ATLANTIC QUEST has the class to defy a long absence in the opening Bet Direct Handicap at Lingfield this afternoon.

Despite being away from the track for 242 days, punters should not ignore the claims of Mark Johnston's four-year-old, who won on his slightly belated debut at the course just over 12 months ago.

It was a victory that proved Atlantic Quest (12.15) can be made race-fit on the testing Middleham gallops, rather than having to have a spin or two at the racecourse before reaching concert pitch.

It is also gratifying to know that Joe Fanning is once again in the saddle, for it was cool-as-cucumber Joe who produced the selection on the wide outside under a hands-and-heels ride to collect the spoils at the track in January 2002.

Atlantic Quest went on to rout a big field of handicappers at Newmarket last term - far superior turf form compared to any of the 13 rivals he has to face today.

A reproduction of that particular effort at headquarters would undoubtedly secure success for the son of Woodman, whose pedigree is also admirably suited to racing on an artificial surface.

Another proven Polytrack performer, Jewel Of India (12.45), is fancied to complete a three-timer in the following division 2 of Bet Direct-sponsored mile-and-a-quarter event.

Like Atlantic Quest, Jewel Of India has yet to win over ten furlongs, but both have shown the trip to be well within their respective compasses. Indeed, the evidence of Jewel Of India's most recent win at the course over one mile suggested he might be even better with an extra couple of furlongs to travel.

Alan O'Keeffe, one of the leading amateurs currently plying his trade on the National Hunt circuit, has excellent prospects of completing a double at Fakenham courtesy of Lady Laureate (1.10) and Dunraven (2.50).

On what we have seen so far, all Lady Laureate has to do is stay on her feet to take the first on the card, the South Creake Maiden Hurdle.

The Giles Bravery-trained mare is well clear of the opposition on the Official Ratings and would be conceding lumps of weight to each and every one of them were the race a handicap.

Dunraven's chance in the Outdoor Events Handicap is less obvious, but local knowledge is a great thing at Fakenham and O'Keeffe's mount demonstrated a definite liking for the place when whizzing round the sharpest jumps' course in the country to record an impressive track and trip win in November

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