HAMBLETON trainer Kevin Ryan, who enjoyed a memorable triumph at Doncaster in midweek when Halmahera won the Portland Handicap for an historic third time in succession, looks further afield tomorrow as he bids to add to his burgeoning score.

Ryan, who is enjoying his best-ever campaign, and who has more than 50 winners to his credit, sends Mystic Man to Goodwood for the £25,000 totepool Handicap over six furlongs.

Better known as a miler, and a former winner of the Newbury Spring Cup, Mystic Man was tried over this trip of six furlongs at York 11 days ago and ran a blinder to finish third in a competitive handicap.

That was Mystic Man's first outing for a couple of months and the race is likely to have benefitted him.

Ironically, in opposition tomorrow is Texas Gold, who finished second to Halmahera at Doncaster on Wednesday. It could prove that Willie Muir's sprinter, overdue a winning turn, will have to play a supporting role to another of Ryan's horses tomorrow.

The £50,000 Select Racing UK On Sky 432 Stakes takes pride of place as the richest race on the Goodwood card.

Eight runners go to post, including Muqbil, who will have the services of Richard Hills, who won yesterday's Champagne Stakes at Doncaster on the exciting Etlaala.

Trained by John Dunlop, Muqbil was twice a winner this summer before finishing second to Mark Johnston's highly-rated Mister Monet at Haydock. There was no disgrace in that defeat, and Muqbil is fancied to get back on top in this Group Three contest.

Gerard Butler fields an interesting runner in Cyclical in the opening Celer Et Audax Nursery over six furlongs. This well-regarded two-year-old was a debut winner under Paul Hanagan at Hamilton recently, when he looked a useful prospect in the making. It is significant that Butler has booked Frankie Dettori to take the mount here.

The in-form Barton Sands makes appeal, despite top weight, in the Fegentri World Cup of Nations Handicap for amateur riders from around Europe, while Johannian may prove the answer to the Seabeach Apprentice Stakes.

A one-time smart performer with Michael Jarvis, Johannian, now with Milton Bradley, is still capable of winning at a lower level, as he proved when chasing home Smoothly Does It at Chepstow last time.

Fingers are crossed that nap selection Johannian can do it smoothly tomorrow in the hands of experienced rider Luke Fletcher.

Over the sticks at Hexham, make a note of in-form Malton trainer Richard Fahey, who has good prospects of a double - weather permitting.

Fahey, on the mark with Tagula Sunrise in a valuable race at Doncaster yesterday, is fancied to score with Classical Ben (3-50) and Polly Whitefoot (5-00), though both will take part only if the forecast rain arrives in time to slightly ease the ground.

Updated: 10:29 Saturday, September 11, 2004