There is no excuse for racing fans in the north not seeing some action tomorrow.

Those not obliged to be at work can choose between Beverley and Redcar, while those not free to do as they wish can set the video and record the first four televised races from Goodwood, which features a £75,000 handicap and a Classic trial.

Mark Johnston, who will be represented at all three venues, will saddle Never Will and Woody Valentine in Goodwood's totesport Heritage Handicap in a bid to pick up the most valuable prize of the afternoon.

Both Middleham horses were winners on their latest outings, but my preference tomorrow is for Woody Valentine, who has fared best of the pair with the draw. Stanley Chin's mount, a gutsy scorer at Pontefract last time, is drawn 16, near the inside rail, while Never Will is stuck out wide in stall one.

Red Lancer, who sprang a surprise in Chester's Classic trial a fortnight ago, turns out again in the Letheby & Christopher Predominate Stakes.

Such was the style of this former selling-plater in his latest race that it is difficult to ignore his claims tomorrow. Robert Miles will again be on board Richard Price's much-improved gelding.

At Beverley, Vicious Warrior should go well in the £14,000 Peter Holmes 'Lifetime In Racing' Handicap over a mile.

The five-year-old, trained by Richard Whitaker, made a bright start to the campaign when finishing second Blue Spinnaker in the Thirsk Hunt Cup at the beginning of the month.

Late Opposition, runner-up on his last three starts, gets my vote in the Rapid Lad Handicap, a race named in honour of the horse who was a true Beverley specialist.

Kevin Darley, who was stung with a three-day riding ban at Ripon yesterday, should have the smile restored to his face courtesy Nap selection Star Magnitude (2.55) and Tree Tops (4.35).

At Redcar, Mick Easterby's Hills of Gold is selected to gain his second win of the season by landing the Marske Handicap.

The five-year-old scored handsomely at Ripon on his latest start and looks capable of following up in this seven furlongs contest despite facing 19 rivals.

William Haggas is always to be feared when he sends horses north and the Newmarket handler should be strongly represented by Perle d'Or n the Captain Cook Maiden Stakes over seven furlongs.

The mount of Tony Culhane, Perle d'Or showed promise in three outiungs last season and looks the type to make further inroads this term as a three-year-old.

Tomorrow's Tips:

Goodwood

2.10 Court Masterpiece, 2.40 Desert Opal, 3.15 Woody Valentine, 3.45 Red Lancer, 4.20 Zilmy, 4.55 Asian Tiger, 5.30 Oakley Rambo.

Beverley

2.20 Why Harry, 2.55 Star Magnitude (Nap), 3.25 Vicious Warrior, 4.00 Late Opposition, 4.35 Tree Tops, 5.05 Ciacole.

Redcar

2.00 Tagula Bay, 2.30 Righty Ho, 3.05 Hills of Gold, 3.35 Market Avenue, 4.10 Perle d'Or, 4.45 Efidium, 5.15 Full Spate.

Tomorrow's other meetings are at Leicester and Towcester

Tom O'Ryan's Nap for today's racing is: Oldenway (7.50 at Musselburgh).

Updated: 12:07 Monday, May 17, 2004