WITH the Mediterranean weather making a welcome comeback, Goodwood will be at its glorious best this evening when it hosts the Southern Daily Echo sponsored race.

It will however be a puzzle for punters with only one of the eight declared for the six furlong auction race for two-year-olds having run before.

The Mark Usher trained Paymaster General will be bidding to put racecourse experience to good advantage, having finished third on his debut race at Goodwood in May.

Slowly away, he made significant headway three out to have every chance close home but weakened to be beaten just over two lengths by Samorra.

The going was then soft but it will be a very different prospect tonight with the ground despite watering riding fast.

Brian Meehan, who is in a rich vein of form, saddles the probable favourite in Divine Right, an Observatory filly, but perhaps the most intriguing runner is Pagan Rules who will be partnered by Australian Kevin McEvoy for Amanda Perrett, who trains at nearby Pulborough.

The Desert Prince colt, Pagan Rules is a half-brother to several winners up to ten furlongs.

Another likely danger is Inside Straight, trained by Richard Hannon who seems to have an endless supply of two-year-olds. The Raise A Grand colt is a half-brother to winning sprinter Gamble in Gold.

The race is off at 6.15pm.

Report and pictures: See tomorrow's Echo.