Needs must. With no racing north of the border tomorrow, championship-hungry jockey Paul Hanagan heads to Newmarket, followed by an evening shift at Kempton.

With less than three weeks of the season to run, the trailblazing Malton rider is clearly intent on holding on to the crown which he won so memorably last year.

With the pursuing Silvestre de Sousa beginning a suspension tomorrow, which will span four of the next five days, Hanagan will be hoping to extend his lead. And he appears to have some live ammuntion to do just that.

At Newmarket, he teams up with William Haggas, who has proved such a good ally to him all season, courtesy of District Attorney. Admittedly, there is no form to go on, as this juvenile colt has yet to race, but he cost 135,000 guineas as a yearling and has an excellent pedigree.

The fact that Haggas has handed Hanagan the mount suggets he may be involved in the finish of the Sterling Solutions Maiden Stakes.

Stevie Thunder could be another winner for Hanagan in the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Stakes.

Winner of the Ripon Rowels Handicap two starts back, Stevie Thunder finished second in the Cambridgeshire on his latest outing. He steps up to non-handicap company here and can be expected to be on the premises.

At Kempton’s evening meeting, Hanagan has further winning chances, not least aboard Tarooq, who is napped to win the Book Your Christmas Party At Kempton Handicap.

A previous course winner earlier this season, Tarooq, trained by Richard Fahey, confirmed his current well-being when scoring in good style at Lingfield last week. A 6lb penalty may not be enough to anchor him.

Hambleton trainer Kevin Ryan has also booked Hanagan for a couple of useful mounts; Tortoni (7.20), who has some decent form to his credit, and Lollina Paulina (7.50), who finished scond at Leicester on her latest start. Both horses have solid chances in maiden company.

Steel City Boy (6.20) should not be overlooked in the sprint handicap. Gary Woodward’s gelding ran a fine race at Nottingham last week to finish fourth to Cape Royal, coming out best of those which raced on the stands side. He deserves to find compensation.

Back at Newmarket, make a note of the consistent Lord Ofthe Shadow (2.30) and Poetic Lord (5.20), trained by the in-form Richard Hannon and chasing a hat-trick of wins. A 6lb penalty may not be enough to stop this progressive juvenile.

Racing selections

Newmarket

1.30 Diala, 2.00 District Attorney, 2.30 Lord Ofthe Shadows, 3.05 Silent Moment, 3.40 Top Billing, 4.10 Stevie Thunder, 4.45 Haafhd Handsome, 5.20 Poetic Lord.

Kempton

5.50 Kaylee, 6.20 Steel City Boy, 6.50 Poyle Punch, 7.20 Tortoni, 7.50 Lollina Paulina, 8.20 Magic Minstrel, 8.50 Red Somerset, 9.20 Tarooq (NAP).

Tomorrow’s other meetings

Fontwell and Worcester.

Today’s meetings

Exeter, Lingfield and Yarmouth.