THIRSK'S summer of superb action signs off until next April with an action-packed six-race card this afternoon.

The Racing UK Handicap is a typically hard-to-solve one mile event, however, since I've been banging on about Efidium (3.30) all year with little discernible success, it would seem a trifle churlish to desert the seven-year-old now.

Although Neville Bycroft's gelding landed some big-priced naps for the column in 2004, thus far this term has failed to live up to expectations. But at least he's has slipped down the ratings as a result of some poor performances, which combined with the handy 7lbs taken off his back by Suzanne France, might with luck bring about a revival in the gelding's fortunes.

The preceding Chantry Chemicals Maiden Stakes brings together a clutch of promising juveniles most of whom should ultimately make really decent three-year-olds.

Godolphin could easily take a hand courtesy of Saeed Bin Suroor's raider Natural Force, while the Middleham pair, Baileys Encore and Nesmo, are by no means back-numbers.

It's difficult to decide precisely how the race is going to pan out, nonetheless I believe two trainers based much nearer to the track, Kevin Ryan and David Barron, are favourite to fight out the finish with Spiritual Peace and Northern Boy (3.00).

Of the talented duo, it is Barron's Northern Boy, who is fancied to be on the money having made such an encouraging Leicester debut. Despite looking a shade tubby in the parade ring, the son of Lure flashed out of the stalls and maintained a sterling gallop until he had no more to give in the closing stages.

Even when the fuel gauge was registering empty on that occasion, Northern Boy continued to give his all, an all-important trait not all thoroughbreds are blessed with.

Generally speaking a high draw in over six-furlongs is a significant advantage, which is one of the main reasons to side with Owed (5.00) in the See You Next April Handicap.

Housed in stall 17, the Geraldine Rees-trained representative should be able to hug the favoured stands' rail, whereas many of his opponents will be left out in no-man's land heading up the centre of the course.

Described by his trainer, Eric Wheeler, as a "magic" horse, Yarmouth-bound Dancing Mystery (5.20) bids for career win number 21 from 152 lifetime starts.

Most Flat racers have cried enough by the time they reach eleven-years of age, but not Dancing Mystery, who has also been placed a further 32 times, not to mention bagging nearly £245,000 in a long and illustrious career.

Having won in the past off a mark of 100, the fact that the veteran gelding is now down to 75 for the At The Races Sprint Handicap speaks volumes for his prospects, especially as Dancing Mystery was an excellent third over track and trip 21 days ago.

Get more racing online at www.racing-north.co.uk.