IAN MONGAN'S reputation as one of the strongest apprentice jockeys currently riding will be put to the test at Lingfield today aboard Kissing Time (3.30) in the £10,000 Showcase Handicap.

Paul Cole's three-year-old signalled a return to the winners' enclosure was imminent at Windsor recently when finishing fifth in a similar event.

The vastly-experienced Jimmy Fortune was doing the steering that day, but he now makes way for Mongan, whose 5lb allowance could prove vital in what is sure to be a close finish to the afternoon's most valuable race.

Exactly one-hour earlier Nigel Tinkler's Miss Equinox (2.30) attempts to make the long journey down from Malton pay by collecting the Prime Time Selling Stakes.

She's a gutsy sort of two-year-old who gained just reward for a string of placed efforts when breaking her duck at Newcastle last month.

A high draw in big fields on the straight track is often extremely advantageous, boding well for L A Touch (3.00), coming out of stall 18 and likely to head for the favoured stands rail.

For no apparent reason she ran an absolute stinker at Folkestone last time. However, if you are prepared to forgive that dismal run, she must have a good chance.

Sotonian (2.10), napped when failing to obtain a clear passage on Windsor's Monday evening fixture, makes a swift reappearance in the opener at Wolverhampton.

Trainer Paul Felgate clearly feels his sprint gelding will benefit from a return to the sand - an opinion I feel will be justified in the Family Fun Handicap.

Church Mice (3.10) has been performing as if the step up to seven furlongs will suit in the Greenhill Nursery. Sofisio (3.40) and Irish Cream (4.40) are also strong recommendations at the Midlands venue.

Haydock-bound Mini Lodge (7.05), who landed a big gamble for Jimmy FitzGerald at Ripon, must be in with a shout of following up in the Moschino Handicap.

He looks a very progressive gelding, bred not only to improve with age, but also over middle-distances.

Best bet at Newmarket is Chauntry Gold (6.15), representing the in-form combination of Pat Eddery and Brian Meehan