Frank 'Pancho' Martin - file

CLASSY PROSPECT ran a big race last Wednesday, beaten a short head by REASONABLE PRESS at a mile, and should rebound at six furlongs in tomorrow's ninth event.

A former grade-one runner who returned off a near 13-month lay-up in March, CLASSY PROSPECT has not been worse than third in four outings since, in races won by top imported horses - SARAH BARRACUDA, NOON IT IS, HUPOMONE and REASONABLE PRESS.

In last Wednesday's loss to REASONABLE PRESS, CLASSY PROSPECT was outbattled by the United States-bred runner after trying to make all in very fast splits down the backstretch, taking on TECHNOMOTO in splits of 46.3 and 1:11.3 for the first six furlongs.

Trainer Wayne DaCosta has noticeably replaced stable rider and leading jockey Dane Nelson aboard CLASSY PROSPECT after last week's loss, instead calling the more patient Paul 'Country' Francis to partner the five-year-old gelding.

Tomorrow's race is an easier assignment but DaCosta has probably decided not to take any chances, leaving Nelson to seek a live ride elsewhere - Gary Subratie's SIR D, a battling winner back in May when beating KIPLING WEEKEND and CANTARE over six furlongs.

enough speed

Speedy SMOKIN MAN is expected to carry the eight-horse field down the backstretch, but CLASSY PROSPECT should be easily stalking from post-position eight and has enough speed to clear rivals and inch down into contention leaving the half mile.

With little or no traffic to contend with, Francis should use CLASSY PROSPECT's superior pace to keep him on the bridle into the lane from where he should kick and leave the field in his wake.

Form players are set to have a good day with the likes of JUSTIN ON FIRE, AWESOME SENSATION, CHECKITOUT, MONEY HONEY and SOCA PARTY all either working good or have run reasonably well in their last races.

Anthony Nunes' JUSTIN ON FIRE is basically out of class against the non-winners-of-three he faces in the third, having kept far better company when last raced earlier this year. He has been galloping upside ARGUMENT DON'T at exercise, which ends all argument where losing is concerned.

Nunes should complete a double with AWESOME SENSATION, who left it too late on June 30, closing rapidly over 1300 metres when beaten a length and three quarter by MOM'S SECRET in a decent 1:21.2.

CHECKITOUT spoilt many bets when scratched at the gate and SANKOFA beat 2-1 favourite ZARA on July 11. The four-year-old filly is back and should set the record straight after only losing by three-quarter length to SOCA PARTY in her previous race.