Compton's Eleven can beat off a strong North Yorkshire challenge for the last major handicap of the season at York tomorrow.

The £30,000 Coral Sprint Trophy is the target for the three-year-old, who represents trainer Mick Channon and jockey Sam Hitchcott, successful in the corresponding race 12 months ago with Najeebon.

Nobody would begrudge Compton's Eleven a victory in this six-furlongs dash. Runner-up in his last four starts, he has failed only narrowly in his latest three outings, being beaten a head at Ascot last time by Khabfair, a result that came after two short-head defeats.

Channon also runs Pic Up Sticks, a winner at Ripon last time, and another horse with a major chance. As for the local challenge, John Quinn will be doubly represented by Ayr Gold Cup runner-up Fantasy Believer, and Smart Hostess, a good third to Pic Up Sticks at Ripon, and Kevin Ryan runs Cardinal Venture.

A cracking race is in store, with Compton's Eleven my Nap selection.

The £25,000 Newton Investment Management Rockingham Stakes, a Listed race, has attracted a strong field and Moth Ball would be the one to be on.

Jamie Osborne's two-year-old, a winner of a nursery race two outings ago, has since finished an excellent fourth in the £150,000 Redcar Two-Year-Old Trophy. Clearly still improving, Moth Ball should not be underestimated.

The Frankie Dettori-Kieren Fallon duel for the jockeys' championship will continue at York, with both jockeys having sound chances of adding to their scoresheets.

Dettori will be aboard in-form veteran The Prince in the Davis Langdon Handicap and this prolific winner of claiming races is expected to make his presence felt in this nine-furlongs handicap.

Maidanni (1.35) and Noble Duty (4.45), two highly-promising maidens from the Godolphin stable, provide Dettori with further excellent chances to extend his lead in the title race.

Fallon teams-up with Richmond trainer Alan Swinbank in the Four High Petergate Hotel and Sawfish Softwear Handicap and the duo can take the honours with Hartshead.

A prolific winner this season, who looked an unlucky loser at Musselburgh last time out, Hartshead should make a bold bid.

It would be particularly fitting if Fallon could win the concluding race, the Coldstream Guards Association Handicap on Inchnadamph.

The gelding, a dual-winner during the summer, is trained by Tim FitzGerald, son of Jimmy FitzGerald, Fallon's former boss, and a hugely-successful trainer, who died on Wednesday.

Saturday's tips:

York

1.35 Maidanni, 2.05 Moth Ball, 2.35 The Prince, 3.05 Hartshead, 3.40 Compton's Eleven (Nap), 4.15 William Tell, 4.45 Noble Duty, 5.20 Inchnadamph.

Bangor

1.40 Icy Prospect, 2.15 Hunting Yuppie, 2.45 Frontier, 3.20 Eva So Charming, 3.50 Panmure, 4.25 Baby Run, 4.55 Musical Capers.

Tomorrow's other meetings are at Hexham, Warwick and Wolverhampton.

Salisbury's meeting tomorrow was abandoned this morning (course waterlogged).

Updated: 12:33 Friday, October 08, 2004