DAVID BARRON'S two-year-olds have been running with distinction all season, boding well for the chances of Flipando (2.20) in the opener at Newcastle today.

Flipando very much took the eye in the paddock prior to his debut at Thirsk early last month and it was therefore no surprise to see him run with such promise to finish third in what looks quite a decent five-furlong contest.

Never a man to shilly-shally, Barron has wasted no time whatsoever in stepping his youngster up in trip, a smart move since Flipando shaped as if he would make significant improvement given a stiffer test of stamina.

The testing uphill finish at the track certainly meets that criteria and it could also be argued that the opposition isn't any great shakes either.

As predicted in Saturday's column, the in-form Michael Dods picked a decent handicap at Kempton with Polish Corridor.

Dods could probably win with the stable cat at present and either of his two runners, Flying Tackle and Mr Bountiful (3.55), might easily be involved in the finish of the Guinness Handicap.

Both have handy low draws and warrant each-way support. However, I need to nominate one or the other and despite never having won over six furlongs preference is marginally for Mr Bountiful.

The versatile selection is a bit of a "Jack of all trades" because he acts on fast and easy ground, as well as the all-weather surfaces. Bearing in mind there is plenty of rain forecast, if it does come up soft he'll be much more at home than the majority of the 20-runner field.

Roger Charlton's fast-improving stayer, Dorothy's Friend (4.55), who has won twice in the space of the last five days, will surely justify cramped odds in the closing Saffie Joseph Handicap.

It could be argued that backing four-year-old maidens in selling handicaps is one of the quickest routes to the bankruptcy, nevertheless I'm still going to have a small interest on Vizulize (3.35) at Bath.

The £2,800 0-60 Class G event really is an absolute shocker, a point hammered home by the fact that Vizulize, who shoulders top-weight, is only rated 54. Admittedly Rod Millman's filly is no world-beater, but this is the first time she's been dropped into selling class and in addition Vizulize has bits and pieces of useful placed form in far better company.

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