Wanchai Lad looks the boy to back in the Cockle Novice Auction Stakes at Redcar this afternoon.

Not only did the Alan Jarvis-trained colt tower over his rivals in the paddock prior to making a winning debut at Ripon nine days ago, but he also landed some hefty wagers in the process.

Clearly well thought of by connections, Wanchai Lad has the physical scope to progress into a useful juvenile and provided he isn't inconvenienced by the predicted fast ground should maintain his 100 per cent unbeaten record with the minimum of fuss.

In the later mile-and-six-furlong Federation Of Small Businesses Handicap, Life Is Beautiful (4.05) has a clear-cut opportunity to open her account for the season.

Having dropped a whopping 11lb in the ratings since the start of the year, it was no surprise when Life Is Beautiful chased home the ultra-consistent Mexican Pete at the course last time out.

The filly now has a further three furlongs to travel and with reserves of stamina seemingly not a problem, the dice are definitely loaded in her favour for the £3,000 contest.

The race Big Tom (2.20) took part in at Nottingham last month has turned out to be quite a warm affair so he'll in all probability appreciate Carlisle's less competitive Sands Maiden Stakes.

Declan Carroll's colt had previously created a favourable impression when second to Stan Moore's Hilites, form which has worked out reasonably well.

Mark Johnston despatches Scott's View (4.45) all the way from Middleham to Salisbury, a journey that should not be in vain for the £15,000 Catisfield Hinton Stud Conditions Stakes at the Wiltshire venue.

* Darryll Holland has high hopes of landing another Group One success on Falbrav in the Ireland The Food Island Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday.

Holland, who has already won the Coral-Eclipse and Juddmonte International Stakes on Luca Cumani's star this season, said: ''Falbrav sparkled yet again this morning and I just hope they don't water to help certain horses before Saturday's Champion Stakes.

''My chap needs fast ground and it would be unfair to him if conditions are changed to go against him.

''In my mind Falbrav on fast ground is the best mile and a quarter horse in Europe."

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