After two frustrating defeats at York, Charlie Parkes goes further south to Doncaster tomorrow in a bid to change his luck.

The Eric Alston-trained sprinter runs in the £20,000 Savoyard Rated Handicap over his favourite distance of five furlongs.

Although a winner first-time-out this season at Thirsk, Charlie Parkes has since suffered two setbacks on Knavesmire.

In May, having looked all over the winner entering the final furlong, he was beaten into fourth-place in a red-hot handicap. In a similar race over the same course and distance earlier this month he failed to get a quick start.

A tardy start for a horse like 'Charlie', who normally blazes the trail, is crucial and he did well in the circumstances to finish fifth to Connect.

If he makes his usual quick start tomorrow, Nap selection Charlie Parkes will surely be difficult to beat.

Totally different tactics will be required on Solo Flight, who likes to be held up for a late run, but if things go well the grey could win Doncaster's first race, the 'Home of Sunday Racing' Handicap.

Barry Hills' gelding is on a long, losing run, but he ran a blinder at Royal Ascot on his latest outing, coming from an impossible position at the rear of the field to finish eighth in the Duke of Edinburgh Handicap.

The £20,000 'Sunday Is Funday' Conditions Stakes is a tricky race despite having only four runners.

Conditions are likely to be too lively for the mud-loving Vintage Premium, but the fast ground will not deter Leo's Luckyman.

David Barron's horses are in such good form that Oscar Pepper can hardly be ignored in the 'Pablo' Rated Handicap.

A fluent winner at Redcar last week, the six-year-old has every chance of following-up with smart apprentice Lee Enstone again booked for the ride.

At Goodwood, the Vodafone Stewards' Cup Trial Handicap offers course specialist Zuhair the chance to add to his splendid record at the Sussex venue.

Trained near Thirsk by David Nicholls, Zuhair is in the twilight of his career but he has shown enough dash in defeat this season to suggest he is not yet past winning - especially on his favourite track.

The Mail On Sunday/Tote Mile Handicap looks a good chance for Finished Article. Mick Channon's gelding is a previous winner on the course.

Tomorrow's tips:

DONCASTER

2.10 Solo Flight, 2.45 Oscar Pepper, 3.20 Charlie Parkes (Nap), 3.55 Leo's Luckyman, 4.30 Exquisite Affair, 5.05 Cartography.

Goodwood

2.00 Noble Calling, 2.35 Last Appointment, 3.10 Finished Article, 3.45 King's Consul, 4.20 Zuhair, 4.55 Raheel, 5.30 Kings Point.

UTTOXETER

2.20 Can't Be Scrabble, 2.55 Brother Joe, 3.30 Fiery Peace, 4.05 Our Jolly Swagman, 4.40 Theicecreamman, 5.15 Arctic Challenge, 5.45 Mill Emerald.

Updated: 15:09 Friday, June 27, 2003