ROGER Varian has an excellent strike-rate on his relatively rare forays to Beverley and DOUBLE UP can further enhance his record in the Eddie And Violet Smith Conditions Stakes.

In what is one of the best races of the season on the Westwood, Varian's charge should find life a little easier than when he turned in a meritorious effort off top weight in the Portland at Doncaster.

He finished fourth on Town Moor, two and a half lengths behind Captain Colby, but that was his first run since taking on the best sprinters around in the King's Stand at Royal Ascot.

Logic suggests he should strip a little fitter for that. Varian's string were also hit by a virus in mid-summer but now they are well and truly back firing on all cylinders.

First time out this season, Double Up was just over two lengths behind Take Cover in Listed company, with Cotai Glory second. Those sprinters are two of the fastest horses in training and he was only in receipt of 4lb.

He meets Richard Fahey's Eastern Impact 4lb wrong at the weights but that one has not run to anything like his lofty rating since the July Cup and Double Top arrives as the freshest horse in the field.

Drawn better than his major rivals, he can take full advantage as today's nap selection with Andrea Atzeni on board.

Hugo Palmer's HYDROXIDE has done absolutely nothing wrong in two runs to date apart from not being first past the post. That should be rectified in the opening British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden at Lingfield.

The form of his two races is strong. D'bai, the horse who beat him a short head on his debut, has subsequently finished third in the Champagne Stakes, while Glencadam Glory – who was a head in front of the selection at Doncaster – rates as a Derby prospect.

If Hydroxide is to confirm his initial promise, he simply has to win a race like this. Jim Crowley takes the reins.

Eve Johnson Houghton has been banging in the winners of late and her FAVOURITE ROYAL shaped with promise at Salisbury last time to make her of interest in the opening Felinfoel Brewery Maiden Fillies' Stakes at Ffos Las.

The daughter of Acclamation, ridden by Charles Bishop, just about sets the form standard and unless any of the newcomers are above average, she looks the one to beat.

Something obviously went wrong with Charlie Hills' AMAANY at Newmarket back in July but she was a relatively short price in a decent race.

Given a break, and returning in much lesser company for the Download The App At 188Bet Maiden Stakes, better is expected. Dane O'Neill has the ride.