FAVOURITE backers are finding that is not the route to success in the Bolton Evening News Naps competition.

Bullies made it six wins with just nine weeks gone when they cashed in on Kangarilla Road in the 4.20 at Thirsk.

But at 11-8 ON Fav the win has only helped them up to 31st place, trailing leaders Mustangs by almost £34 from the fictional £1 stake each week.

Mustangs were chasing a hat-trick of wins after long shot winners but were let down by Dune, which finished third in the 2.15 at Newbury.

A popular winner this week was Michael Killane, who powered home Barathea Blazer at 11-4 Fav in the big race at Newbury.

Top winning bets each week have been Falcon Hill at 11-1, Snow Shoes and Bindaree at 20-1, Florentine Flutter at 8-1, The Judge 12-1, Sarangani at a massive 33-1, Rock of Gibraltar 9-1 and Barrantes, again a big winner at 33-1.

Two hundred teams are taking part in the Anthony Axford sponsored competition, with a first prize of £500 to the winners.