Worth checking out The Cheka

The Cheka has become something of an enigma since his halcyon juvenile days, but he can finally set the record straight at Haydock this afternoon.

Eve Johnson Houghton looked to have a potential star on her hands when this Xaar gelding finished second in the Solario Stakes as a two-year-old back in 2008, but things have not really gone to plan since. He missed his shot at Classic glory through injury the following year and while he was an impressive winner of a conditions event when he did get to the track, he subsequently suffered another problem that kept him on the sidelines until April last year.

There was little disgrace in being beaten by Paco Boy in two starts over a mile last term but he then proved a touch disappointing before cheekpieces seemed to spark him back to life in the autumn.

Johnson Houghton feels he has no need of the headgear this year and that opinion has been borne out with two creditable efforts so far. The five-year-old only went down by a short head to solid Pattern performer Lolly For Dolly in Irish Group 3 on his return, while a more progressive rival foiled him in Listed company at Windsor last time. There does not appear to be a similarly unexposed performer in the Timeform Jury Stakes today and although Kakatosi is a major threat, preference is for The Cheka.

Vita Nova holds some big entries later in the year so she really should be winning the EBF New Approach Grosvenor Casinos Pinnacle Stakes if she is to realise those kind of aspirations. Winner of each of her three starts to date, Henry Cecil has seen fit to enter her in the Hardwicke at Royal Ascot and the Pretty Polly later in the year, a fact which speaks volumes about the regard in which she is held.

It is a long way from an impressive handicap win at Newmarket earlier in the month to Group 1 company, and this Listed heat should prove the correct next step on the learning curve.

Namibian found Derby hopeful Masked Marvel too good at Goodwood last time but the Novae Bloodstock Insurance Fairway Stakes at Newmarket offers a decent chance of consolation.

Mark Johnston's colt was beaten three lengths that day after making an early bid for glory, but it was nevertheless a fine effort in Listed company. Johnston sticks to that level and the slight drop back to ten furlongs is also in his favour.

Dubara Reef is back at his preferred trip and looks worth backing at Nottingham tomorow.Paul Green's tough stayer gave the on-song Tenhoo a real fright a few days ago at Haydock when he lost out by a length and a quarter when endeavouring to make all of the running.

Tenhoo eventually brought home the hat-trick, but the performance of Dubara Reef was not lost on many as Green's charge finished a mile clear of the third home.

As that race was over an inadequate mile and a half, the five-year-old son of the prolific Dubawi should be in his element at Colwick Park. Dubara Reef is four times a winner over a mile and three-quarters, and has also struck at Nottingham over farther.

Henry Hook should be followed with interest in the Always Waining Beginners' Chase at Uttoxeter. Victor Dartnall's chestnut did well on his chasing bow at Bangor, finishing second over this trip under a considerate Denis O'Regan ride. The seven-year-old showed over hurdles he is at his best when forcing the issue, with positive tactics in Staffordshire likely to yield handsome dividends.

Meanwhile, Jeremy Noseda gave a hint Royal Ascot could be on the agenda for Regal Realm after her 25-1 debut Newmarket success yesterday. With little form to go on in EBF Maiden Fillies' Stakes, it was reassuring to see three newcomers draw clear and Regal Realm responded gamely for Jimmy Fortune to get the better of 7-2 favourite Gamilati by a head. "I was surprised she was 25-1 as we came here thinking she'd be in the shake-up but weren't sure she had done quite enough at home yet to do the job," revealed Noseda.

"She's very professional and we'll take her home and see how she is but we might get brave."