El of a chance

EL MISK can make Frankie Dettori’s seaside trip worthwhile in the Dan Hague, Yarmouth’s Number 1 Bookmaker Handicap.

The partnership should pay off for punters backing John Gosden’s Dansili colt to break his duck on the turf, following his two all-weather victories.

El Misk already has a runner-up spot to his name at Windsor last month when he stayed on again late and earned himself a move up in distance.

He was up to a mile and half at Kempton last time when he won decisively under Robert Havlin on handicap debut. Dettori is due to be back on board, having ridden El Misk just once previously when they were well beaten in a highly competitive Newmarket novice in April.

El Misk is up 6lb for his latest victory, but the manner of that success suggests he has significant potential for further improvement – especially at this trip.

An hour later, in the Moulton Nurseries Of Acle Novice Stakes, Hellovasinger ought to have a decent shout at likely rewarding odds.

Richard Hughes’ gelding had a low-profile introduction at Kempton, on the same card which featured El Misk’s win.

Sent off at 22-1, Hellovasinger never threatened to get to grips with three much better-fancied opponents ahead of him.

But he was not disgraced either against well-touted opposition that day – and without being hardpressed to do so, finished comfortably clear of two fellow outsiders.

He ought to benefit from his experience, and may not have to wait for handicaps to open his account.

Ten Thousand Stars has already made that breakthrough but nonetheless merits only an opening mark of 70 in the Market Cross Jewellers Nursery Handicap at Redcar.

Adrian Nicholls’ filly was a hardfought Newmarket winner on just her second career start last month, and then appeared to get stuck in the mud over a longer trip on a wet night at Hamilton. She retains higher aspirations, holding an entry in a valuable race at Newmarket next month.