DOGGED by a virus for much of the year, rookie trainer Jamie Osborne has had to endure a baptism of fire for much of his debut season.

But time is a great healer and the bug responsible for creating havoc amongst his horses from late spring onwards now seems to have burnt itself out.

In an attempt to make up for lost opportunities, Lambourn-based Jamie is currently bent on sending his string to all points of the compass in search of winners.

Today he takes a couple of raiders to far away Musselburgh, Vendome, plus Emma Clare (2.10) in the opening Tattersalls Maiden Stakes.

The latter has been consistent without ever getting her head in front. A situation likely to change this afternoon principally because the weights are in her favour and the opposition is basically weak.

Vendome (3.40) has been targeted at the £9,000 Capel Nursery, comfortably the most valuable event on the card.

Jason Weaver's positive tactics paid off in handsome style aboard the selection at Beverley 6 days ago where the combination flashed out of the stalls and soon had virtually all of his rivals playing catch up.

In the event none of them quite succeeded and I'm sure Weaver and Vendome (3.40) will be hoping it will be a similar story in this slightly better class of contest.

A whole heap of old favourites in the staying ranks clash for the two-mile Forth AM Handicap.

One glance at Northern Motto's form figures demonstrates just how hard he is to win with nowadays. Recent victories by both Lord Alaska and Old Feathers must put that pair right in the firing line, although I still just prefer Embryonic (3.10), on the way back judged by his second to Star Rage at Thirsk.

Salisbury's £10,000 Festival Conditions Stakes over a mile-and-three-quarters features some high class individuals.

One who will appreciate a drop in grade is Churlish Charm (4.20), who has been shooting for the stars with limited success so far this campaign.

Richard Hannon's five-year-old, a regular is most of the big cup races, is bound to come good sooner or later, and he is certainly well-suited by the way the weights are framed at the Wiltshire track.

Pick of a busy meeting at Lingfield is Kirsch (4.30), overdue a win in the Carvery Restaurant Handicap.

Chris Dwyer's daughter of Wolfhound has plunged down to a most attractive rating, especially in view of the fact that she seems to run all of her best races at the course