Mill Creek a 7-year-old mare, and Deposition, a 6-year-old gelding, are older, so presumably wiser, than the rest in the 1600m MR 60 Handicap at Borrowdale Park tomorrow. The tipsters agree this pair are in with a good chance, but results may depend on the going.

The racecourse had 35mm on Friday afternoon, and it wasn’t rock-hard before that. This year I have lost all belief in weather prophets, but right now it looks gloomy enough to rain again – significantly.

Deposition, by Rock Of Gibrantar (IRE), has won two and been placed 13 times from 37 starts. He should do well in heavy going having won over 2200m at Greyville in good going and over 1950 at Scottsville when very soft underfoot. He has yet to score at Borrowdale but finished a length off Enrapture over 1500m on January 9, in yielding going.

Mill Creek, a five-time winner and placed 17 times in 40 races, Is by Pathfork (USA) and apart from a maiden win at Borrowdale over 1600m in good going has only raced twice, since then, further than 1260m. On April 28, 2019, in a 1700m Novice Plate, Mill Creek finished last and the jockey told the Stipes he felt the filly was better suited over shorter trips. On 16 August, 2020, Mill Creek tried the turn again in a 1450m MR 60 Handicap won by Rose Diamond. She was 3 lengths off the winner and Supa Memories, Bushman and Wee Doch ‘n Dorris were in front of Mill Creek – all quite accomplished over more ground.

Is that enough to justify most tipsters’ optimism? Time will tell. Wallaa, Hawi and Seattle Frost are possible dangers in what should be an interesting race. It is due off at 15 35.

The photograph of Mill Creek was taken by Zimbabwe Equine News at the last meeting. She is certainly pretty, and Norbert Takawira has the ride. Deposition will have Jarryd Penny aboard.