Kevin Darley can play a starring role in the Shergar Cup Jockeys' Challenge at Ascot tomorrow.

And North Yorkshire trainers Mark Johnston, David Barron and Richard Fahey could all figure on the scoreboard.

Sheriff Hutton-based Darley represents the Great Britain & Ireland team of riders, 1-2 favourites to take revenge on the Rest of the World side who won last year.

Darley has fared well in the draw for rides in the six races, being teamed-up with Fanny's Fancy in the opening race, the Prince's Trust Shergar Cup Distaff, and also Alderney Race in the concluding race, the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Sprint.

Trained at Newmarket by Chris Wall, Fancy's Fancy has yet to win this season but the four-year-old has had valid excuses and it would not surprise me if she provides Darley with a flying start on behalf of the 'home' team.

Alderney Race, who did not get the rub of the green when fourth to Two Step Kid in the William Hill Trophy at York in June, has since won a red-hot handicap at Ascot.

Roger Charlton's talented three-year-old is napped to provide Darley with another winner, but there are dangerous rivals in recent winner Khabfair and the Fahey-trained Doitnow, narrowly beaten on his two starts since winning on his debut at Ripon.

Fahey has secured the services of Frankie Dettori, captain of the Rest of the World side, to team-up with his speedy charge.

Dario Vargiu, who has been taking Italian racing by storm in recent seasons, has the mount on David Barron's Lamh Eile in the Porthault Shergar Cup Juvenile and this Thirsk raider, unbeaten in two starts, is fancied to complete a hat-trick.

Mark Johnston will have Australian ace Damien Oliver aboard Double Obsesson in the Sodexo Shergar Cup Stayers' Handicap and this previous course winner, who recently finished fourth in the Goodwood Cup, looks sure to take plenty of beating.

Starry Lodge will be Dettori's 'banker' ride in the Carvill Shergar Cup Challenge Handicap after his excellent third in last month's John Smith's Cup at York.

Japanese jockey Yutake Take will be aboard Vortex, who I strongly fancy to lift the Murphy's Fastflow Shergar Cup Mile following a series of cracking efforts in hot handicaps.

By my reckoning, the Rest of the World are going to win four of the six races. There are, of course, also points to be won for every placed effort. But the home side could have their work cut out if they are to justify their positions as odds-on favourites to take this prestigious prize.

The first day of Redcar's weekend meeting is highlighted by the Tetley's Imperial Ale Rated Handicap. Recent winner Obrigado, trained by William Haggas, looks a progressive horse and Tom Queally's mount is taken to add to his scoresheet.

Saturday's tips:

Ascot

1.40 Fanny's Fancy, 2.10 Lamh Eile, 2.45 Vortex, 3.20 Double Obsession, 3.50 Starry Lodge, 4.20 Alderney Race (Nap).

Redcar

2.00 Zietzig, 2.35 Obrigado, 3.05 Premier Times, 3.40 Love Me Tender, 4.15 Life Is Beautiful, 4.50 Bubbling Fun.

Newmarket

1.45 Thewhirlingdervish, 2.15 In The Pink, 2.50 Windscreamer, 3.25 Capricho, 4.00 Jayer Gilles, 4.30 Farewell Gift, 5.00 Wellington Hall.

Haydock

TV races: 1.55 Whistler, 2.30 Mister Monet, 3.00 Coat Of Honour.

Tomorrow's other meetings: Ayr and Lingfield (both evening).

Updated: 12:08 Friday, August 06, 2004