Clown to have last laugh for Osborne in Cup

Jamie Osborne's charge has clearly been tricky to train as he made just his fifth start when scoring bravely at Ascot on his latest outing.

That win was achieved over 10 furlongs on easier ground, but the four-year-old's reappearance on fast going at Folkestone suggests that today's conditions will pose no problems.

He finished strongly to take second that day and his connections believe today's trip could induce further improvement.

Invasian, well held at Ascot, has given the form a boost since with a victory at Newmarket and Tears of A Clown looks to have a leading chance of securing more success providing Tom Queally can gain a nice early pitch from a wide berth.

Earlier on the card, GOODBYE MR BOND (Haydock,

1.25) can gain compensation for an unlucky effort at Thirsk.

The veteran handicapper was stopped in his tracks in a truly-run handicap last Saturday and should find today's fast ground and likely decent pace to his liking.

EBRAAM (Lingfield, 6.40) was another to make significant late headway last time when grabbing second place in a well- contested sprint handicap at today's venue.

The four-year-old's style of racing suggests there is more to come over this trip.

DANZATRICE (Ayr, nap, 6.50) can be a tricky ride, but she is talented on her day as she proved when winning this race last year and when scoring at Musselburgh on her latest start.

Scott Dobson, one of the best amateur riders, was on board when the mare beat Kyber, who reopposes again tonight, two lengths at Musselburgh, but Tom Eaves is a more than able replacement and the duo should go well in a winnable handicap.

Today's lay vote goes to Ishi Adiva at Haydock (2.00).

ROBIN'S PRINCIPAL BETS

GOODBYE MR BOND (Haydock, 1.25)

EBRAAM (Lingfield, nb, 6.40)

DANZATRICE (Ayr, nap, 6.50)

TEARS OF A CLOWN (Haydock, 3.10)

ROBIN'S LAY

ISHI ADIVA (Haydock, 2.00)

WORK WHISPER

ABORIGINIE (Lingfield, 6.10)

BURNT FINGERS

HATTON FLIGHT (Haydock, 4.50)