LUCK of the draw may well turn out to be the crucial factor in Ponty Rossa's (3.40) bid to land Haydock's much sought-after Silver Bowl Heritage Handicap.

With a mouth-watering £100,000 up for grabs, it's not surprising that a field of high-class three-year-olds turn out for the cracking eight-furlong feature.

Several fast-improving sorts from these parts threaten to take a hand in the finish, but arguably none are better placed to get a head-start than Ponty Rossa, set to emerge from stall six.

Tim Easterby's filly deserves a change of fortune, having been robbed of a big pay-day when hampered at York ten days ago, a race she surely would have won granted the benefit of a clear shot at goal.

While Tim breathed a sigh of relief at Ponty Rossa's good draw, Mark Johnston must have groaned when Regal Parade (16), Voodoo Moon (14), and Annemasse (11) were all allotted double-digit berths.

The bend comes pretty soon in the home straight, making life very difficult for those housed wide, even so all three of Johnston's runners warrant maximum respect, especially Regal Parade.

The Sheik Mohammed-owned gelding cost a cool 430,000 guineas, a hefty sum which reflects the outstanding quality of his pedigree compared with Ponty Rossa's bargain-basement 15,000g price tag.

If Regal Parade is to prevail he'll have to come right round the ring-road, an energy-sapping exercise which could be his nemesis as Easterby's cheaply-bought filly takes a far shorter route.

The earlier Sandy Lane Stakes is an absolute belter, with a whole pile of potential Royal Ascot candidates going to post.

Two of the more likely types to fight out the £14,762 first prize are Hoh Mike (2.35) and Aahayson, both of whom have stepped up a gear since returning from a winter of light duties.

Preference is marginally for Hoh Mike, a Chieftain tank-like individual blessed with the sort of engine most trainers would walk over broken glass for.

Despite looking a shade short of peak fitness, Michael Bell's son of Intikhab belied his burly appearance to beat a useful yardstick in the guise of Hinton Admiral on his comeback run.

Bell has pledged to keep Hoh Mike away from the "top guns" in the sprint division for the moment, hence his decision to stick with listed company, rather than go for gold in more valuable Group races.

Beverley's Brian Yeardley Stakes may well be at the mercy of Fast Feet, fancied to live up to his name by hitting bulls-eye at the fourth time of asking.

Kevin Ryan's youngster posted a pretty decent speed figure when just failing to overhaul one of Richard Hannon's best juveniles in Chester's Lily Agnes Stakes.

On that occasion Fast Feet (3.30) shaped as if he'd appreciate a stiffer test, therefore today's predominantly uphill venue should, theoretically, play to his strengths.

Luke Morris is fair value for his 5lbs allowance, a point well worth building into calculations for Matsunosuke's prospects in the Cottingham Club Handicap.

Matsunosuke (4.00) was hung out to dry at Goodwood when having to plough a lone furrow in the centre of the course, a situation which was far from ideal.

Now drawn hard against the far-side fence, if anything the selection will be crowded for room as the runners jostle for the right to claim what is generally regarded as the fastest strip of ground at the track.

A few sleepless nights await Peter Chapple-Hyam as he attempts to keep the red-hot Derby favourite, Authorized, wrapped in cotton wool until next Saturday's Epsom Classic.

In the meantime, the trainer will be trying to maintain focus on the present by hopefully bagging Newmarket's Coral Cup courtesy of Sandrey (3.20).

The dogs were barking loud and long when Sandrey justified plenty of gallop hype, plus some hefty bets, to collect doing handsprings at Lingfield last time.

Hiked 8lbs in the ratings for that silky-smooth success, the extra weight might not be sufficient to stop the progressive three-year-old, who has always been well-regarded by his mercurial handler.

A monster Bank Holiday crowd is guaranteed at Cartmel, where Super Revo (6.30) is a leading contender for the W H Ireland Intermediate Chase.

What with fun-fairs and picnic areas the action on track can be almost incidental, however punters wishing to try to cover expenses might do worse than invest on Kate Walton's novice.

Super Revo has been leaking oil for most of his career but he responded well to the fitting of blinkers when snaffling third spot at Hexham, a welcome revival after a string of dismal efforts.