Wednesday, 19th May

THE Sussex Stayers' Stakes is a very tight affair on paper but if CURACAO (Goodwood, 4.55) can translate his Salisbury form to the Downs, he'll be very hard to beat.

The four-year-old nearly managed it over 14f here 18 days ago, posting a decent effort despite getting outpaced at one point. Looking as though he probably still needed the run, he did eventually stay on powerfully but just too late to catch the winner, Just Rob. He didn't appear to quite get home over 2m last season but looks like he needs it this time round and now fully wound after two sighters, can take all the beating.

On the all-weather at Lingfield, EXPENSIVE PROBLEM (Lingfield, 5.20) looks value to follow up his course and distance victory from 12 days ago. He clocked well with a fast finish, a fine effort considering that they went a dawdle to start. His forecast price of 7/1 is hard to ignore each-way.

THE GLOVES ARE OFF (Sedgefield, 7.00) has struggled beyond Class 4 company and returns to a more realistic level tonight. Quick going and firm handling are necessary to bring out the best in him and Sue Smith seems to have found the key.