakes.

Bold Marc (13-8) was confidently ridden by Darren Williams, who asked him to quicken inside the final quarter-mile.

Responding immediately, Bold Marc struck the front approaching the final furlong.