LESTER PIGGOTT provides a Bank Holiday bonus for Redcar's race-goers this afternoon when he visits the course for one of its most prestigious contests of the year, the totesport Zetland Gold Cup.

The 11-times champion jockey, who won the Derby on a record nine occasions, will make the presentations in the race named in his honour, sign autographs, and open the new Zetland Terrace Bar.

"This is certainly turning out to be a star-studded season for Redcar. First we had the privilege of staging the Lincoln Handicap, and now a visit from a figure whose fame spreads far beyond the racing world," said chief executive Neil Etherington.

As far as the big race is concerned, the relatively unexposed local raider, Best Prospect (3.50), represents a rock-solid each-way bet for the £50,000 mile-and-a-quarter feature.

With a 17-runner maximum field going to post there'll be no quarter asked or given in what is often a rough affair, but that shouldn't worry Best Prospect, who has a great draw in stall one.

The Michael Dods-trained four-year-old loves to race prominently, so from his cracking berth hard, against the inside rail rider Dale Gibson has the ideal tactical opportunity to lead the pack and keep his mount out of trouble.

Described by Dods as "one of the most straightforward horses I've ever trained", Best Prospect won his 2005 maiden at Newcastle in a fast time, then ran a succession of excellent races in hot handicaps up-and-down the country.

Michael hinted to me in January that he might aim his highest-rated horse at today's meaty prize - a well-thought out long-term plan, which might just be about to bear fruit.

The opening Harry Rutland Memorial Novice Auction Stakes has attracted a decent bunch of juveniles including three previous winners, Major Third, Fathom Five, and Hill Of Lujain.

According to my speed figures the trio are rated within a pound of each other, but that's not to say they'll dominate due to their respective penalties, potentially letting in the likes of Bijouterie (2.05).

Alan Swinbank's youngster was the subject of a mini gamble (14's to 8-1) on her Nottingham debut, showing plenty of dash to take third spot against a couple of more experienced opponents.

As a rule of thumb Alan's two-year-olds improve for their first outing, so there's every reason to believe the filly will now strip fitter, which in addition to Robert Winston's booking is encouraging from a punting perspective.

Mick Channon's Haatmey (3.15) served notice his turn was near by producing an enthusiastic late rally to snatch fourth spot at Hamilton recently.

Haatney responded in kind to jockey Tony Culhane's urgings at the Scottish track, a sure sign the gelding is well in at the weights, having been eased a full 16lb on account of failing to score over the past 15 months.

Imperialistic (3.10), who struck at Catterick on Saturday, bids for a quick-fire double by turning out 48 hours later for Leicester's Fillies Handicap.

In-form Middleham handler, Karl Burke, is striking while the iron is hot since Imperialistic relishes the prevailing soft ground, a surface on which she's particularly effective.

* Chepstow's meeting is subject to a 7.30 inspection this morning.

Five millimetres of rain at the Monmouthshire venue on Saturday night has left the track heavy.

But despite the recent wet spell, clerk of the course Tim Long is confident the six-race card will be given the all-clear.

''We would not want a further deterioration in ground conditions," he said yesterday.

"The forecast is for a dry day, but with cloud increasing, which may result in a few showers. But if that forecast is correct, we would be very optimistic of racing.''