RICHARD Fahey and Paul Hanagan, who yesterday recorded a notable success with Alrida in the Goodwood Stakes, bid for an even bigger prize on the Sussex course tomorrow.

The Malton duo will be represented by Wing Commander in the £100,000 William Hill Mile, a race they won 12 months ago with Lady Bear.

Wing Commander's chances of also striking gold should not be underestimated, the five-year-old having returned to form with a vengeance at Pontefract last Sunday. Backed from 12-1 to 11-2, the gelding recorded a fluent success in a £20,000 handicap.

Wing Commander has earned himself a 5lb penalty tomorrow, which obviously sets him an even tougher task. But the horse is in form - and so are his trainer and jockey.

Tim Easterby's Golden Nun travels to Goodwood for the £50,000 Oak Tree Stakes over seven furlongs and Kevin Darley's mount has strong each-way claims.

Twice a winner this season, Golden Nun blotted her consistent record at York last time when missing the break after rearing as the stalls opened. She can be forgiven that solitary lapse here and is worthy of interest.

My Nap vote goes to Alkaased in Goodwood's opening race, the Glorious Stakes.

Luca Cumani's colt ran away with the Old Newton Cup at Haydock at the beginning of the month and looks a smart performer in the making. Alkaased can improve further yet, and he looks capable of following up here in Listed company.

The first day of Thirsk's two-day meeting includes the Peter Bell Memorial Handicap, which provides Hartshead with the opportunity of returning to the winning groove.

The five-year-old, trained in North Yorkshire by Alan Swinbank, finished fourth at Doncaster on his latest outing but had previously had wins at Redcar and Carlisle. The gelding can get back on top here.

Friday's tips:

Goodwood

2.05 Alkaased (Nap), 2.40 Golden Nun, 3.15 Wing Commander, 3.50 Blue Dakota, 4.25 Royal Challenge, 5.00 Silent Jo, 5.35 Blackheath.

Thirsk

2.30 Maureen's Lough, 3.00 Bollin Edward, 3.35 River Nurey, 4.10 Eboracum, 4.45 Hartshead, 5.20 Uhuru Peak.

Tomorrow's other meetings are at Bangor (afternoon, National Hunt), Newmarket (afternoon, Flat) and Nottingham (evening, Flat).

Updated: 12:04 Thursday, July 29, 2004