HERE at the Flared Nostril we are going to concentrate our minds on trying to land the Scoop Six this Saturday.

The pot was not won last Saturday when Tim Easterby's Tipsy Creek, a 20-1 outsider, spoiled the chances of the half a dozen or more tickets still in with a chance.

It amused me, for looking back I had included Easterby's other runner, Collateral Damage, in my Scoop Six for the afternoon.

He was well-handicapped and back on his favoured soft ground, but obviously his stable companion had a few pounds in hand of him - and was better than the 20-1 he was allowed to start at.

Tim Easterby's yard are not a big gambling outfit, but I reckon if his uncle Mick had been saddling this one we would have seen a much shorter price.

The Scoop Six is enormously difficult to land, especially if you restrict yourself to just six selections (you can make multiple selections for each race but it bumps the stake money up).

Even so, I managed to pick Borasco and Perks - two decently priced winners - and I must put in a good work for the Racing Post's Spotlights column as regarding the latter.

This pundit made out a resounding case for John Dunlop's charge and he was proven right as he bolted up by six lengths.

Borasco is a fast improver and although the handicapper had raised him - about 9lb I think - the key was his very fast speedfigure last time out, which suggested he had lots more in the tank.

I also include Michael Stoute's Voice Coach, who let down the show, and that is a lesson worth learning. Although he trotted up on his debut, the time was nothing special and in retrospect he was over-rated, even if I suspect he will imrpove with time.

Scoop Six punting is frustrating (you miss returns from the winner you select unless all six win or are placed), but for only £2 it's a tremendous mental puzzle - rather like doing the Times crossword, and satisfies my keen interest in the sport.

One day, maybe this Saturday, I might just get lucky. And you definitely need to have a bit of her ladyship on your side.