Jedi Knight, who was a creditable runner-up at York last week, can go one better at Haydock tomorrow.

The Mick Easterby-trained gelding goes for the Renault Clio Van Showcase Handicap and will have the assistance of Kevin Darley.

A former high-class handicapper, Jedi Knight had his season severely curtailed through injury last year but he showed that he retains all his ability as he chased home Ferzao in a competitive race on Knavesmire last Thursday.

A reproduction of that form would enable him to go close in this £10,000 race tomorrow.

In the Renault Kangaroo Van Conditions Stakes, Frankie Dettori can clinch the honours on Island Sands.

Dettori, who picked-up a four-day ban at Goodwood yesterday which will rule him out of the French Derby, can surely look forward to a bold ride on this former top-notch campaigner, lightly-raced in recent seasons, but still very much a force to be reckoned with.

St Matthew gets my vote in the Renault Manchester Rated Handicap. John Hills' colt opened his winning account at only his second attempt when gaining a half-length verdict over the favourite Teehee at Nottingham.

Open to further improvement, especially now that he steps up in distance, St Matthew has every chance of following-up here.

Nigel Tinkler's booking of Pat Eddery for the newcomer Cool Chron in the Reanault Claiming Stakes looks significant and any market-move for the two-year-old should be heeded.

Some Will, who scored in style at Newcastle recently, has good prospects of following-up in the Renault Apprentice Handicap over six furlongs.

Tim Easterby's three-year-old looks to be on the upgrade and is awarded the Nap vote.

At Pontefract's evening meeting tomorrow, Clarinch Claymore will be bidding for deserved consolation after a luckless demotion at Newcastle last time out.

Malcolm Jefferson's gelding was disqualified from first place for causing interference, after getting the better of Celebre Bleu, a course of action many observers felt to be pretty harsh.

Clarinch Claymore can get back on top in the Round Tower Handicap under apprentice Paul Hanagan.

Kevin Darley, one of several jockeys who will be making their way to Pontefract from Haydock's afternoon meeting, can make his journey across the M62 worthwhile by lanbding the Southgate Fillies' Handicap on Pennys Pride.

Placed in her last two outings, Pennys Pride, trained by Mary Reveley, can elevate herself to the No 1 slot this time.

The Weatherbys Stallion Book Conditions Stakes has been chosen as a good opportunity for Magic Trick to resume winning ways. Barry Hills' useful two-year-old should take plenty of beating.

The promising Summerhill Parkes should not be overlooked in the Barbican Maiden Stakes.

Tomorrow's tips:

Haydock

2.00 - Falcon Hill

2.30 - Island Sands

3.00 - Jedi Knight

3.30 - St Matthew

4.00 - Cool Chron

4.30 - Lucky Rainbow

5.00 - Some Will (Nap)

Pontefract

6.40 - Cryfield

7.05 - Pennys Pride

7.35 - Magic Trick

8.05 - Lucayan Monarch

8.35 - Clarinch Claymore

9.05 - Summerhill Parkes

Updated: 12:21 Thursday, May 24, 2001