Varian’s Hey Mr is worth shouting about in Windsor sprint

Hey Mr should be ready to roll in the Fitzdares Sprint Series Qualifier Handicap at Windsor.

Roger Varian's three-yearold won one of his four outings in 2020, enjoying a proper rivalry with Imperium Blue as the pair clashed on each of his last three runs.

While Imperium Blue proved too good on the first two occasions, Hey Mr finally had his measure when the pair faced off at Nottingham in October, with the Territories colt enjoying a turnaround in the weights after either racing off levels or conceding a few pounds previously.

Hey Mr picked up strongly that day to come home a cosy length-and-three-quarter winner, with Varian's runner benefitting not only from the revised terms but also seemingly from natural progress throughout the year.

Bedford Flyer twice finished behind Hey Mr last season, but he then reversed places at York this month, when the selection's lack of a prep run probably told in a slightly tardy start. Hey Mr looked certain to improve for the run and with soft ground not an issue, he can get back on the winning trail.

Lion Ring is an intriguing contender on his first British run in the Sky Sports Racing HD Virgin 535 "Confined" Handicap. Jane Chapple-hyam paid 28,000 guineas for the son of The Last Lion despite the fact he failed to strike in three outings for Michael Halford in Ireland last year.

Confined to the Dundalk allweather, Lion Ring was not beaten far on his initial run but he was a bit disappointing in his two subsequent efforts, finishing fifth and a distant third.

Chapple-hyam obviously spied some promise, though, and it will be interesting to see how he fares on turf for the first time. Jonny Peate also takes off a valuable 7lb.

Join Forces can defy a starting mark of 78 in the EBC Group Fillies' Handicap at Wolverhampton.

Placed in two runs in January, James Tate's charge made the transition to the winner's enclosure when beating Mayelf at Southwell last month.

Join Forces had to battle hard for a neck verdict, but the experience of a proper battle could be a positive now she has switched to handicapping.

Schnabel is on a roll and can bring up his hat-trick in the Ludlow Racecourse Handicap Chase at the Shropshire venue.

He is on his highest mark in nearly two years, but he has been in excellent heart at Fontwell of late.