THE LAST LION can earn a deserved return to the winner's enclosure in the RacingUK/Daypass Dragon Stakes at Sandown today.

Mark Johnston's youngster justified prohibitive odds to win the Brocklesby Stakes at Doncaster in the spring and, while connections might be a little frustrated he has failed to add to that triumph since, he has done very little wrong in three subsequent starts.

He passed the post a close second before being demoted to third behind American challenger Create A Dream on his second start at Ascot, before finding Prince Of Lir too strong in the Brian Yeardley Trophy at Beverley.

That form was confirmed and well advertised as the pair went on to finish first and second in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot, with The Last Lion proving he still has more to give.

The Choisir colt's two best performances to date – at Doncaster and the Royal meeting – have come when the ground has been soft and with testing conditions set to prevail in Esher, this Listed event looks an excellent opportunity for him to get back on the winning trail.

Listed honours are also up for grabs in the Ambant Gala Stakes, in which the Roger Charlton-trained AYRAD is expected to go well.

The five-year-old has already proven himself at this level, having landed a Listed prize at Goodwood last year when in the care of Roger Varian.

He made a most encouraging start for his new trainer when third behind subsequent Group One hero My Dream Boat in the Gordon Richards Stakes over this course and distance in April and he has not been disgraced on his last couple of starts over a mile and a half at Newbury and Chantilly.

A return to a mile and a quarter is likely to see him in a better light and a reproduction of his effort here a couple of months ago might be enough to see him come home in front.

The fact Ryan Moore rides at Doncaster instead of Sandown looks noteworthy, with the multiple champion jockey having a strong book of rides on Town Moor.

The pick of his mounts could be DUBKA, who makes her first start outside maiden company in the Chesterfield Estates EBF Stallions Breeding Winners Fillies' Handicap.

Sir Michael Stoute's charge caught the eye making late headway on her Salisbury introduction and it was no great surprise to see her get off the mark at the second attempt in a fairly ordinary heat at Chepstow.

Having said that, she won with plenty to spare and because that victory came at one of the lesser Flat venues, she may have been underestimated by the handicapper, kicking off with what appears a workable mark of 79.

DUBAI KNIGHTS is worth a small interest in the Jackson's Yorkshire Champion Bread EBF Novice Stakes at Beverley.

The youngster has been placed on each of his three starts to date, most recently finishing a shade over two lengths behind a smart-looking subsequent winner in Love Dreams.

Dubai Knights receives weight from the three previous winners in this field, which is likely to prove crucial.

Haydock specialist CHOSEN CHARACTER can claim a seventh win at the Merseyside venue in the Betfred "Thanks Our Staff Here Tonight" Handicap.

Paul Nicholls is having far more runners and winners than usual at this time of year and his Amanto looks a likely type in the SIS Horses In-Running Novices' Handicap Chase at Newton Abbot.

TODAY'S SELECTIONS

BELLEWSTOWN: 5.00 Boyfriend Brian, 5.35 Palmetto Dunes, 6.05 Credit The Giver, 6.35 Bad Penny, 7.05 Lady Ranger, 7.35 Oor Jock, 8.05 Romanesque, 8.35 Hostile Fire.

BEVERLEY: 6.15 Corroyer, 6.45 Dubai Knights, 7.15 Lawyer, 7.45 Executor, 8.15 Saint Thomas, 8.45 Clouded Gold.

DONCASTER: 2.00 Duke Of Diamonds, 2.30 Cape Cova, 3.05 Dubka, 3.35 Futoon, 4.10 Pastoral Player, 4.40 Balducci, 5.15 Al Hawraa.

HAYDOCK: 6.30 Orient Class, 7.00 Trois Bon Amis, 7.30 Jaameh, 8.00 Navarone, 8.30 Chosen Character, 9.00 Song Of Namibia.

NEWTON ABBOT: 2.10 Beau Phil, 2.40 Westend Prince, 3.15 Amanto, 3.45 Listen And Learn, 4.20 Mad Money, 4.50 Tafficker, 5.25 Forsmiles.

SANDOWN: 2.20 Sahreej, 2.50 THE LAST LION (NAP), 3.25 Plant Pot Power, 4.00 Ayrad, 4.30 Oasis Spear, 5.05 Faithful Mount.

WEXFORD: 5.20 Havana Dancer, 5.50 Yes Man, 6.20 Emily Anna, 6.50 Buckeye Shan, 7.20 Gambling Girl, 7.50 Cogryhill, 8.20 Ballyfinboy, 8.50 Max Moonhead.

DOUBLE: The Last Lion and Ayrad.