Hambleton trainer Kevin Ryan can take Wolverhampton's sand track by storm tomorrow by winning the first three races.

Ryan, who has had his horses in good form throughout the winter, kicks-off with Up Tempo in the first division of the Press Interactive To Bet Direct Handicap over seven furlongs.

Formerly trained by Tim Easterby, Up Tempo broke his duck on the all-weather at Southwell last month and looks up to adding to that victory in this modest event.

Nigel Tinkler's Mount Royale, another recent Southwell winner, looks his main danger.

Legalis provides Ryan, and jockey Neil Callan, with another sound chance half-an-hour later in the second division of the seven-furlongs handicap.

A consistent campaigner, who was a winner on his latest start, Legalis is fancied to defy a 6lb penalty.

Paul Fessey takes the mount on Ryan's Kings Rock in the Bet Direct On Sky Active Maiden Stakes, and this promising three-year-old is fancied to open his winning account.

Despite being a rather backward type, Kings Rock showed ability on turf last season and made an encouraging comeback when chasing home Vengerov over a mile at Southwell two weeks ago. He can go one better and contribute to a successful afternoon for Ryan.

Kieren Fallon looks likely to be among the Wolverhampton winners.

The champion jockey has been booked to partner Consonant in the featured race, the betdirect.co.uk Handicap, and David Bridgwater's gelding is expected to take plenty of beating.

A very smart horse in his younger days, Consonant has had his share of problems and spent a long time on the sidelines before reappearing this winter.

Two wins from two starts is his record so far, and the chances are that he can add to that tally tomorrow.

Over the sticks at Sandown, Pardishar should make a bold bid in the opening race, the Allied Irish (GB) Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle.

Trained by Gary Moore, Pardishar scored at Fontwell two outings ago and failed by only a short head to follow-up at Cheltenham in a handicap won by Ela Re.

Progressing nicely, Nap selection Pardishar can get back on top here with Jamie Moore, the trainer's son, in the saddle.

The £20,000 Durkan Group Showcase Handicap Chase takes pride of place at Sandown, and Old Marsh is taken to make it third-time-lucky.

Venetia Williams' gelding has finished runner-up on his last two starts. Opportunity is due to come knocking for him this time with the highly-promising Sam Thomas in the saddle.

Also worth watching out for at Sandown are the promising Tanikos (2.00) and Rollo (4.50), who made an encouraging debut to finish third three weeks ago.

Friday's tips:

Wolverhampton

1.50 Up Tempo, 2.20 Legalis, 2.55 Kings Rock, 3.30 Ellens Lad, 4.00 Consonant, 4.35 Prince Prospect, 5.10 Kagoshima.

Sandown

1.30 Pardishar (Nap), 2.00 Tanikos, 2.30 Bold Bishop, 3.05 Old Marsh, 3.40 Leith Hill Star, 4.15 Houghton Bay, 4.50 Rollo.

Tomorrow's other meeting is at Fakenham.

Updated: 12:05 Thursday, February 19, 2004