DAVID "DANDY" NICHOLLS has made his name as a trainer manufacturing top-class sprinters and the production line shows no sign of stopping with the emergence of another lightning fast speed star, Funfair Wane.

Having won the Ayr Gold Cup on his final start last season, Nicholls now moves his flying four-year-old up in grade to Listed class for today's £32,000 Cammidge Trophy at Doncaster.

Funfair Wane, owned by Kevin and Jean Keegan, looks to be a very progressive individual judged by the way he fought off an extremely strong field to land the Scottish feature at the 2002 Western meeting.

The victory completed a three-year stranglehold on the valuable six-furlong handicap because Nicholls won the 2000 and 2001 running of the race with Bahamian Pirate and Continent.

The record books show that dashing duo went on to complete a famous one-two in the Group 1 July Cup at Newmarket, a result which suggests Dandy knows exactly what to expect from Funfair Wane now that he is trying his luck in this better company.

In the preceding mile-and-a-half Doncaster Shield, Darasim (2.30) has solid credentials for the £20,000 contest.

Mark Johnston's five-year-old won first time out last season, always a positive sign when attempting to weigh up the pros and cons of supporting a horse that hasn't been seen out for 181 days.

Owned by Swiss financier Marcus Graff, Darasim will not be hanging around as he has proven form over much longer distances. I therefore anticipate Kevin Darley's tactics will be much along the lines of catch-me-if-you-can.

From a punting point of view caution has to be the watchword at this time of year on the Flat, especially in three-year-old races.

Staying clear of handicaps and concentrating on stakes races is also a sensible policy, pointing directly to the prospects of Kempton-bound Rocket Ship (4.35).

Rocket Ship is clearly useful, having won his sole start to date at York in October when he was backed as if defeat was out of the question. Boasting a smashing pedigree (he's a half-brother to a couple of Listed class winners), the likely favourite has obviously come to hand very early since trainer Roger Charlton doesn't as a rule have too many runners at this embryonic stage of the turf season.

Newbury is home to the National Hunt season's most valuable mares' only race, the EBF Crandon Park Stud Novices' Handicap Hurdle.

Southern trainers Jonjo O'Neill and Paul Nicholls throw their respective hats in the ring with Ar Muin Na Muice and Blue Ride, but the much sought-after £50,000 event looks to be heading back up the M6 courtesy of Glenmoss Tara (3.20).

Trained at Greystoke near Kendal by Nicky Richards, Glenmoss Tara has reeled off a mightily impressive hurdles hat-trick over the past few months. Victories at Catterick, Ayr, and Musselburgh this term supplemented previous wins in bumpers at Doncaster and Uttoxeter in 2001.

The wide open galloping nature of the track at Newbury should be absolutely ideal for the classy five-year-old, due to be partnered by Brian Harding in the absence of the sidelined Tony Dobbin.

One of horse racing's biggest dodge-pots, Teyaar (9.00), turns out for the Irish Night Claiming Stakes at Wolverhampton.

Teyaar has won over course and distance, therefore the Fibresand certainly won't present any problems. Of rather more concern is his questionable attitude, but if Teyaar is in a co-operative mood the modest prize could so easily be his.

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