IN COMMAND can enhance his family's record with vie tory in the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket today. His dam Flying Melody has already produced two of the best juvenile sprinters in recent years.

Her previous foal was Royal Applause who capped a five race unbeaten run with success in this race last year. Her 1990 produce was Lyric Fantasy who lit up Royal Ascot with a sparkling win in the Queen Mary Stakes before beating the older sprinters in the Group One Nunthorpe Stakes at York.

Given that record, it is surprising that Royal Applause's trainer Barry Hills has campaigned In Command mainly at seven furlongs, a trip neither of his famous siblings seemed to stay. The colt showed plenty of speed when making a winning debut over six, furlongs at Goodwood, where very heavy support spoke volumes about his reputation.

Though there was no disgrace in favourite Bahhare over seven at Doncaster, he looked much stronger at the furlong pole than the line and will benefit from this step down in trip. In between times he looked a sprinter pure and simple at York where he pulled too hard to last ink the race won by Revoque.

In Command can emulate his half brother's success in what is traditionally one of the season's less competitive Group One events.

Frankie Dettori can land a winner on Blue Iris in the JRA Nakayama Rous Stakes. His mount landed a competitive handicap at York in August in good style and almost certainly went too fast for her own good in the early stages last time. Pat Eddery, Dettori's probable successor's champion jockey, can take the Joel Stakes on Phantom Quest.

Martin Pipe looks set for another fine day at Taunton. He should take the Norman Reading Memorial Maiden Hurdle with General Mouktar.