All eyes will be on Running Stag as Flat racing makes a brief return to centre stage today. Ten days after the end of the turf season, the globe-trotting star of Philip Mitchell's Epsom stable makes the trip to Lingfield to warm up for his next foreign jaunt.

He runs on the all-weather in the Independent Purchasing Associates Conditions Stakes, a race laid on to help him prepare for the Hong Kong International Vase next month.

Needless to say, the five-year-old's wins in Grade Two events at Belmont Park and Saratoga in the summer make him clearly the best horse in the field for this £14,250-added contest.

Yet the conditions of the race mean Running Stag meets his inferior rivals on terms no worse than weight-for-age.

Pat Eddery takes over from sidelined regular jockey Shane Sellers and should inch closer to his century of winners for the year with a victory.

He could well complete a quick double on stable-companion Mister Tricky in division two of the Ladbroke All-Weather Trophy Qualifier.

Safari Blues is also on the upgrade and can defy top-weight in the "Showcase" Get Your Annual Membership Now Nursery.

The Richard Hannon-trained filly confirmed the promise of her late-season turf efforts by running away with a maiden over this course and distance five days ago, making most to score by an easy seven lengths.

The Pot Black (UK) Ltd Chase at Newton Abbot offers a good opportunity to the Philip Hobbstrained Norlandic.

Norlandic starts 1999/2000 on a favourable mark and should launch the campaign with a win.