CONSISTENT Captain Gerrard (4.05) sets a high standard for his rivals to try and match in the Harry Rosebery Stakes at Ayr.

Bryan Smart's speedy two-year-old has done precious little wrong this term, only once finishing out of the first four in a total of eight outings to date.

In terms of prestige Captain Gerrard's all-the-way success at York's Ebor Festival was the pick of his efforts, although last week's run at the Leger meeting also merits maximum respect.

The fact the colt was competing in Group 2 company on the Town Moor, whereas he now reverts to less demanding Listed class, means many punters will be preparing to fill their boots.

Attempting to beat the bookies in a 28-runner Handicap is a mugs game, therefore siding with Geojimali (4.20) in the Silver Cup must only be regarded as a speculative each-way tip.

The draw factor on the straight course never fails to cause debate, although as a rule of thumb you want to be either one side or t'other, but not in no man's land up the middle.

Geojimali, winner of the six-furlong dash 12 months ago is due to emerge from stall 23, which should enable rider Danny Tuphope to make a bee-line to the favoured stands' rail.

Those self-same tactics worked for Jim Goldie's speedster in 2006, however, he'll still require a touch of lady luck to avoid the certain traffic problems in such a big field.

The Boon Homes Handicap features a clutch of cracking milers, none more so than Robema (5.15), who has been a revelation for trainer John Quinn.

Quinn must wish he had a stable full like Robema, a filly boasting a magnificent career record of three wins, two seconds, and one third placing from just seven starts. The only occasion she's ever been out of the money was when seventh at Chester, but don't be duped into believing that was a poor performance.

Pick the bones from the contest and you'll see Robema finished a mere two lengths behind the winner, in what has proved to be one of the most exciting bunch finishes of the season.

Newmarket's all two-year-old card is strictly for connoisseurs of juvenile racing, many of whom will be diligently studying subsequent VT footage for potential future stars.

One superbly bred youngster to keep in mind is Tajweed (3.45), who hails from the same family as Rodrigo de Triano, the dual 1992 English and Irish 2,000 Guineas hero.

It doesn't take rocket science to calculate Mark Johnston's newcomer wouldn't be making the trip to Flat HQ unless he'd been sparkling on the Middleham gallops