ROYSTON FFRENCH, who gained a notable big-race success for old ally Mark Johnston at Goodwood a couple of weeks ago, can ride another winner for his former North Yorkshire boss at Newcastle today.

Ffrench, who nowadays spends half his year in Dubai and the other in Britain, had a powerful association with Johnston six years ago and was most notably associated with high-class performer Jukebox Jury, on whom he gained multiple Group race wins both at home and abroad.

Ffrench, a former champion apprentice, has done extremely well in Dubai in recent years and has rattled up ten winners during his latest stint in the UK, including Johnston's Almargo who carried him to a valuable handicap success at Goodwood.

Tasmanian is Ffrench's mount for the Middleham trainer this afternoon in the Gowland & Dawson Maiden Stakes. Fourth in both his starts to date at Pontefract and Ripon, the three-year-old has shown only average ability. But the same applies to his rivals here and this looks a good opportunity for Tasmanian to score - and add to Ffrench's winning tally before he returns to Dubai at the beginning of next month.

Michael Wigham is fancied to strike while the iron is hot with Peace Accord in the ESH Construction Handicap.

The four-year-old, previously trained in Ireland, made a winning debut at Wolverhampton ten days ago and won with something in hand. A 6lb penalty may not prevent Jack Mitchell's mount from obliging again.

Norton apprentice Joe Doyle should enjoy a good ride on Midnight Warrior in the NWG Handicap.

Ronnie Barr's charge was a winner two starts ago at Carlisle and has since finished a good second at Thirsk. He is in excellent heart at present and looks sure to go well again.

The likewise consistent Wor Lass (2.50) and Mick Easterby's Old Man Clegg (5.10), who shaped well at Thirsk last time out, are two others to note.

Sheriff Hutton-based Easterby may also be poised to strike at Haydock with Can You Conga in the Betfred Bolton Lads & Girls Club Handicap (division one).

Far from disgraced when finishing in mid-field behind the smart Compton Park at Thirsk last weekend, Can You Conga may be on the way back to the sort of form he showed when winning at Newmarket just over twelve months ago. Graham Gibbons takes the mount this time on a horse who is plainly not one to overlook.

Richard Hughes, hungrier than ever to ride winners while his great rival in the jockeys' championship, Ryan Moore, sits out a suspension, can complete a Haydock double on Karezak and Mistrusting.

The latter, trained for Godolphin by Charlie Appleby, finished a good second at Ascot on her debut. She looks a juvenile of some potential and a bold bid is expected from her in the Betfred Thwaites EBF Maiden Fillies' Stakes.

Hughes starts his afternoon stint aboard Karezak in the Betfred J W Lees Maiden Stakes.

Previously trained in Ireland by John Oxx, Karezak has finished runner-up in all his three starts this season, including in the Apprentices' Derby on Irish Derby day at the Curragh on his latest outing.

Now with Alan King, having presumably having hurdling on his agenda, Karezak looks the type to win on the Flat before he switches codes. This looks a good opportunity for him.

Also worthy of attention are Haydock are the hat-trick seeking Poyle Vinnie (3.35), and Henry Candy's pair Apricot Sky (4.10), a decent third at Newmarket last time, and the consistent Cosette (5.55), today's nap selection, who has strung together a whole host of creditable performances this summer.

Selections

Haydock today

2.00 Karezak, 2.30 Mistrusting, 3.00 Can You Conga, 3.35 Poyle Vinnie, 4.10 Apricot Sky, 4.45 Pearl Nation, 5.20 Madeed, 5.55 Cosette (NAP).

Newcastle today

1.50 Beach Samba, 2.20 Jan Van Hoof, 2.50 Wor Lass, 3.25 Tasmanian, 4.00 Midnight Warrior, 4.35 Peace Accord, 5.10 Old Man Clegg, 5.45 Sky Crossing.

Today's other meetings

Chepstow, Kempton and Musselburgh.

Tomorrow's meetings

Ascot, Haydock, Kempton, Stratford, Thirsk and Wolverhampton.