Good Apprentice Carl Lowther can take a further step towards losing his claim through success aboard Montecristo in the Tote Handicap at Nottingham today.

The five-year-old has done nothing but improve for Rae Guest over recent months, winning seven of his last nine races over a variety of trips and surfaces.

The one thing that Montecristo does need is a good gallop as he comes late on the scene but a decent early clip should be no problem here and the son of Warning should not be opposed lightly whilst he remains in such good heart.

Mud-loving Sweetness Herself has the all-important fitness advantage in the Michelozzo Conditions Stakes.

Mick Ryan's mare has proved a real money-spinner and rounded off last season by winning at Doncaster followed by victory in a Listed race at Maisons-Laffitte.

Criquette Head's With The Flow may yet take on his brilliant compatriot Xaar in the Sagitta 2,000 Guineas after scoring an impressive pillar-to-post three-length victory in the Prix de Fontainebleau at Longchamp yesterday.

The winning trainer said of the Olivier Doleuze-ridden winner: "With The Flow goes really well at Longchamp so we are tempted to stay for the French Guineas. However, he is still in Newmarket and I really wouldn't mind taking on Xaar."

A decision on With The Flow's Guineas run is expected in the next few days but there are no such doubts about the participation of stable companion Loving Claim in the Sagitta 1,000 Guineas despite some reports questioning her well being. "I don't know where they got that from, she's in super form," said the Chantilly-based trainer.

Earlier, Croco Rouge had strengthened his Vodafone Derby claims with a decisive victory in the Group Two Prix Greffulhe.