I’M OFF on my travels to Haydock this afternoon in hope rather than expectation that an Argus horse to follow can do the business.

The 10-1 shot Kingsgate Native has five furlongs between him and victory in the Group two Temple Stakes.

I’m loathed to back sprinters as they need a lot of luck in running, but could not resist putting the eight-year-old up as one to watch in my last column a fortnight ago.

In two starts now I believe the failed stallion has shown he is ready to strike, especially last time over his specialist trip, the flying five.

Unfancied at Newmarket behind today’s favourite Sole Powe, he made a good fist of it to finish second and took the same berth behind him in this race’s 2011 renewal.

Much will rest on how the minute or so of action pans out and whether my horse, now gelded to improve his focus, is in the mood. But usually there’s little between sprinters at this level and he has a fighting chance.

Already I have seen two of my selected flat horses take to the track and followers will have roared home Sir John Hawkwood at York on May 17.

There may be more to come, as this follow-up from his seasonal reappearance showed his versatility regards to ground.

The four-year-old will have to continue on an upward curve however to counteract a rise in the handicap.

The second horse to run was Main Sequence, a horse suited by longer trips.

His comeback was disappointing but I fear he was not tuned up for that.

The Coronation Cup on June 1 comes next, where possible mighty rivals include St Nicholas Abbey and Dunaden.

Main Sequence would have to return to something like his best to have a say.

Sometimes it’s not the easiest job to be a tipster in advance of the day, as much can change.

But regardless of how Kingsgate Native runs I’m sure it will be a jolly weekend, as I relax away from Argus towers.

I’m a regular at this particular raceday and Haydock is one of my favourite courses in Britain.

It’s just beautiful, with a tree-lined paddock, unlike some of the more modern ones which have seen development in recent years.

Anyone who has been to Ascot since it was done out will recognise its crisp interior resembles an airport lounge.

But given how prestigious it is, the view from the stands does not live up to other sites across the country.

My other picks today are Rundell (Haydock 2.40) for the Hannon team and I’m going for Trading Leather in the Irish 2,000 Guineas (Curragh 3.20).