CHRIS THORNTON has always believed his filly Savannah River (4.25) would improve once stepped up to middle distances and now she has the chance to prove his assertion in the Edgecote Handicap at Warwick.

Thornton, who steered Racing North readers in the direction of 20-1 crackerjack Quicks The Word in 2003, put forward Savannah River as his "dark horse" for this year's annual pullout.

And it looks like Chris's judgement is going to be vindicated given the evidence of her most recent effort at Nottingham where Savannah River finished like a proverbial steam train to grab third spot over a mile-and-a-quarter.

It was certainly an eye-catching run at the Midlands' venue and crucially she should be even better over this afternoon's extended 12-furlong trip. There is also a lot to be liked about the selection from the physical point of view since she's a big strapping filly, just the type to improve with age.

In the earlier Coventry Cup Handicap, Xpres Digital (3.20) represents a solid each-way bet for the seven-furlong contest.

Roy Bowring's raider finished last season with a flourish by picking up a six-furlong Redcar Nursery in convincing fashion. It's often good news when a horse wins a backend handicap and it appears as if Xpres Digital is poised to carry on the good work after staying on strongly to take fourth place at Ripon on his latest start.

Godolphin' unleash one of their anticipated big guns for 2004 at Doncaster via Derby entrant Duke of Venice (3.35).

Having won a Sandown maiden by no less than 13 lengths, Duke of Venice then flopped woefully in the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket in October 2003.

At least by all accounts there was a valid excuse for the defeat because Frankie Dettori reported the highly regarded colt failed to handle the undulating nature of the course.

Duke Of Venice has always shaped as if he would be much stronger this term, and if my calculations are correct he should therefore collect the Doncaster Racecourse Conditions Stakes prior to tackling more heavyweight options as the season progresses.

* Followers of Janus, (Colin Woods), enjoyed a bumper weekend as result of Saturday's top-tip, Kivotos, returning the 10-1 winner at Haydock, added to Attraction, successfully napped at 11-2 to take yesterday's 1,000 Guineas.

Janus is now occupying third place in the Racing Post/Coral National tipping competition, showing a healthy £18 profit for the current Flat season.

* Today's meeting at Newcastle has been abandoned as the course is unraceable. The track failed an inspection yesterday.

''The meeting scheduled for Bank Holiday Monday has been abandoned in the interests of safety and the integrity of the racecourse,'' said clerk of the course James Armstrong.

''Although the weather has done its best to assist the course in drying, there are areas that still cause concern and we are unraceable."

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