Could it be Magic? Griffiths hopes to weave his spell again

Take Cover, Duke Of Firenze and others show that David Griffiths knows a progressive sprinter when he sees one, and the trainer believes there is more to come from Magic Pulse in the 5f Mark Birch Memorial Handicap at Beverley (3.05).

He has won three all-weather races with the filly since taking over with her from Ann Duffield last autumn and hopes to see her progress further on turf this season.

"She's a lovely filly who's likely to improve over the summer," the trainer said. "She's had a nice break, she's done plenty of work and is in good form.

"She ran fourth over the course and distance last year for Ann so she should be okay on the turf."

Magic Pulse takes on nine rivals in a race that commemorates former top northern jockey Mark Birch, who died in 2016.

The race was the idea of Birch’s daughter Jill Boak, who said: "It's lovely to have a race at Beverley in Dad's memory. Beverley was one of Dad's favourite tracks so it seemed fitting to have a race there before we head to York.

"Beverley also means a lot to Mum, who will be giving out the award for best-turned-out horse."

Rock Of Estonia hits comeback trail

The Charlie Hills-trained Rock Of Estonia had his juvenile season brought to a premature halt following two victories last spring with "niggling problems" and was thought of as a Royal Ascot prospect with an entry in the Norfolk Stakes.

He was withdrawn from that engagement at a late stage and now returns to action with something to prove in the 5½f Community Drive Vauxhall Handicap at Bath (4.35) having spent 371 days on the sidelines.

Hills said: "He's had a whole year off with a couple of niggling problems but has been pleasing in his work so far and won at the course 12 months ago on fast ground, so the drying conditions are not a worry.

"We had thought in terms of the Norfolk at Royal Ascot for him but he never got there unfortunately. The worry will be that he is a bit rusty for his first outing back after a very long break."

Pipe hopeful of Vaniteux project

Vaniteux returns to the scene of some of his best efforts after having proved rather underwhelming for David Pipe last term, but the trainer remains upbeat about the nine-year-old now that the ground has finally swung in his favour.

He has to shoulder joint top-weight in the 2m2f Matchbook VIP Handicap Chase at Kempton (4.40) and connections will be hoping the rapidly drying conditions lead to him finally getting back in the main spot in the winner's enclosure.

Pipe said: "He was waiting for decent ground all season but it just kept raining virtually every day. But, having said that, it's fair to say he has been a bit disappointing, which is probably down to it being so soft everywhere.

"We hoped he would run well at Ayr last month but he seemed to get outpaced in the race, and the slight step up in trip should suit as he obviously likes Kempton's right-handed track – he has shown most of his best form there in the past."

Gortroe Joe another for flying Skelton?

Olly Murphy has spurned the chance to win the race he sponsors at local track Warwick and there is every chance his close neighbour, the in-form Dan Skelton, can land the spoils with Gortroe Joe.

He runs in the colours of veteran owner Terry Warner in the 2m3f Olly Murphy Racing Novices' Hurdle (1.30) and can get the afternoon off to the best possible start for Skelton, who has four other runners on the eight-race card.

An unusual sight at Ayr

Petite Ganache will be carrying some pretty natty silks in the opener at Ayr (2.10). The Nicky Richard-trained six-year-old's jockey Brian Hughes will be wearing predominantly red colours with a dragon emblazoned on them. He is a first runner for owners Golden Dragon Racing.

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