DAVID LODER'S Razkalla is fancied to maintain his unbeaten record by scooping the Group 3 Ormonde Stakes on the final day of the Chester Festival.

Despite being five years of age, Razkalla (2.55) has run just three times in his life. All three outings have resulted in relatively comfortable successes, most notably at Doncaster's Lincoln meeting, when he pulled clear of some useful middle-distance types over a mile-and-a-half.

Perhaps the most impressive feature of that win was the easy manner with which he travelled throughout the contest compared with his rivals, all of whom were under the pump during the final three furlongs.

It's not surprising that Razkalla has so few miles on the clock because he has previously been used as a "lead" horse for the stable's two-year-olds. But having to do the donkey work for Loder's youngsters clearly has not done him any harm and with Frankie Dettori in the saddle, he must be in with a great chance of taking the £75,000 showpiece.

The preceding Dee Stakes, an event which has rather lost its relevance as a Derby trial over recent seasons, should, according to all known evidence, go to Big Bad Bob (2.25).

John Dunlop's imposing colt showed he could handle Chester's tight turns by hacking up at the course last season, and with only three rivals bothering to turn up to take him on it is hard to envisage Big Bad Bob losing.

In the closing Bryant Homes Handicap, Page Nouvelle (4.40) might well have sufficient fuel in the tank to defy the 5lb penalty picked up for scoring at Nottingham last week.

Page Nouvelle was considered good enough to run in Group company when trained by Barry Hills many moons ago. She failed to make the grade and was eventually sent to the sales where like so many cast-offs from the top trainers, the filly was snapped up by the ever-resourceful Mark Brisbourne.

Brisbourne initially faced an uphill struggle with his new purchase due to an unduly high handicap mark, but at least her run of poor form during 2002 had the effect of bringing about a significant reduction in her rating, enabling Page Nouvelle to get on the score-sheet seven days ago.

I fully expect Page Nouvelle to follow up in the more-than-capable capable hands of Kieren Fallon.

Patrick Haslam runs an interesting three-year-old, Rosti (2.15), in the opening Peter Davies Big Birthday Handicap at Southwell.

The majority of the field are totally exposed, however Rosti definitely does not fit into that category, having only run three times to date, demonstrating definite promise on his last two outings, including a spin on the sand at the course in February.

A high draw on the straight track at Folkestone is essential so supporters of Scarlet Secret (3.05) will be confident of a big run from the Charles Cyzer-trained filly from stall 13. Scarlet Secret was a very gutsy winner at Wolverhampton last time out, although arguably her very best efforts have been on turf suggesting the return to the grass will suit.

* Hugs Dancer landed a stunning 9-1 winning nap for followers Janus in yesterday's Chester Cup.

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