EVEN a desperate draw close to the adjacent corn field might not stop Ocean Gift (7.45) handing his backers a nice present in the Dick Peacock Handicap at Thirsk this evening.

Nigel Tinkler's new recruit produced a more-than-promising second start for the Malton stable when keeping on in eye-catching fashion to take fourth at the track last Saturday.

Considering that race was over an inadequate five furlongs, Ocean Gift did well to finish so close to the leaders, especially as rider Kim Tinkler sensibly donned her kid gloves once those up front had scooted clear.

Team Tinkler have now opted to book Seb Sanders, one of the strongest jockeys in the weighing room and not likely to let Ocean Gift off the hook when it comes to the business end of affairs.

Sir Bond, so disappointing when carrying the nap selection at Beverley, should not be deserted just yet.

Geoff Oldroyd's six-year-old ruined his chance at the aforementioned venue by hanging all over the shop, but if he maintains a straight line in the Baysdale Handicap, compensation awaits.

Neville Bycroft appears to have a fast filly in the guise of Uace Mac, who blazed out of the stalls at Pontefract and wasn't overhauled until the final couple of hundred metres, when lack of peak fitness took its toll.

Seeing as that was her seasonal return, Uace Mac should strip a lot fitter for the closing six-furlong Maiden Stakes, a race in which jockey Suzzanne France will surely stick like glue to the advantageous near-side rail.