VICTORY for Bobski at Haydock might help cheer up Geoff Huffer following the announcement that injury has prematurely ended the career of his dual 2,000 Guineas hero, Cockney Rebel.

Huffer could do with a boost after the shattering news and Bobski, who shaped as if making a welcome return to form on a recent visit to Chester, could provide the perfect tonic.

Instead of mellowing with age Huffers's gelding seems to get keener, which means he still takes a fierce hold of the bit as soon as the stalls open.

Such a headstrong nature is not exactly what the doctor ordered, but at least Neil Callan has won on Bobski before so punters can have every confidence the jockey is man enough for the job.

In the preceding six furlong Classified Stakes, Callan is also due to partner High Curragh (3.45), bidding to repeat last month's course and distance success.

Prior to that overdue triumph, Kevin Ryan's sprinter had previously been on a depressingly lomg losing streak stretching back well over two years to July 2005.

Rather like waiting for a bus and then two come along at once, High Curragh might now knock in the double as a result of a win which must have buoyed his flagging confidence no end.

Andrew Mullen's career in the saddle has taken a welcome upturn this season, a trend which Riguez Dancer (4.45) has the potential to maintain.

Mullen has sensibly spread his wings during the past few months, getting rides for several different trainers including Patrick Haslam, responsible for the selection.

The problem with supporting Riguez Dancer revolves around the fact he's been upped 7lbs for scoring at Ripon, a hefty rise which was justified given the wide-margin of the win.

Haslam, a guy who rarely misses a trick, knows Mullen is excellent value for his 3lbs allowance, a weight differential which could be crucial if it proves to be a nip-and-tuck affair.

Haslam's fellow Middleham handler, Mark Johnston, is heading to Newbury where he runs some smart two-year-olds.

Of particular interest is Ramatni (2,20), who although taking her time to get her act together, showed that the penny had finally dropped by storming to an all-the-way Hamilton success.

Now drawn hard against the stands' side fence, it'll probably be a repeat scenario of light the blue touch paper and let it rip from Ramatni, a filly with a penchant for forcing tactics.

To my way of thinking Tender The Great (8.20) is the best bet of the evening at Kempton in the Weatherby's Apprentice Handicap.

Brendan Powell's four-year-old has been running with great consistency and deserves to get her head back in front where it counts most.