ONE of the best meetings of the flat season starts at York today and with heavy rain forecast, the ground could cause some big priced upsets.

I had a late night last night with Jim Hughes from Uncle Jack's pub, Lower Darwen, who was staying overnight at Hambleton Lodge to go to the York meeting where his Good Hand Racing Club horse Uncle Jacques runs in the 5.15pm today.

I have a busy weekend with entries at Newcastle on Friday, Ripon (Saturday), Pontefract (Sunday) and Hamilton (Tuesday).

The weather is also going to play a very big part.

Swan at Whalley is entered for Pontefract on Sunday and Hamilton on Tuesday, and I may run him on both days. He's in cracking form at the moment and nothing is catching him on the gallops.

So if the ground is not too soft, we are very hopeful.

Saffizz could make an early reappearance at Hamilton on Tuesday, he has shown his old sparkle very quickly after his soft palette operation and paddock rest. If he gallops well on Saturday morning and doesn't blow too much afterwards, we will run him on Tuesday.

At York on Wednesday, Rossini will take all the beating, and at Mussleburgh tomorrow, Shatin Beauty - with Blackburn jockey Carl Lowther aboard - has missed a few engagements to target this race.

Also on the card is Martyn Wanes' Lady Tilley - an each way squeak.

In the 2.10 at York on Thursday I have had a strong word for Mick Channon's Rowaasi. I napped this at Royal Ascot and was very unlucky in the Queen Mary, but reports are that after a rest, she is back better than ever and Frankie is a top booking.

At Sandown on Friday, I would like to see Sarafan win the Group Three at 3.40 - that would enhance Saffizz's form.

While at Chester on Friday, the Selkirk filly Granny's Pet would have a big chance if the ground is not too soft.

Finally my Lady Iona, who runs at Ripon on Saturday, will give us a good run for our money if the ground is soft. David Glennon is a good apprentice, so I am very hopeful.

TIPS FOR THE WEEK:

Wednesday (York) - Rossini (Nap)

Wednesday (Musselburgh) - Shatin Beauty

Thursday (York) - Rowaasi (Nap)

Friday (Chester) - Granny's Pet (Nap)

Saturday (Ripon) - Dawn Alarm (Nap)

Saturday (Ripon) - Lady Iona (EW)

Sunday (Pontefract) - Swan At Whalley (EW)

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.