BANK on Divine Spirit hitting the heights at Ayr this evening.

Trained near Darlington by Michael Dods, the five-year-old has the plum rails draw in the Ayr Racecourse Champagne & Seafood Bar Handicap and is napped to show his rivals the way home under Fergal Lynch.

A former winner on this course, Divine Spirit finished only 11th of 18 runners on his debut at Thirsk last month, but he found himself drawn on the disadvantaged side of the course on that occasion and, in the end, was far from disgraced in being beaten only about seven lengths by the winner Desert Commander, who raced on the opposite side.

Divine Spirit can show the benefit of that outing here and open his account for the season at her second attempt.

Smart apprentice Ben Swarbrick, who joined Thirsk trainer David Barron about a month ago, is making the most of his opportunities, and he is fancied to steer Dispol Isle to victory in the Scottish Woman Handicap over a mile.

Swarbrick, who claims 3lb, was seen to good effect on Dispol Isle when gaining a short-head success at Redcar three weeks ago. There could be more to come from the Maunby raider, who may have most to fear from Stellite, who created a good impression when winning at Thirsk last time.

Middleham trainer Karl Burke has a high opinion of Speedy Sam, who is expected to live up to his name in the Xmas Party Nights At Ayr Racecourse Maiden Stakes.

Speedy Sam finished second in both his starts last season, the last of them at York in October. Reckoned to be much more the finished article this year, he can start his second term on a winning note.

At Windsor, make a note of Free To Air in the Play Blackjack At vccasino.com Handicap.

Trained by Andrew Balding, Free To Air is owned by his sister Claire, the BBC racing and sports presenter. A winner at Southwell recently when partnered by Paul Hanagan, the three-year-old will have the services of Frankie Dettori this evening.

Racing selections

TONIGHT

Ayr

Selected races: 6.10 Divine Spirit, 7.10 Speedy Sam, 7.40 Dispol Isle

Windsor

Selected race: 6.20 Free To Air

TOMORROW

Kelso

Selected races: 3.50 Silver Knight, 4.50 Saintsaire

Updated: 08:39 Monday, May 08, 2006