Winston hungry for Flyer success

Two consecutive victories at York shot the Tim Easterby-trained four-year-old to prominence in the ante-post betting for the 'Pitmen's Derby' and there was relief for his supporters as he crept in right at the bottom of the weights.

Winston's lowest riding weight in the last 12 months is 8st 6lb, but he will have to weigh out at just 8st 3lb for this weekend's feature.

"I'm still asking myself how I'm going to do the weight at the moment," said Winston. "I've been doing 8st 7lb this year and I've done 8st 6lb. I'll worry about getting it on Saturday morning, but I'm sure I'll be alright.

"He's got a perfect draw (stall six) and I'd be very confident of a big run from him.

"He's a horse that's very progressive and he has improved stones over the winter since I rode him last year."

Alan Swinbank is looking forward to bold performances from his duo in the Newcastle showpiece, but the Melsonby trainer admits Merchant Of Dubai and Stanstill would prefer contrasting conditions in the two-mile contest.

He said: "We'll have to wait and see what the weather does, but Merchant Of Dubai is a different horse with a bit of cut in the ground.

"He's in good order and looks great. He's going to win a decent race or two some time as he's a very good horse, but I just hope we get some rain.

"I'm happy with Stanstill and he'll love this fast ground.

"Philip Robinson rode him last time and said two miles on good ground should be fine for him, so he should have a little squeak."