Racing: Shopping trip has lost cause

MUG money was lost by the sackful yesterday as short-priced horses flopped on the first day of the York festival. But the sorest loser must have been the man who emptied pounds 40,000 in cash on to a betting shop counter in north London. His chosen nag finished nowhere.

The unidentified punter had placed the bet at a William Hill shop on Monday. The cash, in pounds 10 and pounds 20 notes, was in two carrier bags. It went on White Muzzle a 2-1 loser in yesterday's 3.10 race.

Those determined to defy the moralists today could try Key To My Heart (3.10), with a modest stake. Likewise, SALATIN (nap, 4.45).

Electrify (4.15) looks best in the Roses Stakes where it may be advisable to avoid a horse called Il Caravaggio. In 1606 the artist of that name fled Rome after killing a man in row over a bet.