RICHARD QUINN'S appointment as stable jockey to Henry Cecil last season did not as expected turn out to be route one to the jockeys' championship, but it did afford him the opportunity to team up with some serious firepower including Newmarket-bound Shibboleth (3.50).

Unfortunately Shibboleth's blossoming career was rudely interrupted in July when he had to undergo a minor operation to remove a bone chip on a hind leg. Now fully recovered, the classy son of Danzig can begin his preparation for Royal Ascot by winning the £12,000 Mildenhall Conditions Stakes.

In the preceding Burwell Handicap over one mile, David Nicholls might easily be on the mark with Chapel Royale (3.20). With twenty-three runners facing the starter, an each-way wager is advised, rather than putting on the week's housekeeping money. However at around odds of 10-1 or better, the sturdy grey looks to have a fine chance of taking the £10,000 contest.

Chapel Royale, fourth at Thirsk and then Beverley, should by all accounts be far better suited by Newmarket's much more demanding track, a venue where he has won before, although admittedly on the July course rather than today's Rowley mile.

Zilch, runner-up in the Gimcrack Stakes at York's Ebor meeting prior to landing a 21-runner maiden at Doncaster as a juvenile, makes his reappearance in the Cantor Index Conditions Stakes at Newbury.

Richard Hannon's smart son of Zilzal has apparently been doing some sterling work on the home gallops, suggesting he will be spot-on for his much-awaited comeback.

Ian Semple and Dale Gibson have decent double prospects at Hamilton with Papi Special (7.00) and Yenalid (7.35). Papi Special began his campaign well enough by finishing in second spot at Musselburgh. He then twice disappointed before returning to form at Ayr a week ago. Inconsistency has always been the selections' bugbear, nevertheless if he does put his best foot forward Gibson's mount theoretically must be thereabouts in the McLean Homes Handicap.

At first glance Papi Special's stable mate Yenalid has a slightly stiffer task in the Tote Bookmakers Handicap with a maximum field of 16 going to post. In fact several of the line up are in great heart, including recent winners Ambushed and Swing Of The Tide.

None the less nothing can put me off Yenalid, in need of the outing when chasing home the highly regarded Lennel at Musselburgh a fortnight ago.

I reckon that was an above average event, which coupled with the knowledge that the Official Handicapper seems to have been somewhat lenient with the gelding, leads me to believe Yenalid can oblige at a rewarding starting price.