Takafu, who showed the right attitude when gaining a battling win at Pontefract on his latest outing, can follow-up at Haydock tomorrow.

The William Haggas-trained three-year-old goes for the NSPCC THS Charity Day Handicap and will have the assistance of Michael Hills.

Takafu was having only his third outing in maiden company when beating Baie Des Flamands at Pontefract, form which has since been franked by the runner-up, who ran out an eight lengths winner of a maiden race at Ripon on Monday.

Nap selection Takafu steps-up to a mile and a half for the first time tomorrow and this longer distance is expected to bring out the best in him. He should run a big race.

Hills can also win the NSPCC Maiden Auction Stakes aboard Mr Sandicliffe, trained at Lambourn by his father, Barry.

Runner-up in all his three races, Mr Sandicliffe has shown a decent level of ability. Although it is a little disconcerting that he keeps finding one too good for him, he remains a bright prospect on the balance of form.

Robert Winston, who is maintaining a healthy lead over Jamie Spencer in the jockeys' championship, can add to his tally aboard Dorn Dancer in the NSPCC Charity Day Handicap over six furlongs.

David Barker's charge gave notice that her winning turn could be near at Doncaster last weekend, staying on late to finish fourth to Vague Star over five furlongs. The extra furlong tomorrow should suit her better.

Sir Mark Prescott has placed Spectait to win three races off the reel and this progressive three-year-old can make it four by taking the NSPCC at Haydock Park.

At Yarmouth, Maraagel should not be underestimated in the EBF/NSPCC Maiden Stakes.

Although this is his racecourse debut, Godolphin's juvenile has a smart pedigree and is reported to have been working well at home. Richard Hills takes the mount.

Eoghan O'Neill can do nothing wrong with his two-year-olds this season and the Nottinghamshire trainer brings out another in the shape of Patavium in the Robert Levitt 'Life Begins At 40' Maiden Auction Stakes.

Graham Gibbons has the mount on the youngster, who hails from a yard with an extraordinary strike-rate in juvenile events.

Thursday's tips:

Haydock

2.10 Mr Sandicliffe, 2.40 Dorn Dancer, 3.10 Aviation, 3.40 Spectait, 4.10 Takafu (Nap), 4.40 Gold Heritage, 5.10 Apache Point.

Yarmouth

2.30 Maraagel, 3.00 Patavium, 3.30 Eminence Gift, 4.00 Sharaby, 4.30 Rowanberry, 5.00 Platinum Charmer.

Tomorrow's other race meetings are at: Brighton (evening, Flat), Chepstow (afternoon, Flat) and Folkestone (evening, Flat).

Updated: 12:09 Wednesday, August 03, 2005