DAVID CHAPMAN has never advocated a policy of allowing his horses to put their feet up, so the swift reappearance of last Saturday's Ayr Gold Cup winner Quito (3.05) in this afternoon's £70,000 Tote Trifecta Handicap at Ascot comes as no surprise.

"The victory has taken more out of me than the horse," joked the 70-year-old Stillington-based handler, who realised a long-held ambition by capturing the glittering Ayr showpiece just seven days ago.

Chapman built up his well-deserved reputation as king of the sprint trainers with the likes of multiple scorers Soba, Chaplins Club and Glencroft. He has done a similarly wonderful job with Quito, a winner of just one race prior to being snapped up at the bargain basement price of only 3,200 guineas at last year's backend Newmarket Sales.

Having thrived on the all-weather circuit during the winter, Chapman then switched Quito to the turf arena, where he has proved himself to be a very smart six to seven-furlong performer.

Although there is a danger that Quito's recent exertions will have taken their toll, somehow I doubt it, given Chapman's magical touch when it comes to keeping his horses fresh for the big occasion.

Frankie's Dettori's bid to repeat his 1999 feat of riding all seven winners on the card is likely to fall at the very first hurdle if the Irish raider, Moscow Ballet (2.00), lives up to his home reputation in the opening Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes.

Moscow Ballet is said to be one of Aidan O'Brien's leading juveniles and with his stamina already proven over one-mile, he could just have the legs of Dettori aboard John Gosden's Privy Seal.

Henry Candy's Airwave is reported to be "flying" in preparation for her tilt at the £100,00 Diadem Stakes. However, she's disappointed once too often for my liking and Ashdown Express (3.40) gets the nod.

Chris Wall's powerhouse looked an unlucky loser over seven furlongs at Doncaster's St Leger meeting, where every avenue he tried was blocked by an impenetrable wall of horses.

Ashdown Express is undoubtedly at his best over a stiff six furlongs on lightning fast ground and since both of those criteria have been met, he must surely go close.

That same fast ground slightly diminishes confidence behind Marinas Charm (4.55), the tip in the Rosemary Rated Stakes for Fillies & Mares.

Napped by this column on her last five consecutive starts, Marinas Charm has lost two and won three at 20-1, 5-2 and 9-1 respectively, showing a total profit of £29.50 to a £1 level stake.

Even though Mark Johnston's filly is probably at her best on an easier surface over a bit further, I'm not going to desert her now.

Johnston could also be on the mark in the closing two-mile Gordon Carter Handicap because his Sadler's Wells colt, The Persuader, remains one step ahead of the handicapper.

The Persuader started the season in the winning habit and bar one minor blip at Leicester, has continued to rake in the cash. His latest victory at Haydock was particularly hard-fought, Joe Fanning having a superlative ride.

Ripon's most valuable race, the Cathedral City of Dales Handicap, can go to Jeepstar (4.35).

Since being stepped up in trip Jeepstar has done little wrong, firstly opening his account over course and distance midway through August. Tim Easterby's handsome gelding then exceeded all expectations by running second at York before claiming the Musselburgh Gold Cup in gritty fashion 12 days ago.

Channel 4 cover the jumping fixtures at both Plumpton and Market Rasen.

Malton's Brian Ellison sends Torrid Kentavr (3.15) on the long journey from North Yorkshire and his enterprise might well pay-off in £20,000 Cantor Handicap Hurdle at the first-named venue.

Best bet at Market Rasen is Arabian Moon (2.30), who has proved far more effective over the sticks than on the level. Simon's Dow gelding has found a golden opportunity to add to his already impressive strike-rate in the UK Hyglene Handicap Hurdle.

* Montmartre kept up the fabulous winning run of Janus (Colin Woods) when landing yesterday's nap selection at the rewarding odds of 11-2.

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