CRACKING handicaps is the toughest act in the punters' game. You have basically the same infomation at your disposal as the man who's setting the weights and he's paid to do it full time.

Of course, horses improve considerably sometimes and the handicapper may underestimate just how quick. King of Argos looks a point in case in the Victoria Cup at Ascot (2.20). He sauntered home last time and is a very smart individual (we touted him for the Lincoln at a longshot!), but the handicapper has burdened him with an extra 11lb. Some judges don't think this will be enough to stop him, but this race is a furlong shorter and here at the Flared Nostril we're cautious.

Mick Channon has some very leniently treated types entered as does Dandy Nicholls. How about this for a line of reasoning - Capable Guest came good for the stable after a long mediocre period and must have a chance of defying a penalty. But the same could be said to be waiting to happen for SOUTH CAPE from the same stable and he justs gets the vote.

TRAFALGAR BAY is one to follow in my book and goes in the 3.35 at Ascot for Karl Burke. It's first time out, but connections reckoned he was a Lincoln horse and he should go close.

TRINCULO hacked up at York in the soft last year and after failing to impress on a the all-weather returns to turf. The rain has come at the right time and watch for a big change in form in the 2.35.

Haydock's mixed bag of hurdles and flat races neveri nspires us much here - SUNDAY CITY is a tenative choice (mainly because D. McCain junior is a top trainer in the making) for the Swinton Handsicap Hurdle. at 2.00.