Captain Tim can spring a surprise in the £60,000 added Thoroughbred Corporation Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket today. David Loder's colt should be sent off a tasty price as he takes a huge step up in class after finishing second in a Nottingham maiden - but his trainer, who won this race last year with Bahamian Bounty, rarely tilts at windmills.

Captain Tim was unable to land a blow on two-length winner Deterrent at Nottingham but had his other 15 rivals well beaten. Deterrent had run up against the smart Daggers Drawn on his previous start, so the form looks sound. He is open to considerable improvement, and, with eight runners declared, the race is perfect for an each-way bet.

Arkadian Hero is a worthy favourite. Luca Cumani's colt registered a highly impressive success in a Listed race at Ripon when easily disposing of subsequent Flying Childers winner Land of Dreams by two and a half lengths.

Stepped up in grade last time for the Group Two Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury he was backed as if defeat was out of the question. And, after being slow to get into his stride, Cumani's juvenile pulled his way to the front three furlongs out but appeared to tire in the softer going. However, he responded gamely to some strong handling to hold Jimmy Too by a neck.

Backers have to ask themselves if they want to back him at short odds now to see off a field including improving colts from some of the elite yards. This contest is notorious for shocks and Captain Tim can add his name to the list.

Bishops Court gets the nod in the £16,250 added JRA Nakayama Rous Stakes. Tough and consistent, Lynda Ramsden's three-year-old was in cracking form earlier in the year, winning easily at Chester and then running well in two hot handicaps at York and one at Ascot.