NORTHERN Fling, back in North Yorkshire after spending the winter in Dubai, can show his rivals a clean pair of heels at Doncaster tomorrow.

Trained near Easingwold by David Nicholls, pictured, the five-year-old lines-up for the ultra-competitive williamhill.com handicap over six furlongs on a course where he has won in the past.

Northern Fling had two races at Nad Al Sheba and ran particularly well in the second of them on the third week of February when he finished a close-up fourth to Balthazaar’s Gift.

He should not be lacking in fitness as he resumes domestic racing and, with the Nicholls horses in such blinding form, he is not to be underestimated.

Tastahil gets the nap vote in the williamhill.com Doncaster Shield.

Trained by Barry Hills, the five-year-old is fancied to do well this season after ending last term with a fine third place effort in the November handicap on this course.

The fact that Hills has kept him on for a further campaign suggests that he feels there is more improvement to come from Tastahil, who should go well in this £20,000 contest.

Hills can also clinch the Society Lifestyle & Leisure Magazine Maiden Stakes with Makaamen.

This once-raced colt performed admirably at Newmarket last back end when chasing home Evasive in a maiden race.

He looks a horse to follow in his second season.

Redwood could be yet another Hills-trained winner in the mosspm.co.uk handicap.

One run and one win last season was Redwood’s achievement, that success coming in a maiden race at Newmarket in October.

The handicapper has given him a rating of 88 for his handicap debut, which is probably a fair mark. A son of High Chaparral, he looks an interesting horse.

Smarty Socks may been a beaten favourite at Southwell last Sunday, but it would come as no surprise to see Paul Midgley’s gelding bounce back in the williamhill.com – Play Blackjack Handicap.

A slow early gallop counted against Smarty Socks on his latest start.

He should not be lacking in that department tomorrow.

Racing selections

Doncaster 2.00 Kingsholm, 2.30 Makaamem, 3.05 Smarty Socks, 3.40 Tastahil (NAP), 4.15 Northern Fling, 4.50 Redwood, 5.20 Black Dahlia.

Kelso 2.10 Touch Of Irish, 2.40 Super Baby, 3.15 I’m Delilah, 3.50 Flaco, 4.25 Snowy, 5.00 Robbers Glen, 5.30 Pyracantha.

Tomorrow’s other meetings: Newton Abbot.

Today’s meetings: Doncaster, Kempton, Lingfield, Uttoxeter.