ONLY a fool would have their house on a horse in a 27-runner handicap, but that should not deter followers of Mystic Man indulging themselves with a modest each-way wager on Kevin Ryan's gelding for today's Ayr Silver Cup.

Although Mystic Man has spent most of his career competing over distances around seven furlongs and one mile, there is strong evidence to suggest he will be equally effective over today's sprint trip.

One thing's for sure - the six-year-old didn't expend any energy on his most recent racecourse appearance at Goodwood last Sunday.

In an incident-packed event, Mystic Man was repeatedly denied a clear run and frankly might just as well have stayed at home in the comfort of his own box.

To build up the kitty in readiness for Mystic Man, try having a few bob on Sundance Kid (2.05) in the opening Harry Rosebery Listed Stakes.

Hugh Collingridge's colt looked simply awesome when destroying a decent field at Ripon 17 days ago, a performance which put him into many notebooks as a youngster to follow during the final seven weeks of the flat turf season.

By his own admission Barry Hills was not 100 per cent happy with the overall health of his team in August, but the black cloud which hung over his stables seems to have well and truly lifted.

Bearing this in mind, plus the fact his speedy seven-furlong inmate, Craiova (4.05), has dropped to a winning mark, a small financial interest in the five-year-old at Newbury might not go amiss.

Previous track and trip scorer, Miss Judgement (3.15), heads back to Nottingham seeking to make it three wins for the year in the Sports Betting Handicap.

A couple of coconuts against the fillies' name on her last two starts do not even begin to paint an accurate picture. At Lingfield she had no chance, being drawn out in the cheap seats.

Miss Judgement then travelled to Bath, a trip down the M4 from Lambourn which ultimately turned out to be a total waste of time as rider Franny Norton could never get his mount into a challenging position, again hampered by a hopeless wide draw.

Lady luck has changed her mind and decided to shine on Willie Muir's representative, who is set to emerge from stall 18.

From there she'll be able to bag the all-important stands rail and motor up what is nearly always the fastest strip of ground at the Midlands venue.