Mark Johnston, never one to duck a challenge, makes a determined bid to win the King George V1 and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot tomorrow.

The Middleham trainer saddles Zindabad in this £750,000 showpiece race, and Kevin Darley's mount has plenty of appeal as an each-way wager at around 8-1.

Already three times a winner this season, Zindabad showed all his qualities when landing the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot last month.

That victory was gained from the front and, digging deep in the home straight, he positively defied any of his rivals from getting past him in the final two furlongs.

Tomorrow's fascinating Group 1 race has attracted 12 runners, but Sakhee, last year's Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe winner, is likely to be pulled out unless there is overnight rain, leaving Grandera as Godolphin's principal flag-bearer.

Grandera has made a mighty impression this season, in the Singapore Gold Cup and in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot.

He looks set to be sent off favourite over Golan, a top-notch performer last season but without a preparatory outing this term. Nayef, Aquarelliste and Storming Home also come firmly into the reckoning.

But I think that Zindabad is probably the most straightforward of all of the runners and fancy the North Yorkshire challenger to figure prominently in what promises to be a thrilling finish.

Racing in the north tomorrow is at two courses off the A19, Redcar and Newcastl.

My Nap selection is Margaret's Fancy in the Hertel Services Nursery Handicap at Redcar.

Trained by the in-form Patrick Haslam, this speedy two-year-old won a seller at Catterick last time and has only a featherweight to carry here. The accomplished Sam Hitchcott reduces her weight by a further 5lb, which makes her an even more attractive proposition.

The four races to be televised from Newcastle include the Stanley Racing Beeswing Handicap over seven furlongs.

Such is the dazzling form of Kevin Ryan's horses that Cardinal Venture makes plenty of appeal in this wide-open race, running over his best distance on a straight course, which seems to suit him.

Tomorrow's tips:

Ascot

2.00 .............Eastern Breeze

2.35 ...........Russian Rhythm

3.10 .......................Ghannam

3.50 ........................Zindabad

4.25 .....................Bint Royal

5.00 .......................Salcombe

5.35 ...................Scott's View

Newcastle

1.30 ..........Travelling Times

2.05 .............Gladys Aylward

2.40 ..........Cardinal Venture

3.15 ...........................Carlton

3.45 .......................Gem Bien

4.20 .........Lucayan Monarch

Redcar

(selected races)

1.20 .......Swynford Elegance

2.50 ..........Margaret's Fancy

(Nap)

3.55 ..............Platinum Duke

Updated: 13:12 Friday, July 26, 2002