BAHHARE, the 2000 Guineas favourite, looks set to launch his three-year-old campaign in the Craven Stakes at Newmarket in April. His trainer, John Dunlop, has earmarked the classic trial as the "ideal" first target for the colt, subject to the agreement of owner Hamdan AI-Maktoum.

Bahhare ended 1996 unbeaten in all three starts, including the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster.

But despite dominating the ante-post betting, he finished second in the International Classifications, 2lb behind Revoque who was rated champion two- year-old.

"I think it was fair that Revoque finished top having won the Grand Criterium. It would seem unlikely that Bahhare could be ahead of him," Dunlop said yesterday.

"Our horse only ran three times and broke two track records. Timeform have him top, so perhaps they take more account of time.

"I think our horse has that bit of brilliance about him, but they are two very nice horses and there is all to play for."

. Richard Dunwoody will test his injured back in a schooling session this morning before committing himself to a return in the afternoon.

The former champion jockey, sidelined since he pulled back muscles in a fall at Punchestown on Monday, has three booked mounts at Kempton.

"All being well I will be back at Kempton," he said yesterday.

"I will be schooling in Lambourn in the morning and hopefully that will go well and I will ride.

"My back has improved a lot in the last two days it wouldn't have been possible for me to ride for the last three days.

"I have been to see the physiotherapist again this morning and I am having more treatment this afternoon.

"I've got a couple of nice rides at Kempton, and I am looking forward to it.

The freelance's booked mounts are all over hurdles, on Quality for Philip Hobbs in a four-year-old contest, Nordance Prince for Gay Kelleway in a novice event and Olympian for James Neville in a three-mile handicap.

Provided he proves his fitness, Dunwoody is set for a busy weekend.

Tomorrow he will ride Gold Cup hope Unguided Missile and Champion Hurdle fancy Bimsey at Haydock.