Sprinter Mujado has plenty of dash

With Epsom's Derby fixture just gone and Royal Ascot a mere four days away, Sandown keeps London's racegoers sweet with a competitive card tomorrow. But the main betting heat of the day takes place at picturesque York.

The William Hill Trophy is Britain's most valuable sprint handicap for three-year-olds.

Jeremy Noseda's Polar Kingdom was installed ante-post favourite by the sponsors for the £60,000 event when the five-day declarations were published on Monday. Support for the progressive gelding soon saw him cut from 7-1 to just 4-1. At that price, he must be opposed.

This is only his fourth career start and he is unproven on any surface faster than good to soft. York's going is good to firm. Although ultimately impressive, Polar Kingdom also took a long time to get going over this trip last time and gave the impression another furlong was needed, especially in this higher grade. The form has worked out well, but his previous good efforts were also at stiff tracks. He may get there too late tomorrow.

Next in the betting come a whole swathe of horses who met just 13 days ago when following Palanzo home in Newmarket's Coral Eurobet Sprint. Interpreting how they'll fare under these terms is a tricky business.

Third-placed Orientor should just about come out on top, reversing form with runner-up Type One and maintaining superiority over fourth Nasmatt, fifth Promised, sixth Hamadeenah, ninth Armagnac, 12th Firework and 17th Rasoum. But Nasmatt, Promised and Hamadeenah all made significant late progress after being outpaced or held up early. They hold claims for improved efforts here.

The argument for Mick Channon's filly is particularly compelling as she can be expected to build on her seasonal debut. She also boasts excellent juvenile form against the likes of Coronation Stakes hopefuls, Sheppard's Watch and Tempting Fate, and Ribblesdale entry, Rockerlong. A saver is advised.

Promised lost ground racing wide, but still ran her best race of 2001. Her handler, Jeremy Glover, has just hit form.

Kevin Ryan's charge also has claims, although it's possible Hamadeenah would prefer seven furlongs.

If judged on his Chester form, using a line through Needwood Blade, Armagnac can go very well. Firework wasn't knocked about and is another with potential.

The more exposed pair, Orientor and Type One, can't be confidently ruled out either as they're both progressing well and consistent types, although the former may be another who needs another furlong and a bit more cut in the ground.

A trappy line of form, then, but amongst peers. It's worth chancing that Mujado's latest outing against high-class older horses offers a more robust credentials.

Not looking out of place before or during Epsom's Listed Vodafone 'Dash' Stakes last Saturday, she found her path blocked twice in the final two furlongs yet finished barely more than four lengths adrift of winner, Bishops Court.

Mujado disappointed on her first start for William Haggas this term and also, when badly drawn and edgy beforehand, on her final start for Brian Meehan last season. But she ran putative topdrawer types, Khulan and Regal Rose, close on her first two career starts before dismantling a Windsor maiden field in 2000.

Her new handler is in cracking form, with seven winners from his past 20 runners. Although she risks being drawn unfavourably wide at today's declaration stage, Mujado is great value at 14-1 with Hills.

Others to consider are Muja Farewell, who's well-handicapped and Proceed With Care.

Big-race selections: 1, Mujado (nap); 2, Nasmatt; 3, Muja Farewell; 4, Proceed With Care.