Jimmie, Star Racing Writer

A PATIENT ride from Andre Martin should get Raymond Townsend's LASHING FORCE into the winner's enclosure for tomorrow's Sir Howard Stakes at 1200 metres.

Martin was aboard the gelding on February 8 when he flew home to claim second at 1000 metres straight behind speedy filly AWESOME CAMILLE who won in a fast 59.3.

AWESOME CAMILLE returned on Wednesday to keep United States-bred RICHIESHAPPYNOTION honest at the distance, losing by three lengths in a quicker 59.1, basically franking her form.

Against AWESOME CAMILLE, Martin held LASHING FORCE off the pace then asked him to return in the final furlong to overhaul TOURING WITH RHEA, who weakened close home after chasing the filly from the gate.

In his previous race, LASHING FORCE flew out of the gate in the Supreme Ventures Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes and was throttled back to track DIFFERENTGENERATION into the lane.

He grabbed the lead at the top of the lane when DIFFERENTGENERATION came under pressure and ran wide, but was outclassed when PHILISTIA, ALL CORRECT and EXOTIC GOLD pounced in the stretch run.

It was an encouraging effort which was followed by his big run against AWESOME CAMILLE, who showed her class against RICHIESHAPPYNOTION on Wednesday.

late kick out

Expect a torrid pace tomorrow with the likes of DIFFERENTGENERATION, TOURING WITH RHEA, ITALIANO, SUNSHINE BOY and, possibly, a reprogrammed AQUAMOTO, mixing it up on the lead.

Having got a strong late kick out of LASHING FORCE on last, Martin should stick to his flight plan and keep the Pat N Jac offspring off the early splits then run at rivals in the last quarter.

He's not badly drawn at post-position five and has worked consistently well prior to and after his second-place finish to AWESOME CAMILLE.

Tomorrow's eight races should be testing for punters as most of the events have two or more horses having sound chances.

However, MAYBE I SAY SO, MADURA GOLD, SUNDOWN, BAYS REPORT, FULLJOY and PRICELESS GOLD are worth taking a shot at in an accumulator in the first six races.

Don't watch MAYBE I SAY SO's disappointing fourth-place finish on last, she was hindered near the three-pole and pinched back before closing again in the final furlong.

It's close between MADURA GOLD and WINCHESTER in the second. However, with MR SKILL, ROMEZ and SAN ANTONIO around to ensure a honest pace, MADURA GOLD should be closing best.

SUNDOWN ran big off a five-month lay-up on last, going down in a battle to JOVOUN THE MASTER at a mile. Better for the run tomorrow, he should go one better.

BAY'S REPORT, FULLJOY and PRICELESS GOLD should use their speed to run rivals into the ground in their respective races.