TUSCAN FLYER, who lived up to his name with a speedy performance to collect at Musselburgh last week, has a clear-cut chance to follow up at Catterick this afternoon.

Robin Bastiman's gelding is a fair tool on his day, a point reflected by the fast time he recorded when scoring in Scotland just six days ago.

And while it is often too easy to get carried away with the evidence of the clock, the fact that the third-home Columbine has since won at Folkestone, helps make Tuscan Flyer's case even more water-tight.

James Given's fortunes have taken a turn for the worse over the past few days with the news that his fast filly Wunders Dream has been retired, plus there have been concerns over the well-being of stable-star, Hugs Dancer.

On a happier note the rest of Given's inmates appear to be in the rudest of health, including the ultra-consistent Fishlake Flyer (2.20), who lines up for the opening Swale Maiden Stakes.

Fishlake Flyer has finished out of the first four just once from a total of five starts and according to the official ratings will take a good deal of beating in the five-furlong dash.

Brighton have rather usurped Ascot by staging the day's richest event, the £33,000 Virginia Rated Stakes for Fillies and Mares only.

Such races are notoriously trappy and anyone considering having a serious bet ought to consider an alternative investment in a straightjacket.

For die-hard punters who insist on a wager in every single race, a small interest on Itemise (3.15) could well be just the answer.

Mark Johnston's three-year-old made a most encouraging reappearance when touched off by the Sovereign Dreamers at Ripon recently.

Itemise will definitely have improved fitness-wise for the run and in addition has always been quite highly regarded within the Kingsley House camp.

Just two days after running a blinder at Epsom, Madrasee (4.25) drops down in grade to a far more suitable level for the Brewer And Sons Handicap.

Lee Montague Hall's mare has shown a liking for the switchback track in the past and while she's in such excellent heart it is no surprise to see the trainer returning to the well so soon.

Sir Mark Prescott's Alba Stella is bound to be all the rage at Ascot, but I'm going to give that likely warm favourite a swerve by taking a pot-shot on Trouble At Bay (4.15).

Alan King's raider probably didn't stay 14 furlongs at Goodwood last time out and the return to a mile-and-a-half in the Sports Betting Handicap might be the answer to his prayers.

* River Belle has been added to the field for the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.

Connections of the Princess Margaret Stakes winner have paid the supplementary fee of 30,000 euros (about £20,750) to put the filly in the seven-furlong Group One contest.

Cork-based bookmakers Cashmans make Alan Jarvis's filly their 5-2 second favourite behind the Aidan O'Brien-trained 7-4 chance Necklace.

Jarvis's son Tim said: ''The horse is in very good form and barring anything happening the plan is to go.''

Necklace beat Mick Channon's Caldy Dancer by a length in the Debutante Stakes over Sunday's course and distance earlier this month to earn her place right at the top of the market.

Clive Brittain's Menhoubah, an 8-1 shot, is the other British entry.

The going at the Curragh is currently described as good to firm and officials are due to start watering the track tomorrow.