MELALCHRIST'S draw in stall number two provides a significant advantage for Neil Callan's mount at Pontefract in the Annual Badge Holders Handicap.

Traditionally the runners stick limpet-like to the far rail, which means Callan can steer Melalchrist (2.50) on just about the shortest route in the six furlong dash-for-the-cash.

Of course, simply being drawn low by no means guarantees success, but add into the equation the fact the five-year-old finished an excellent second at Southwell last week, and the time might be right for a substantial interest on the speedy gelding.

Godolphin cast-off, Tufton, bids to post a first win since scoring for Sheik Mohammed's boys-in-blue on his debut at Windsor way back in August 2005.

It was all looking very rosy for Tufton (3.25) in those days, but after only one more start the colt sustained an injury and wasn't seen out again until February of this year, when trailing home nearer last than first at Kempton.

It looked like a case of game over, but his new trainer, Marco Botti, persevered and the four-year-old fared far better when finishing a close-up second at the same venue late last month.

Given his earlier promising exploits when running for Godolphin, Tufton could be a group class performer masquerading in handicap clothing, which means the opposition might just as well stay in their boxes.

Jonjo O'Neill, triumphant in yesterday's Irish Grand National via Butler's Cabin, switches codes and swims in much shallower waters with Malakiya (4.00) for the two-mile-two-furlong Jamaican Handicap.

For sure the prize money on offer is paltry compared to Fairyhouse, but every winner counts in this game and judging by the winter efforts of Malakiya when twice collecting over jumps, the stable's fine run is all set to continue.

Nelsons Column (4.35) did Middleham handler George Moore proud in 2006 by rattling off a magnificent mid-summer hat-trick.

Last season marked something of a welcome renaissance for George after a few quiet years, a trend likely to be maintained while progressive horses such as Nelsons Column remain resident in his Warwick Lodge yard.

Naturally the issue of race-fitness once again rears its ugly head following a lengthy absence. However, even if the selection is a gallop short of his peak, sheer class could still pull him through.