Rome to score for Shaw

TREATY OF ROME can overcome a tricky draw to post a first career success for owner John Saville and trainer Derek Shaw in the Betway Sprint Handicap at Southwell today.

Saville, a Yorkshire-born toy manufacturer whose business is in Hong Kong, was not playing when picking up Treaty Of Rome for what amounted to loose change out of the bargain basement.

The five-year-old had earlier cost Coolmore a six figure sum as a yearling but sustained a setback that could have ended his racing career. Instead, Shaw trained him with kid glove expertise and since returning to the track the gelding has shown a liking for the deep Fibresand surface.

He didn't get home over 1400m on his first run in the UK but when pulled back to 1200m went down by just a neck to Big Amigo last time, overcoming a tardy start and looking a shade unlucky not to oblige. Once again the start will be crucial but if Tony Hamilton can get the selection into contention but with cover the combination look sure to be involved.

The Betway Best Odds Guaranteed Plus Selling Stakes is an advertisement for keeping enthusiastic older horses in training. Half of the eight-strong field are aged 10 and over, with Steel City Boy a sprightly 14-year-old.

I expect one of the 10-year-old runners, DUNGANNON, to come out on top for trainer Andrew Balding.