THERE'S an old adage in horseracing that says class will always tell, a theory likely to be put to the test if you're thinking of backing Mithak (3.45) in the £10,000 Tote-sponsored Showcase Handicap Hurdle at Sandown today.

Formerly with Barry Hills, Lynda Ramsden, and the now-retired David Nicholson, the responsibility of training Mithak currently rests in the capable hands of trainer Richard Phillips, whose stable has been in excellent heart all season.

But Phillips must have despaired of getting the selection back in action after an enforced break through injury of a mind-boggling 524 days.

Patience is one of the primary virtues required when handling talented types such as Mithak, whose budding career was so brutally halted a year-and-a-half ago.

The gelding had made a smooth transition from the Flat to timber by scoring at Ludlow and Stratford.

Siding with such individuals after a lengthy break does fly somewhat in the face of convention, but Mithak is a small, seemingly clean-winded horse, and therefore relatively easy to get race fit on the home gallops.

Another former crock who has been skilfully nursed back to rude health is Norman Mason's Emperor's Magic (2.00).

The County Durham raider also had a year on the sidelines during the 1999/2000 season, a holiday that in no way diminished his talent as the shrewdies who snapped up the 33's on offer at Carlisle last month will testify.

Backed down to 20-1 on that occasion, Emperor's Magic duly obliged and has since finished a decent runner-up to Max Pride at Leicester.

As far as the Official Handicapper is concerned the ten-year-old is a bit of an unknown quantity.

Firstly because he's so lightly-raced, and secondly in view of the fact that he's trying three miles for the first time.

Those intrepid punters willing to take a chance on the stamina of Kenny Johnson's mount might well be rewarded with a shed full of cash.

In the Grand Military Gold Cup, old adversaries Mister One and Flat Top (3.10) clash once again.

Only a head separated the pair when they last locked horns over track and trip three weeks ago.

With Flat Top a whopping 10lb better off, he should get his revenge, although an each-way nibble on the bold-jumping Jultara might be worth a saver.

Tadcaster's Tom Tate has unearthed a potential champion in the shape of Europa (4.50), poised to complete an impressive four-timer in the closing Bushy Park Novices' Hurdle.

Europa absolutely pulverised Beaver Run with a blistering display of front running at Bangor on his latest start, confirming the massive improvement he has made over the past few months.

l Sedgefield's meeting next Tuesday has became the latest to fall victim to the foot and mouth crisis.

The decision followed discussions with the Ministry of Agriculture and their representatives, while the feelings of the local farming community were also a factor