Racing manager Gary Baiden has given a cautious okay to the new layout at the first bend after remedial action had been taken soon after the end of Oxford’s BAGS meeting last Friday.

He had called in the BGRB track chief John Haynes to view the first bend action after a lot of bad bunching and complaints from trainers and punters alike.

"Saturday's racing was a vast improvement," he said.

"No dogs were knocked over or fell and considering there had been an average of four a meeting, it was much better."

However, one thing that concerned the Oxford boss is the excessive water that collects on the bend since concrete blocks have been installed to keep the sand in.

That was quickly put right this week.

He assured trainers and punters:"I will be keeping an eye on the situation over the coming meetings to see how the track holds up."

l FORMER champion trainer Nick Colton had his best night yet since he took the decision to divide his time equally between Cowley and Swindon tracks.

Colton was delighted after sending out five winners on Saturday via Vatpack Sammy (5-1), Carrigeen Man (5-1), Sparta Doughnuts (5-1), Tashas Heart (2-1) and Bluetoon Hannah (6-4).

l TRAINER Terry Kibble unleashed a useful newcomer in Guus Step who roared to victory on his debut to land the Polly Pocket Stakes posting a superb 27.19.

Meanwhile, his top-rated Beta Figure impressed with a 27.30 trial following a successful return after suffering a broken hock.