THERE are more hard luck stories at Beverley's down dale and uphill track than virtually any other course around.

Indeed, Bond Millennium (2.50) will have to steer well clear of trouble if he is to win the Mac And Leni Memorial Handicap.

Sadly that wasn't the case at Carlisle last time out where Bryan Smart's gelding failed to obtain a clear run not once, but on two separate occasions.

The result of the scrimmaging meant a critical loss of momentum and curtains for Bond Millennium in a race he was handicapped to win.

Thankfully the selection has lived to fight another day and back at one of his favourite venues, he's worthy of a decent each-way bet in the extended one-mile event.

Kevin Darley has an outstanding record at the course and the fact that Willie Haggas has snapped up Kevin to partner Rowan Applause (3.25) speaks volumes for the prospects of the Newmarket-trained juvenile.

Haggas has shrewdly sorted out a relatively soft touch for Rowan Applause (3.55) to make her debut, a fact which coupled with the booking of Darley plus their excellent high draw, spells danger for the generally modest opposition.

The £10,000 one-mile Fillies' Handicap at Sandown could throw up a nice-priced winner in the shape of Madamoiselle Jones (4.10).

With the likes of Henry Cecil and Sir Michael Stoute both holding fancied entries, the spotlight will most definitely not be falling on Madamoiselle Jones, an improving filly well worth her place in the line-up having already done the business at Chepstow and Windsor this term.

Don't be fooled into thinking all of Mark Johnston's top two-year-olds have won this season given that Duke Of Venice (4.40) has yet to hit the target.

A fabulously-bred colt by Theatrical out of a Dayjur mare, Duke Of Venice got himself in a right old stew prior to entering the stalls on his Haydock debut in June.

Having misbehaved so badly he did incredibly well to still finish third and, provided there is no repeat of those silly antics, success awaits in the Ford Magic Maiden Stakes.

In the earlier Bunzi Novice Stakes, Johnston should also collect courtesy of Fort (3.35), who created a favourable impression when scoring on his racecourse bow over seven furlongs at Epsom last month.

Finally to Yarmouth where a dear friend to this column, Efidium (5.25), bids to win for a fifth time in 2003. Neville Bycroft's five-year-old goes amazing well for the promising apprentice Suzanne France, who has partnered him to victory on all four starts, including twice when carrying the nap selection.

l Jockey Keith Dalgleish did not have to pass any further breathalyser tests before he took his rides at Yarmouth yesterday.

The young Scot is very much an up-and-coming star of the weighing room and, although he had no success yesterday, he has ridden 57 winners this season.

But he hit the headlines for the wrong reasons on Monday when he was stood down for the day after becoming the first rider to test positive for alcohol since the introduction of breathalyser tests on July 15