ZEFFERINO finally got off the mark at the fourth attempt last month and now that he has got his head in front, he can keep up the good work in the Watch Racing UK In HD Handicap at Haydock.

Second on his racecourse bow at Newmarket last August, Roger Charlton's charge was then not beaten too far in conditions company and was duly sent off favourite at Wolverhampton last November.

Yet he could finish only fourth on that occasion after striking out for home far too early and the lessons were learnt as Zefferino was ridden with a bit more restraint on his return at Lingfield last month.

While the Frankel colt took a bit of time to really hit top gear, he assumed control of the race inside the last of seven furlongs and looked a fairly comfortable length-and-a-half winner of what was only an average race.

An initial mark of 83 seems fair enough and the step up to a mile here seems likely to suit on pedigree, with Andrea Atzeni riding today's nap selection.

MERLIN sidestepped a run at a very wet Wetherby last week but can make up for lost time in the Racing UK HD Handicap under William Buick.

He dropped down slightly from a mile to win with ease over six furlongs at Nottingham last time but trainer Michael Bell pushes him back up to seven furlongs.

That can hardly be a negative, though, as he has shown enough stamina to place over a mile previously, so Merlin must be one for the short list.

ROSS RAITH ROVER seems to enjoy a trip to the seaside and he can strike gold once again in the Follow Us On Facebook At Yarmouth Racecourse Handicap.

Robert Eddery has sent him to the track for his last two outings, yielding a third and a victory, so it is easy to see why he would want to stick to a winning formula.

He was beaten far on that first effort but clearly stepped up on that a bit to win by a head last time, with the margin of victory limiting the handicapper to a 3lb rise.

Ross Raith Rover counts an American Grade One winner amongst his half-siblings and while he is not of that calibre, he is smart enough for a race like this. Paolo Sirigu takes the reins.

BEYOND RECALL has fallen slightly short in maiden company so far but a switch in sphere can see her come good in the Seadell Shops & Holiday Chalets Hemsby Handicap.

Well out of the frame in two maiden outings in her juvenile year, Beyond Recall made her seasonal bow at Haydock back in April, appearing a likely winner of a mile heat before being caught on the line.

Beaten half a length on that occasion by a newcomer, the value of the form is far from clear, but Beyond Recall certainly ran well enough in defeat.

She kicks off handicap life on a mark of 73 and Luca Cumani will surely be keen to get a win on the board for this Cacique filly, who runs in the colours of his Fittocks Stud with Adam Kirby on board.

MAY GIRL is sure to be a popular topical choice in the opening British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes.

She was due to run on the day of the election last week but was a late withdrawal, meaning she pitches up here instead.

Robert Cowell's charge, ridden by Luke Morris, has a speedy pedigree and is one to stay on the right side of.