SOFT ground conditions pose no fears for Gunfighter, fully loaded and ready to fire in York's Hearthstead Homes Handicap.

Originally purchased for a cool 100,000 guineas as a yearling, Gunfighter's price plunged to just 2,800 when sold to join Malton's John Wainwright as an un-raced three-year-old in 2006.

Clearly Gunfighter had major physical problems as a youngster, but Wainwright has nursed him back to fitness, as result of which the stable landed a successful gamble at Hamilton in June.

Having pinched a few quid off the bookmakers, he then improved in defeat when second to the well-handicapped Webbow in competitive one-mile Carlisle handicap.

This afternoon's slight drop back in trip shouldn't worry the selection, a progressive son of Machiavellian, a sought-after sire who regularly produces near top-class offspring.

Once a mare such as David Barker's Mecca's Mate (2.45) hits her stride, it's normally worth climbing aboard the gravy train.

Last Sunday at Ayr, Mecca's Mate flew close home to claim a valuable listed race, amply demonstrating her readiness to follow up in the Group 3 Cuisine De France Summer Stakes.

Another sprint star from our region, Amadeus Wolf, heads to Newmarket in search of even bigger booty, the £375,000 Group 1 Darley July Cup.

Trainer Kevin Ryan had high hopes for Amadeus Wolf (3.10) at Royal Ascot, however the colt disappointed when finishing behind another of today's rivals, Soldier's Tale.

"We found some mucus in his lungs after Ascot, but he's fine now, in fact he's bouncing," revealed Ryan, who once again relies on the excellent Neil Callan to do the steering.

There'll be some party at Middleham this evening if Mine (2.35) can lift the Bunbury Cup for an unprecedented fourth time.

What an amazing job James Bethell has done with his evergreen nine-year-old, keeping his horse sweet even though he's traded blows with many top milers over the past few years.

Mine, winner of ten of his 57 starts, will break through the £400,000 career prize-money should he prevail in a contest always run at a frantic pace, which suits his hold-up style to perfection.

Take due note of the fact that Michael Dods fits Best Prospect (4.55) with a tongue-strap for the first time this season.

It's a vital piece of kit, which combined with the presence of Jamie Spencer in the saddle, will hopefully help to repeat the combination's triumph in the Egerton Handicap 12 months ago.