JOE FANNING'S presence aboard Ayam Jantan (3.20) should ensure backers get a decent run for their money in Redcar's Straight-Mile Championship Qualifier this afternoon.

The John Smith's sponsored event has attracted nine closely-matched rivals but as all but one must concede weight to Joe's mount, the cards may well prove to be stacked in their favour.

Ayam Jantan initially appeared to be a duffer, judged by his opening couple of duck eggs in 2005.

However, there was definite light at the end of the tunnel when he was fourth at Ayr in mid-September.

Although at that stage of the season there were still two months left in his two-year-old career to get off the mark, the fact Ayam Jantan was then given time to strengthen and mature is a major plus factor.

Fanning might also be on the premises if Nihal (4.20) can build on her profitable juvenile campaign in the £12,500 Jacksons-CPL Solicitors Handicap.

Jaber Abdullah's filly posted back-to-back victories at Ayr and York, the second coming at the Ebor Festival in a typically tough seven-furlong nursery on the Knavesmire.

Bearing in mind Nihal's pedigree relies heavily on stamina, the brace of sprint triumphs was pretty remarkable in its own right. Now stepped up to a mile-and-a-quarter, the fireworks may have only just been primed.

Punters prepared to take the odds about short-priced favourites could have the final say with Desert Lightning (4.50) and Bonne de Fleur (5.10), both seemingly holding terrific chances in the last two races on the card.

According to the most recent available evidence, Desert Lightning ought to be able to lift the Apprentice Claiming Stakes, a contest which, as its name indicates, is not going to take a great deal of winning.

He had the misfortune to be struck over the head by his principal rival's whip, Onlytime Will Tell, when the latter narrowly beat him in a far stronger Southwell event.

So long as Desert Lightning avoids similar accidental mistreatment, he simply cannot be opposed in what is a very weak affair.

Bryan Smart, doubtless dreaming of greater glory via Misu Bond's 2,000 Guineas bid on Saturday, must meanwhile attend to Bonne de Fleur in the closing Fillies' Handicap.

Smart's mare didn't do badly when fourth at Thirsk in April considering the ground was so soft.

She's much better when hearing her hooves rattle and today's predicted fast surface will likely bring about further improvement.

* Thornaby Mandate landed a sparkling 8-1 winning nap for followers of Janus (Colin Woods) at Pontefract yesterday.

* Hula Ballew continued the excellent form of Michael Dods' stable when winning the one-mile skybet.com Handicap at Pontefract yesterday.

"Phil Making gave her a great ride," said a delighted Dods.

"He was a good jockey last year, but he's even better this season.

"I've got about seven milers all in a good nick at present, the problem is keeping them apart and not running them in the same race."

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