Russian Rhythm, who produced a top-notch performance on Knavesmire last month to win the Lowther Stakes, is the odds-on favourite to extend her unbeaten record in the feature race at Newmarket tomorrow.

But, talented a filly though she is, I believe it could be worth taking on Sir Michael Stoute's star juvenile in the £150,000 Betfair Cheveley Park Stakes with Ego, a 3-1 shot in the ante-post betting for this six-runner crackerjack.

Trained by Geoff Wragg, Ego got off the mark in a Newmarket maiden race and was then stepped-up in class at Doncaster, where she again ran out an impressive winner.

A pure sprinter, Ego's principal weapon is speed and this Group 1 contest over six furlongs looks even more tailor-made for her than it does for Russian Rhythm, a filly with the capacity to stay a mile next season.

What Russian Rhythm does possess is proven class. She showed that at York, where she overcame trouble in running in sensational style, and also at Ascot on her previous start. Currently the ante-post favourite for the 2003 Sagitta 1,000 Guineas, she deserves to be at the head of the market.

Danaskaya and Wimple both finished behind Russian Rhythm on Knavesmire, and there is no obvious reason why they can now turn the tables. But Bella Tusa is the winner of her last three starts, and Airwave was an impressive winner at Ayr last time, and their presence adds further fuel to the fire.

In what promises to be a race to savour, I am taking the speedy Ego, ridden by Ted Durcan, to inch out the classy Russian Rhythm, the mount of Kieren Fallon. And I'm even prepared to award her my nap vote.

Storming Home has an ideal opportunity to return to the winning trail in the Fishpools Furnishings Godolphin Stakes.

Barry Hills' four-year-old, who has been placed in some major races, including the Derby, has experienced a frustrating campaign. This Listed race looks a perfect opportunity for him to get his head in front.

The UAE Equestrian And Racing Federation Rous Stakes over five furlongs will be fast and furious.

Absent Friends has struck form with a vengeance recently, winning his last two races. Trained by John Balding near Doncaster, the five-year-old has excellent prospects of completing a hat-trick in this Listed event.

The progressive The Gaikwar, has a solid chance of gaining his second win of the campaign in the Finnforest UK Rated Handicap, while the lightly-raced Tom's Cruising is fancied to oblige in the EBF Further Flight Classified Stakes for Henry Cecil.

David Nicholls was among the winners yesterday and the North Yorkshire handler could double-up tomorrow with Pax in the Links Handicap.

Tomorrow's tips:

NEWMARKET: 1-45 Storming Home; 2-15 Absent Friends; 2-50 Ego (NAP); 3-25 The Gaikwar; 4-00 Birjand; 4-35 Tom's Cruising; 5-05 Pax

HEXHAM: 2-05 Fifteen Reds; 2-35 Camaraderie; 3-10 Sir Williamwallace; 3-45 Major Drive; 4-20 Argento; 4-55 How Ran On; 5-25 Gastornis

Updated: 12:48 Thursday, October 03, 2002