EARLY MORNING can claim a second successive win at Ascot in today's Stella Artois Handicap.

The Harry Dunlop-trained grey has a likeable profile, having finished in the first three on nine of his 15 competitive appearances and passing the post in front on four occasions.

Wins at Kempton and Haydock in 2015 saw his mark rise from 77 to 100 and while he was unable to make an impact in either the London Mile at Kempton or the Cambridgeshire at Newmarket on his final two starts of the year, he has bounced back this term.

A comeback win at Lingfield was followed by an excellent effort to finish a close-up eighth in the Royal Hunt Cup.

He was disappointing on his next start at York but clearly benefited from a return to Ascot's straight-mile when hitting the bullseye at the Shergar Cup, providing Hayley Turner with a winner on her mini-comeback.

He is now back on a three-figure rating but this venue clearly brings out the best in him and another bold bid is anticipated from today's nap selection.

Favourite backers had their fingers burnt when MUTHMIRA fluffed her lines on her Chelmsford debut a shade under three weeks ago – but she can reward those who keep the faith in the opening Dark Horse Maiden Auction Stakes.

Simon Crisford has had a few smart two-year-olds through his hands during his first couple of seasons with a training licence, so the fact this daughter was well-backed for her introduction was noteworthy.

Sadly for her supporters, the writing was on the wall within seconds as she completely missed the break and ended up detached.

To her credit she did make headway late in the day to pick up minor honours in third and if she gets off on terms, normal improvement will make her very hard to beat.

MUZDAWAJ appears the most likely winner of the Acca Insurance At 188Bet Handicap at Haydock.

A couple of promising juvenile performances suggested William Haggas' inmate was a winner waiting to happen and he confirmed that impression with victory at Wolverhampton on his April return.

He has since won on easy ground at Redcar and on faster ground at Newmarket, so he is clearly adaptable and improving with racing.

Following a disappointing start to the season, Haggas enjoyed an excellent August and he will be hoping Muzdawaj can get the ball rolling for September.

VOICE OF TRUTH is similarly hard to oppose in the opening Wateraid/British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes at Newcastle.

The daughter of Dubawi was narrowly beaten by fellow Godolphin runner Grecian Light on her Newmarket bow.

The form has been superbly advertised since, with the winner subsequently finishing second in the Sweet Solera while Blending in third won decisively on her return to the July Course a couple of weeks later.

Saeed bin Suroor's filly appears to have been found a gilt-edged opportunity to open her account at Gosforth Park.

The Mark Johnston-trained ZAMINDO can make a winning start to his handicap career in the St Andrews Timber Handicap at Musselburgh's evening meeting.

Also this evening, Newbury runner-up SYNDICATE can go one better in the Longines Irish Champions Weekend EBF Fillies' Conditions Stakes at Kempton.