Racing by Tom O'Ryan

Fast Forward Fred does not exactly live up to his name, being a stayer rather than an sprinter, but this progressive gelding is napped all the same to show his rivals the way home at Bath tomorrow.

The seven-year-old, trained by Les Montague Hall, bids for the Manny Bernstein Bookmakers 21st Anniversary Chucklestone Handicap and will relish every yard of the two miles and one furlong journey.

Last time out, at Chepstow, Fast Forward ran over two and a quarter miles and romped home fourth lengths clear of Mu-Tadil after being sent off the 7/4 favourite on the strength of a previous effort at Folkestone over two miles.

Fast Forward Fred, who missed the whole of last season, is making up for lost time this term. With Tony Clark again in the saddle, he can double his score tomorrow.

At the age of ten Beau Venture would be excused if he hinted at retirement, but this evergreen sprinter has been running consistently well this season and a deserved triumph could well be forthcoming for him in the Manny Bernstein Bookmakers Leicester Handicap.

A prolific winner throughout his career, Beau Venture finished a fine third to the in-form Sihafi on his latest outing at Lingfield under top weight of 10st.

He would not need to improve much on that display to take the major honours here over a course and distance where he has been successful in the past.

The Trade Division Be Hopeful Handicap might provide an opportunity for Fionn De Cool to supplement his recent success at Chepstow.

Tony McGlone's mount bounced back to form on his latest start and scored decisively from Sweet Dreams after hitting the front three furlongs from home. He is fancied to gain a repeat victory here.

At Yarmouth, Meranti makes plenty of appeal in the Manny Bernstein Bookmakers 1st For Service Handicap.

Milton Bradley's charge scored over six furlongs at Salisbury last time (repeating his win in the corresponding race 12 months ago), and did well to score, having been short of room just over a furlong out before finding a way through.

Equally effective over seven furlongs, he steps up to the longer trip tomorrow and is selected to oblige again in the hands of Walter Swinburn.

The featured £10,000 49's Handicap offers East Winds a good opportunity to strike it rich as he bids to complete a double.

Nothing if not consistent, East Winds gained a belated winning opportunity at Warwick earlier this month when beating Chieftain, the 7/4 favourite, by a neck.

The return to six furlongs that day had the desired effect on East Winds, who can follow-up over the same distance here.

Also worth watching out for at Yarmouth is Pressurise (4.45), who finished unplaced in all three starts last season, but promises to prove a good deal better this term under the shrewd placement of Sir Mark Prescott.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.