BARGAIN-BUY Comptonspirit (2.00) should give backers a good run for their money in York's curtain-raiser this afternoon.

There's plenty of class in Comptonspirit's pedigree, so heavens knows how she originally passed through the sale ring for a cheap-as-chips 3,000 guineas.

Whatever the reason for the lowly price tag, trainer Brian Baugh made a shrewd purchase judging by the way his late-maturing three-year-old dispatched Princess Ellis late last month at Ayr.

This is time of year to follow improving fillies and since Baugh's raider is penalised just 6lbs for that emphatic success, a follow-up victory is a distinct possibility.

Punters getting a sense of deja vu prior to the Strensall Stakes might not be wrong if, as expected, Echo Of Light (3.35) picks up the prize for the second year in a row.

Twelve months ago Echo Of Light whipped Stage Gift in the Group 3 contest, an excellent effort which confirmed the Goldolphin-owned colt's liking for the Knavesmire.

More recently Frankie Dettori's mount clung on gamely to secure a similar-standard event at Deauville, form which stacks up well in the context of today's nine furlong encounter.

Sanbuch's (3.05) amazing last-to-first Goodwood win was a testament to Jamie Spencer dogged perseverance.

Even before the race Luca Cumani's obstinate runner was extremely reluctant to enter the stalls. When he did go in and the gates flashed open, Sanbuch virtually downed tools and once again Spencer was scrubbing along like a dervish to make his horse go forward.

Detached from the main bunch by some way it seemed a lost cause with two furlongs to travel, but then the enigmatic selection decided he'd had one kick in the belly too many and took off.

Scything down the outside, Sanbuch grabbed the leaders in the dying strides to post a memorable victory.

It's hard to predict what kind of temper he'll turn up in for the Garrowby Handicap, nevertheless if in co-operative mood, Spencer's partner undoubtedly has the ability to make further progress.

A couple of season previous it appeared as if Alan King was set fair to become a dual-purpose handler, rather than National Hunt only.

Perhaps that ambition has been shelved due to an incredible upsurge in Alan's jumps' fortunes, however a few of his hurdlers still pay their on the level.

King's night-cap challenger, Daryal (5.10), is a prime example, no mug over the sticks, the gelding ably demonstrated he retains plenty of Flat speed by seeing off his rivals at Chester last week.