Those of you who remember Soba, styled 'Queen of the North' in the 1980s, should also know of her son, who runs at Southwell this evening and is napped to show his rivals the way home.

Soba, 13 times a winner, was trained by David Chapman and ridden by David Nicholls, who is now a trainer. Soba Jones is trained near Doncaster by John Balding.

Although he has never scaled the heady heights achieved by his late mother, Soba Jones has been a consistent winner down the years. Indeed, he won on this course on his latest outing.

Now nine-years-old, he is in the twilight of his career but this speedy gelding can still raise a fair gallop and he will be a popular choice in the Betfred Million Claiming Stakes.

Norton trainer John Quinn has an interesting runner in King's Crest in the Betfred 'The Bonus King' Handicap.

A good second on this course two outings ago, King's Crest has since run creditably on turf at Redcar.

Back on sand this evening, he is worthy of attention, despite the presence of Mad Maurice, a previous winner on this course.

Tony Culhane has good prospects with Snowy Day in the opening Betfred Million Median Auction Maiden Stakes.

The William Haggas-trained three-year-old looked green when finishing third on his debut on this course. Sure to be wiser this time, he can win tonight's modest contest.

Haggas also has a good chance of saddling the first winner at Yarmouth tonight with Mont Etoile in the Happy Birthday To Lucy And Barry Maiden Stakes.

Nicky Mackay's mount showed enough ability last season as a juvenile to suggest she can pay her way this term. This step up to almost a mile-and-a-half will be ideal for her.

Speed will be at a premium in the M Brock Limited 15th Anniversary Handicap over six furlongs. The most appealing runner is Banjo Patterson, who went from strength to strength last season and is considered by trainer Geoff Huffer to be open to further improvement.

It is significant that Frankie Dettori has the mount tonight on Banjo Patterson.

Looking ahead to tomorrow's Sandown meeting, a mixed affair of Flat and jumps races, make a note of Rohaani in the Betfred Sir Gordon Richards Stakes.

Narrowly beaten on his reappearance at Kempton, the four-year-old can win this Group 3 race.

Racing selections

Tonight

Southwell

Selected races: 5.40 Snowy Day, 6.10 Soba Jones (Nap), 6.40 King's Crest.

Yarmouth

Selected races: 5.25 Mont Etoile, 5.55 Tawaassol, 6.25 Banjo Patterson.

Tomorrow

Sandown

Selected race: 1.45 Rohaani.

Updated: 09:44 Thursday, April 27, 2006