Arizona John, who needs to be produced as late as possible, can claim the Moorends Hotel Handicap at Beverley tomorrow – just don’t expect to see him in front until the final 100 yards.

A strong traveller in a race, the John Mackie-trained gelding arrived on the front end sooner than ideal at Catterick last time out. Despite being still on a tight rein approaching the final furlong, he was found wanting for an extra effort and was beaten a length and a half into third place by O Ma Lad.

It was still a good effort from Arizona John, who is clearly in great heart. But Franny Norton will surely be under strict instructions to try to time his finishing effort as late as possible. If it all goes to plan, he should take all the beating. He is awarded the nap vote.

Derbyshire-based Mackie also has a fighting chance of landing the Rapid Lad Handicap with Saint Thomas – also the mount of Norton.

Far from disgraced in a couple of runs at Wolverhampton on the Polytrack, Saint Thomas will surely be happier back on turf and particularly over a course and distance where he has scored in the past.

How’s Life is an interesting runner in the Mayday Raceday Here Monday 6th May Handicap.

The Lawman filly won at Wolverhampton last October which was her only outing as a juvenile. Although it was just an ordinary race, the handicapper has given her a chance by rating her only 70. She may be able to capitalise on that figure on behalf of Newmarket trainer Rae Guest, who does particularly well with fillies under his care.

Mark Johnston has his Middleham team in excellent form and Marshland could be another winner for him in the Happy Birthday Pat Roberts Handicap.

The three-year-old scored by seven lengths in maiden company at Southwell last time out. This looks tougher, but Marshland figures at the right end of the handicap.

David O’Meara, who looks to have found a good opportunity for the ex-Luca Cumani-trained Awake My Soul in The Proclaimers Play Live Here On 22 June Maiden Stakes, has further chances of a winner at Newcastle’s evening meeting.

The Nawton trainer can score with Petrol – runner-up here ten days ago – in the Lafarge Tarmac Handicap and also with Cross The Boss, who looked promising last season, in the Swinburne Maddison LLP Handicap. Danny Tudhope will be aboard the pair.

Arc Light is taking a little time to learn his job, but the lightly-raced five-year-old should not be underestimated in the Arms Length Handicap.

A keen-going sort, Tim Easterby’s gelding kept on pretty well to finish fourth to Carragold here recently over the same ten furlongs he tackles tomorrow. Opportunity could come knocking for him this time with Daryl Byrne again taking the mount.

Also worth noting at Gosforth Park are speedy juvenile M’Selle (5.15), a good second to the smart Vodka Time at Newmarket last week, and Solar Spirit (6.20), who ran well over a mile on his reappearance at Redcar and will now be better suited by reverting to six furlongs.


Racing selections

Beverley tomorrow
2.05 Tatlisu, 2.35 How’s Life, 3.05 Marshland, 3.35 Arizona John (NAP), 4.05 Saint Thomas, 4.35 Nine Iron, 5.10 Awake My Soul.

Newcastle tomorrow
5.15 M’Selle, 5.45 Extraterrestrial, 6.20 Solar Spirit, 6.50 Cross The Boss, 7.20 Petrol, 7.50 Arc Light, 8.20 Cracking Choice.

Tomorrow’s other meetings: Lingfield, Perth and Wolverhampton.

Today’s other meetings: Catterick, Epsom, Perth, Sedgefield and Taunton.