SIR Michael Stoute's string has been slow to hit form this season but themaster of Freemason Lodge has fine prospects of landing the first Classic of the campaign at Newmarket tomorrow.

He saddles Golan in the Sagitta 2000 Guineas and this very promising individual has the makings of a top-class performer.

His son of Spectrum faces a massive step up in grade on the Rowley Mile but he has been the subject of rave reviews on the Newmarket gallops this spring, with former champion jockey Kieren Fallon being impressed by his work.

Golan has clearly progressed well over the winter.

The colt has had only one race so far, a maiden at Chepstow last September which he won in convincing fashion.

He travelled strongly just off the pace and only needed to be pushed out to assert inside the final furlong, comfortably beating Clearing by one and a quarter lengths.

Clearing has since gone on to win the Horris Hill Stakes and the Victor Chandler European Free Handicap so that was obviously a very strong contest.

Stoute has already won the 2000 Guineas four times with Shadeed (1985), Doyoun (1988), Entrepreneur (1997) and King's Best (2000) and Golan is made the nap to make it number five.

As can expected from a race of this calibre dangers abound with stylish Greenham Stakes winner Munir a major rival.

Godolphin's duo Tobougg and Rumpold have the benefit of a warm winter behind them and will lacking nothing in fitness. While Aidan O'Brien's Middle Park Stakes victor Minardi will also command respect.

But they may all have to give best to Golan, who can lead home Tobougg and Munir.

Earlier on the card And Beyond can upset some better fancied rivals in the Ruinart Champagne Conditions Stakes.

Mark Johnston's colt got off the mark at the first time of asking in a low-key maiden at Musselburgh last month.

But such was the manner of his victory that connections have decided to aim high with the son Darshaan.

At Musselburgh he cruised into the lead four furlongs out and despite showing signs of inexperience strode readily clear to score by three and a half lengths.

And Beyond has been reported to be burning up the Middleham gallops since his debut and he can reward backers with victory tomorrow at what could be a decent price.

Pipalong is taken to repeat her victory of 12 months ago in the Victor Chandler Palace House Stakes.

Tim Easterby's game mare went on to from victory here to finish third in the Group One July Cup and Nunthorpe Stakes before scoring at the highest level in the Stanley Leisure Sprint Cup at Haydock Park in September.

The daughter of Pips Pride went on to finish third in the Prix de l'Abbaye in October.

She was sent to Dubai in March for the Golden Shaheen but lost a shoe when finishing 10th of 15.

Pipalong is now said to be back to form and she can regain the winning thread in tomorrow's Group Three event.

Haydock Park's feature Merewood Homes Swinton Handicap Hurdle can go to the consistent Bring Sweets from Brian Ellison's Malton yard.

The gelding was a fine second to Ulundi in the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr two weeks ago.

And at Thirsk tough performer Jo Mell can give Easterby an across-the-card double in the Studford Inns Thirsk Hunt Cup.