MIXING up Flat and jump racing is a popular ploy with trainers trying to rekindle the flagging fortunes of low-grade staying handicappers.

The theory is very simple. Some horses become bored simply performing under one code or the other, so to maintain their enthusiasm a varied agenda is called for.

This appears to be the case with Hamilton-bound Rayware Boy (2.30), a much improved soft-ground performer over the sticks during the winter when he managed to pick up a couple of modest hurdle races.

Midlands-based handler Derek Shaw, shrewd when it comes to getting the best out of evidently poor stock, has now opted to switch Rayware Boy back to Flat in the hope that the selection shows the same positive attitude on his return to the level.

David Barron, one of the region's sharpest trainers, doesn't embark on a trip to Scotland unless he's pretty sure of a result.

So Dispol Foxtrot (4.05) must be considered a major player for the Tote Bookmakers Handicap. She's already posted one track and trip success at the course, and will certainly not be inconvenienced by the predicted bog-like conditions.

In the closing five-furlong sprint, Chris Fairhurst's Philboy (5.15) has at last found a suitable opportunity to shed his maiden tag.

Philboy proved his effectiveness on an easy surface when runner-up at Ripon the time before last, and was then desperately unlucky at Catterick where he was twice denied a clear passage up the home straight.

Ace amateur pilot Sara Bosely is in the plate this afternoon, hoping no doubt to avoid such untimely traffic problems from her favourable high draw.

The wet weather means that conditions are almost definitely going to be just as testing at Newbury.

Not that it will concern Digital (3.15), successful at the course over seven furlongs on May 29 when sweetly accounting for 20 battle-hardened rivals.

Mick Channon's smart miler has gone up 6lbs for the win, not overly harsh in his bid to make it two in a row for the Stan James sponsored Showcase Handicap.

At Yarmouth, Decoy (3.25) makes plenty of appeal in the mile-and-a-six-furlong Levy Board Handicap.

The daughter of Double Eclispe just got the better of the opposition in a titanic struggle at Redcar last week, where she shrugged off challenge after challenge under a forceful ride by Keith Dalgleish.

Decoy responded gamely to his every urging and looks poised to complete a double in the £4,000 event.

At Uttoxeter, there could be money to made if siding with Elvis (7.45) in the Fishers Novices' Chase over two-miles-and-five-furlongs.

Seemingly useless when trained in the French Provinces, Robert Waley-Cohen transformed the six-year-old into a winning point-to-pointer once he shipped his charge over to this side of the English Channel.

Elvis is now trying his luck under Rules proper, and the booking of top jockey Mick FitzGerald looks the icing on the cake in an eminently winnable contest

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