BLUE DE VEGA can gain swift satisfaction for a luckless spin at Epsom when he runs in the Betway Achilles Stakes at Haydock today.

The five-year-old entire had become a little frustrating since his transfer to Robert Cowell's yard in October 2017.

But he is clearly getting the hang of this sprinting lark and ought to be sharp enough to take this Listed prize over five furlongs.

And had circumstances been more favourable last Saturday, Blue De Vega would be a far shorter price for this race.

That is because he endured frightful scrimmaging in the Epsom Dash, in which he was blocked for room inside the final furlong of the yearly lottery speed test.

Blue De Vega and Oisin Murphy simply had nowhere to go when it mattered, and when daylight did appear the game was up.

The son of Lope De Vega ended up finishing fourth behind Tanasoq, but that, of course, did not tell the full story.

Granted more fortune on Merseyside, he can ably prove up to this level.

Byron Flyer could be one of the more likely sorts on a frenetic card at Newmarket.

The seven-year-old gelding is a decent hurdler, but trainer Ian Williams has also found a niche market for him in staying Flat races.

It is a little bemusing that Byron Flyer has yet to win on the turf - he has finished second five times from nine starts in very good company - but that unwanted statistic can come to an end in the John Sunley Memorial Handicap.

He was only beaten half a length over two miles at Haydock last month and that run should have him cherry-ripe for this assignment.

Byron Flyer is just 2lb higher in the weights and it is interesting that Williams has gone out of his way to appoint Ryan Moore, who rode him to finish second in the Mallard Handicap last season.

Those prepared to forgive Orion's Bow his York trespasses can be rewarded in the Scottish Sprint Cup Handicap at Musselburgh.

Ryedale trainer Tim Easterby's seven-year-old struggled in a strong six-furlong handicap on the Knavesmire, for which he was sent off the 7-1 favourite.

But that might have something to do with a perceived dislike of York, where he has never shown his true form.

And though Orion's Bow has admittedly not won since July 2016, he can unquestionably do some damage off a mark of 89.

The son of Pivotal might appreciate a bit of rain in the build-up to the Scottish Sprint Cup, but he has won on fast ground before so that might not be too big an issue.

Prolific young juvenile No Lippy looks the answer to the Hilary Needler Trophy at Beverley.

Mark Johnston's inmate has blossomed this season, with three victories from four starts - most notably in the Lily Agnes at Chester.

Her game victory in the Edinburgh Castle Stakes at Musselburgh a week ago also suggested that No Lippy is still firmly on the upgrade.

Even in spite of a troublesome draw, she looks an ideal sort to coolly handle the tricky East Yorkshire circuit.

Selections

Beverley: 2.05 Jathi, 2.40 Its The Only Way, 3.15 No Lippy, 3.50 Extra Mile, 4.25 Bollin Ted, 5.00 Make On Madam, 5.35 Christmas Night, 6.10 Kylie Rules.

Catterick: 1.45 Champagne Mondays, 2.20 Mr Strutter, 2.55 Royal Flag, 3.30 Poet's Society, 4.05 Italian Riviera, 4.40 Byron's Choice, 5.15 Emphatic.

Haydock: 2.15 Podemos, 2.50 God Given, 3.25 Blue De Vega (NAP), 4.00 Emmaus, 4.35 Pipers Note, 5.10 Choice Encounter, 5.45 Knowing Glance.

Lingfield: 5.50 Poetic Force, 6.20 Happy Odyssey, 6.50 Embour, 7.20 Rebel Surge, 7.50 Excelleration, 8.20 Hangman Jury, 8.50 Choral Music.

Musselburgh: 1.55 Reverend Jacobs, 2.30 Orion's Bow, 3.10 Capitan James, 3.45 Ventura Gold, 4.20 On Fire, 4.55 Colour Contrast, 5.30 Relight My Fire.

Newmarket: 2.00 Calyx, 2.35 Tomily, 3.05 Rufus King, 3.40 Byron Flyer, 4.15 Aim Of Artemis, 4.50 Dr Richard Kimble, 5.25 Brorocco.

Stratford: 6.00 Calarules, 6.35 Voix D'Eau, 7.05 Innocent Touch, 7.35 Poker School, 8.05 Bachy Baby, 8.35 Aubusson, 9.05 Colonel Miller.