Shirley Not to be missed

The Steve Gollings-trained sprinter was a desperately unlucky loser at Pontefract last time when he was caught sleeping in the stalls, giving the remainder of the field a five length head start.

In the circumstances Shirley Not performed miracles to snatch third spot by producing a storming turbo-charged surge in the final 100 yards of the contest. But sadly the damage had already been done, and the selection simply couldn't make up the early ground he had forfeited.

Given a level break, the flying grey, who has shown a distinct liking for track and trip in the past, has the ability to end the rather depressing long losing streak he is on at present.

In the mile-and-a-half Maiden Stakes at 3.30, Spirit House (3.30) is worth a second look.

Mark Johnston's three-year-old has only run twice in his life, both appearances as a juvenile well over a year ago. Nevertheless he did show a good aptitude for the job when chasing home Black Knight at the course over an extended seven furlongs on his mid-summer debut during the Millennium campaign.

Recent workouts on Middleham's High Moor have been encouraging, which coupled with Spirit House's magnificent physique, suggests he could be a force to be reckoned with throughout the autumn.

Barry Hills has a powerful bunch of two-year-olds at his disposal and it would therefore come as no surprise to see him lift both divisions of the EBF Maiden Stakes at Salisbury.

First up is Broken Barricades (1.40), a promising staying-on third at Goodwood having swerved badly right on his exit from the stalls. Next on stage is Negligee (2.10), who also caught the eye making late headway on her one and only outing at the Sussex track.

In the most valuable race of the day, the £25,000 Upavon Fillies' Stakes, Katy Nowaitee (3.10) makes serious appeal despite having to defy a 103-day absence.

Peter Harris's stable, under a cloud with the virus for the much of the season, has finally emerged from the doldrums, boding well for the prospects of the useful five-year-old mare.

Bookmaker Manny Bernstein sponsors the entire card at Yarmouth - a generous gesture although don't expect too much largesse about the starting price of Tahitian Storm (2.20) in the opener.

Trained at Newmarket by Mark Tompkins, Tahitian Storm boasts the sort of form that is head-and-shoulders above the standard of the opposition to date.

Tompkins could also be on the mark later on at Epsom's evening meeting where Royal Minstrel (6.40) has excellent prospects of completing a quick-fire double in the Showcase Handicap.

This horse has been called some rude names in his time, principally for putting his head in the air when put under maximum pressure. In mitigation there was no evidence whatsoever of that bad behaviour at Leicester on Sunday, where he battled on most gamely to repel Forest Heath in a thrilling duel to the line.

Any further rain at Hamilton would greatly enhance Annadawi's claims in the Weekend Times Racing Handicap.

The mud-loving gelding returned after a two-month lay-off to finish fourth to Port Moresby at Pontefract recently, a run sure to have sharpened his act up no end.

l Officials at York yesterday reported the Knavesmire in ''excellent'' condition ahead of the prestigious Ebor meeting which gets under way on Tuesday.

And following recent heavy rain they have no intention of watering the track ''at this stage''.

Clerk of the course John Smith said: ''It's in excellent condition because we had a nice drop of rain over the weekend.

''My ground is somewhere between good to good to soft.

''It's a lovely day today but they are talking about rain on Friday. So at this stage there is no intention of watering but obviously we'll watch it day by day. If we suddenly get into a heat wave we'd look at it.

''With the rain we've had and the forecast we should have good ground.''

Record prize money approaching £2m will be on offer over the three days.

The Juddmonte International Stakes, with a total prize fund of £450,000, is the opening day's feature event and could see a clash between Medicean, Grandera and Black Minnaloushe, first, second and fifth respectively in the Coral Eurobet Eclipse Stakes at Sandown.