FUTURE'S DREAM spearheads a four-pronged raiding party to Ascot by Middleham's Karl Burke, who is throwing plenty of darts at the board in the hope at least one hits bulls-eye.

As far as prize-money is concerned, Future's Dream (2.20) chases the biggest potential pay packet in the Victoria Cup, worth a not inconsiderable £52,972 to the winner.

Burke's progressive gelding limbered up with a couple of runaway victories at Southwell, wins which shouldn't be underestimated simply because they were achieved on the fibresand.

Dig a little deeper in the form book and you'll find Future's Dream has a one-mile Haydock triumph to his name, a success which proves he's every bit as good with the green stuff under his hooves.

Stall one means jockey Saleem Golam can steam off in front with the stands' rail to hug, an advantage which could mean the combination get the rest of the field in trouble from a long way out.

Whether Salem and partner can hang on until the very end is debatable, so at anticipated odds of around 16-1, an each-way bet looks the sensible option in a wide-open heat.

A similar betting strategy is suggested for the stable's Daring Affair (1.10), fancied to take a hand in the finish of the opening John Doyle Fillies' Handicap.

The mare was all at sea on extremely fast ground last time out, but recent rain has come to her rescue and with a few thunderstorms forecast, she might just be in her element.

Although the eight-furlong trip is arguably on the short side for the selection, if by chance the Met Office is right, Daring Affair's ability to handle the mud could prove a match-winner.

Akarem, who sprang a 16-1 surprise when capturing the Listed Bovis Homes Stakes for Burke in 2006, is another suited by give underfoot.

He didn't run badly in Newbury's John Porter Stakes, setting up the possibility of repeating the sort of medicine dished out to some far more heavily-backed southern opponents 12 months ago.

Another previous course and distance winner hailing from Spigot Lodge is Trafalgar Bay (3.35), making his debut for the yard after switching from Sylvester Kirk's outfit.

Trafalgar Bay wouldn't be the first horse to improve for a change of scenery, and Lambourn is a far cry from being housed high on the magnificent moorland of North Yorkshire.

Equine giant Hearthstead Maison (3.15) could enter Epsom Derby calculations if, as expected, he puts up a bold show in the Group 3 Classic trial at Lingfield.

"He's a very big horse and we've always thought a lot of him," revealed Mark Johnston after Hearthstead Maison had clinically cut down his stable-mate, Boscobel, at the Guineas meeting.

Lingfield to some extent mirrors the near-unique contours of Epsom, therefore Hearthstead Maison will have to show he can cope with the downhill stretch if he's to entertain any prospect of Derby glory.

Haydock's Swinton Hurdle gives Adopted Hero (2.00) the opportunity to confirm he's right back on top of his game.

It seems Adopted Hero didn't enjoy the air round these parts, having failed to thrive with Howard Johnson, a scenario which was all-change the minute he took up residence at Brighton.

After a two-year barren spell in County Durham, Adopted Hero was returned to his original south coast trainer, Gary Moore, who took full advantage of a falling rating to score over track and trip.

The fabulously-bred son of Sadler's Wells can take some even bigger scalps in what is the most valuable contest of its type run during the summer months.

Despite being a training-world minnow, Wetherby's Robin Bastiman has done fantastically well with Borderlescott (3.40), one of the fastest sprinters on the block.

"He runs his heart out no matter who he's up against or what race he's in. He's ready and I'm quite pleased with him," said a quietly confident Bastiman.

Borderlescott has a good record when returning from long absences, so there's every prospect the speedy five-year-old can make a fairytale comeback in the Mobile Betting Conditions Stakes.

Grinding away until all the rest have waved the white flag is the specialty of the relentless galloping machine, Spring Breeze (1.25), a leading contender for the opening three-mile Long Distance Hurdle.