Music Box Express drops back to five furlongs and has the tongue strap on for the first time this year in the 3.45 at Southwell. As the horse that gave him his first winner, Music Box Express is thought of fondly by George Baker and sure to give him a good run from the front. Guto has run well twice here recently but his high draw looks a disadvantage. This Ones For Pat is coming back off a short break but the owner is in attendance and a big run looks in the offing.

The 4.50 sees My Mentor drop back to seven furlongs after several fruitless runs over longer distances. His form over course and distance last year would be good enough to win this but I think there is better value in the 16-1 Sweet Gale. Lightly raced since joining Mike Murphy, she showed what she was capable of when third in a mares' race here two outings ago. She missed the break at Lingfield last time and that run has to be overlooked but if it is she is well overpriced.

Eddie Fremantle

Racing Correspondent

The Observer Newspaper