DISPOL ROCK, a horse suffering a bad bout of seconditis, could be about to reverse the trend at Newcastle this afternoon.

David Barron's ultra-consistent five-year-old has run three solid races of late, but rather frustratingly for connections keeps on finding one too good.

In such cases it often pays to dig just a little bit deeper to try to pinpoint the reason. And it would appear the distance he has been campaigned over of 12 furlongs has perhaps stretched Dispol Rock's stamina to the limit.

The return to a mile-and-a-quarter in the BHF 40th Anniversary Handicap at the Tyneside track seems the sensible option, a tactic which might conceivably be just what the doctor ordered to remedy the situation.

In the opening British Heart Foundation Maiden Stakes, the two "Marks", Messrs Prescott and Johnston, look set to fight out the finish with their respective representatives, Jewel Of India and Stunning Force (2.30).

Jewel Of India has both fitness and experience advantage having finished third on his debut at Bath. However preference is still for the Maktoum al Maktoum owned Stunning Force, about whom home gallop reports have been encouraging.

Johnston should also be on the mark with his top juvenile Scottish River (3.10) at Newbury in the Listed Washington Singer Stakes, nor should his newcomer Affray (6.35) be missed in the one mile Maiden at Newmarket.

If you're thinking of going to Catterick's evening fixture, be sure to allow plenty of time as the meeting normally attracts a crowd.

Former course and distance scorer Aldwych Arrow (5.50) has an excellent each-way chance in the opener, especially carrying such a feather-weight.

Trainer David Nicholls did us a favour yesterday when the headline horse, Hormuz, obliged at odds of 9-2.

He might be back in the money with Naviasky (7.20,) certain to get the blistering early gallop he so badly needs in the D&P Haulage Handicap.