The gelding operation may sound a painful process but it really does help to concentrate the mind of some thoroughbreds.

Paul Cole's Nimello is an excellent example and the five-year-old has looked a different animal since having his delicate parts removed at the end of last year.

Following a scintillating win on the all-weather, Cole's charge turned in an impressive performance when running away with the Lincoln at Doncaster in March.

He can make it three out of three for the year with a victory in the Doubleprint Showcase Handicap over a mile at Kempton today.

My selection is 9lb higher than that win but, given the manner of that success, that could easily be overcome.

He could well be on the verge of Listed or Group class and the likely strong pace should play to his strengths. He is taken to confirm Lincoln form with Highland Reel, who should appreciate the return to this trip and who is definitely worth a small saver.

Sir Michael Stoute, fresh from his fifth success in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on Saturday can be on the mark with Harlequin in the Bonusprint Handicap over a mile and one furlong.

The son of Halling showed ability in three outings as a juvenile last term, where he also gave the impression that he would do better this year.

There's plenty of improvement to come from this good-bodied sort and he's taken to beat recent winner Wannabe Around.

At Doncaster the bet on the card looks to be Mister Mal in the Clowns Handicap over six furlongs.

From the in-form stable of David Nicholls, the gelding confirmed the promise of his reappearance run over course and distance in March when winning at Brighton last week.

Although he's penalised, this flat track and the drying ground should be in his favour and he seems sure to give a good account.

The bet of the afternoon could be at Warwick in the seven-furlong Nos Na Gaiothe Classified stakes in the shape of Floating Charge.

James Fanshawe's team are starting to get into gear and the versatile seven-year-old, who has a fine chance at the weights, should be all the better for a recent run at Brighton.

Given that he's well drawn and should get a good lead, he's got plenty in his favour and the drying ground won't be an inconvenience.

Raheibb should be suited by the drop back to seven furlongs after a below par effort over a mile at Windsor last time and is the each-way alternative to likely favourite Floot in the May Bank Holiday Handicap over seven furlongs.

At Newcastle Clarinch Claymore, who has been seen to such good effect on the sand last winter, can carry on the good work in the hands of excellent 5lb claimer Paul Hanagan in the betsmart.co.uk Handicap over a mile and a half.

l Davids Lad gave trainer Tony Martin and jockey Timmy Murphy the biggest successes of their careers when landing the IR£130,000 Powers Gold Label Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse.

Davids Lad, a course winner only last week and 3lb out of the handicap, came fast and late to take the winner's prize of IR£81,500 in the colours of the four-man Eddie Joe's racing syndicate.

Successful earlier in the season at Cheltenham, Davids Lad (10-1) was ridden with restraint and great judgment by 26-year-old jockey Murphy to tackle the 25-1 chance Rathbawn Prince going to the final fence and score by a 1 lengths.

''I was told to make sure the horse settled, get him jumping and come late on the scene. All credit to Tony Martin for producing Davids Lad in the form of his life,'' said Murphy.

Murphy, who comes from Kilcullen, County Kildare, was runner- up on Smarty in the Martell Grand National at Aintree and was particularly pleased to gain compensation in the Irish equivalent.

''This is brilliant after missing out at Aintree on Smarty. I never really had a moment's worry because we met no trouble in running and we went round on fresh ground on the inner,'' he remarked.

The well-backed favourite Foxchapel King and the top-weight Commanche Court were both vulnerable when the pace suddenly quickened at the third last, where the long-time leader Sheltering was being challenged by Rathbawn Prince with Murphy still to make a significant move on Davids Lad still tucked away on the inside.

Sheltering did not settle for Norman Williamson but still was good enough to take third, 11 lengths adrift of the runner-up, and just a short head in front of another of last week's scorers, Kings Valley.

Tony Martin, who trains not far from the course outside Trim, has done a marvellous job with Davids Lad considering the horse has risen 48lb in the ratings since opening his account over fences at Navan last autumn.

The winner's dam Cool Nora remarkably gave Martin his first ever winner as a trainer when taking a modest maiden hurdle at Downpatrick, and Davids Lad was her only foal.

The odds-on Ned Kelly recorded his sixth win in as many starts over timber when signing off for the season in the Powers Gold Label Novice Hurdle