SUPERIOR early pace combined with a handy low draw means White Deer (2.55) holds an automatic advantage over his rivals in Chester's Triton Handicap.

Almost inevitably the big hitters will smash into Mark Johnston's gelding so White Deer isn't going to be a huge price, nonetheless he should still be supported for the seven furlong prize.

The Middleham-trained raider went within an ace of scooping a similarly competitive race at Goodwood last Sunday, leading until nailed by King Of Argos in the shadow of the post.

This afternoon's sharper left-handed turning track will suit the selection's run-style even better, therefore provided he makes his customary fast start, victory seems the most likely outcome.

Johnston's near-neighbour John Weymes purchased Casino Night (3.25) out of Mark's yard after the filly blazed to a six-length success in a Newcastle claimer. Wide margin two-year-old winners are always worth a second look, so despite a relatively low-level triumph, Casino Night may double-up in the higher standard Surrenda-Link Nursery.

On a point of handicapping Daryal (5.05) might easily finish in a different parish to the opposition come the climax of the Amateur Riders' Handicap.

Currently rated a heady 125 over hurdles, Alan King's six-year-old is a pretty smart jumper by anyone's standards.

Whether Daryal can covert the ability from National Hunt arena to the Flat remains the $64,000 question, but if he does then it's definitely curtains for the others in the closing race.

Hayley Turner tends to pick up most of Michael Bell's second division runners, so it's no surprise to see her partnering Artsu (2.30) in Hamilton's opener.

Under an arguably over-confident ride by Jamie Spencer, Artsu came out of the clouds to snatch second in a red-hot Nursery at Newmarket a week ago.

There's no question that it was a much-improved performance by Bell's youngster who, if in the same sort of mood, shapes like the proverbial steering job for in-form Turner.

Hamilton's tricky contours occasionally have the effect of unbalancing sprinters, however I don't believe Steel Blue (4.45) will be inconvenienced by the up-and-down local topography.

Steel Blue, who has been a magnificent stable-servant for Richard Whitaker during the past five years, bids make it win number nine of an already long and distinguished career.

The consistent seven-year-old is again well-handicapped, which added to the presence of Paul Mulrennan up top, just about guarantees a good run in the Weatherbys Bank Handicap.