LINAS SELECTION (3.25) looks the pick in Chester's Carlberg Stand Cup despite having to overcome a 410-day absence from the track, writes COLIN WOODS.

Kevin Darley and partner numbered a famous Royal Ascot victory during a dazzling high-profile 2006 hat-trick, which also included triumphs at Sandown and York.

There was talk of Linas Selection then taking his chance in last year's St Leger, but it wasn't to be because, like so many fragile thoroughbreds, injury cruelly intervened.

Its been a long road back to recovery but the Middleham-based four-year-old went extremely well first time out last season and there's no reason to believe he can't do it again.

With only a feather-weight to carry in the two-mile Heathcotes Outside Handicap, Sivota (4.30) will probably be many folks' idea of the banker bet on the seven-race card.

The fast-improving three-year-old took a ton of cash out of the ring when landing a substantial gamble over a similar trip at Beverley four weeks ago.

Beverley and Chester are like chalk-and-cheese in terms of course configuration, but Sivota is a versatile young horse who should be able to adapt his running style to the new challenge.

At Goodwood, the hare to catch in the six-furlong Listed Starlit Stakes is certain to be habitual front-runner Beckermet (4.05).

It's simply a case of light the blue touch paper and wait for the fireworks to begin with Beckermet, one of the most explosive horses from the gates you'll ever wish to see.

Jockey Chris Catlin knows his mount, having prevailed on Roger Fisher's sprinter at Newmarket in August, so unless the rain arrives to blunt the combination's speed, further success awaits.