Alan Berry, who took over from his famous father Jack at Cockerham stables in Lancashire on January 1, can make his first strike of the Flat turf season at Musselburgh tomorrow.

Berry, 36, who has 90 horses under his care, saddles Nifty Alice - one of his 44 juveniles - in the King Of Show Maiden Auction Stakes and a bold bid is expected.

Although two-year-old races at this stage of the season are a minefield for punters, there are good reports about Nifty Alice, a filly by First Trump out of speedy Nifty Fifty, who has thrown up several winners, including the sprinter Nifty Norman.

Berry reports newcomer Nifty Alice to be pretty sharp and, with Francis Norton in the saddle, the youngster is fancied to take all the beating.

Mick Easterby, who won the first race of the season at Doncaster last week when Rakeeb gained a runaway success, can double his score courtesy of Rigadoon in the Latvian Handicap over two miles.

Rigadoon enjoyed a useful campaign last year, winning three times and showing a preference for fast ground.

Conditions should be ideal for him tomorrow and, with Gyles Parkin in the saddle, the four-year-old is awarded the nap vote.

The Chiquita Handicap over five furlongs will be fast and furious stuff and it would come as no surprise to see Aa-Youknownothing come out on top.

The four-year-old trained near York by Julie Craze, has been running well lately on the sand and, with his fitness guaranteed, he can show his rivals here the way home. Smart apprentice Paul Goode reduces his weight by a valuable 5lb.

The Seattle Art Maiden Handicap looks a tricky race to solve, but Rich Vein, who makes the long journey from Sean Woods' Newmarket yard, is worthy of attention, having shown a glimmer of ability last season.

A Day On The Dub, who has won over fences this winter, reverts to Flat racing in the Tit Willow Selling Handicap.

Don Eddy's versatile seven-year-old, twice a winner on the level last season, deserves respect in the hands of crack Irish jockey Jamie Spencer.

At Leicester, Jimmy Fortune and Paul Cole, fresh from their Lincoln success with John Ferneley, can take the honours in the Bescaby Maiden Stakes with Everest.

A creditable runner-up on his only start last season, Everest hardly has a mountain to climb to go one better this year.

The £10,000 Tote Placepot Showcase Handicap is the richest race of the day and with Bryan McMahon's horses in such flying form, it would be folly to ignore the claims of The Prosecutor.

Furthermore, the three-year-old is certainly fit, having recently scored on the sand and he will have the services of Kevin Darley, another who has made an excellent start to the season.

Walter Swinburn, who got off the mark at Newcastle yesterday on Blue Forest, can double his tally aboard the promising Torros Straits in the Keythorpe Maiden Fillies' Stakes.

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