ANTE-POST markets are an integral part of racing and it's hard to ignore that throughout the winter, New Approach (3.25) has been a red-hot favourite for the 2,000 Guineas.

Jim Bolger's colt is carrying the cash of the high-rollers in the betting ring based on excellent vibes emerging from the Emerald Isle over the past few months.

Most of those investors have already got a big stash in the bank and they aren't about to part with their gilt if New Approach delivers on cue.

A potted history of New Approach's career shows he was was an invincible two-year-old, winning all five starts, including the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes.

Owned at the time by the Bolger family, the son of Galileo was then bought to compete in the colours of Princess Haya, wife of Sheikh Mohammed.

There are numerous instances of the Maktoums lashing out huge dough, only to have purchased a pup, but not this time, such is the prodigious talent of New Approach.

It's a mega-blow to our region that we've not a single runner in either of the weekend Classics, thankfully though we have a few decent chances on the supporting cards.

One definite each-way possibility is previous Newmarket scorer Fantasy Believer (4.00), who is extremely well-handicapped in the six-furlong Heritage Handicap.

Two years ago John Quinn's evergreen speed merchant won at the track off a mark of 104, a rating which has now plummeted to 89 due to a long losing streak.

At ten years of age some would argue Fantasy Believer may never recapture the dash that has seen him secure 17 victories in a magnificent career.

That argument may yet ring true, however off such a lenient level, the risk of a small win and place bet looks well worth taking.

For the third time this week Mark Johnston has set his fans a wicked conundrum by fielding two fancied runners in one race.

The individuals involved are Robby Bobby and Arctic Cape (2.10), both engaged in the opening mile-and-quarter Stan James Handicap.

Johnston was very keen on Robby Bobby at the start of the season, but the trainer's confidence took a knock when the stocky colt flopped on his Ripon re-appearance.

On the other hand, Arctic Cape ran a stormer on his recent comeback, finishing fourth in a stunningly competitive one-miler at Sandown.

Presented with that evidence any judge and jury in the land would give Arctic Cape (2.10) the verdict, especially as he was a tad too keen for his good at Sandown.

Anyone going to this evening's Doncaster meeting might consider supporting Michael Dods' promising filly Celtic Lynn (6.45).

Although the daughter of Celtic Swing didn't make the course as a juvenile, such happenings can often be a blessing in disguise.

The proof of the pudding is in the eating, and there was no disguising the immense promise of Celtic Lynn's Thirsk debut, when running on nicely to nab third spot.

If this year's top crop of threeyear- old fillies don't get your sap rising then I'd advise taking up a more sedate hobby.

Four of the best line up in tomorrow's 1,000 Guineas, namely Natagora, Infallible, Muthabara and Spacious, all of whom look very special.

It's a devil of job trying to predict precisely which one will come out as leader of the pack, not to mention a few useful outsiders seeking to topple the lot, so I'll simply have a stab at unbeaten Muthabara (3.20).

There aren't many living legends around but with ten English Classics under his belt, John Dunlop is undoubtedly a fully paid-up member of that exclusive club. A last-minute setback has curbed Dunlop's enthusiasm, but he said: "Muthabara has a small bruise under the shoe on her near-fore, but I am hopeful of a full recovery."