THIRSK'S Hunt Cup should remain on home soil provided My Paris (3.00) isn't too inconvenienced by the firm ground.

Kevin Ryan's runner is trained a few miles from the track, however the six-year-old would ideally prefer a little more give underfoot to maximize his chance.

Lack of rain during April has made things difficult for horses like My Paris, but he's still effective when conditions are quick and has finally been given a break by the handicapper.

Rated 105 at this time last year, the locally-based gelding has been dropped to 91 over the past 12 months, which to some backers will represent an open invitation to lace up their betting boots.

If any reader happens to be feeling a touch of deja vu, it's not a delusion seeing as My Paris carried the nap selection in the 2005 running of the race, only to be heartbreakingly beaten by a short-head.

Let's trust to luck that lightning doesn't strike twice, although if it does, one of the individuals most likely to inflict further pain is the current cup holder, Minority Report.

Luca Cumani has clearly targeted the £18,000 renewal for his Newmarket raider, who at least as far as supporters of My Paris are concerned, has an even worse draw in stall 12 of 15.

David Nicholls' stable is equally adjacent to the course and his recent good form is gratifying in the context of Danzig River's (4.40) prospects for the tote-sponsored five furlong Handicap.

Apprentice rider Adele Rothery did well to overcome scrimmaging to score at Leicester, a repeat of which is highly probable considering Danzig River remains potentially well-in at the weights.

Eastern Anthem begins his build-up to a possible run in the Vodafone Derby when he reappears in the Listed stanspoker.co.uk Newmarket Stakes.

Godolphin's colt is as low as 12-1 with Ladbrokes for the Epsom contest on June 2 despite having raced only once to date.

Eastern Anthem was a five-length winner over a mile at Nottingham on that occasion and is certainly bred to be a Classic winner, being by Singspiel out of Kazzia, winner of both the 1000 Guineas and Oaks for Godolphin in 2002.

Trainer Saeed bin Suroor said: ''He enjoyed an excellent winter in Dubai and this outing is to test him before going for big races.

''He's happy and looking good. He has been working well and we will see how he gets on."

Eastern Anthem will be tackling ten furlongs for the first time and his five rivals at headquarters include the unbeaten Lepido and the David Elsworth-trained Salford Mill.