While the racing is not of the highest quality, the fashion most certainly is and for one day at least form students at the track must be satisfied with other attractions.

The going on the sprint course especially is always a problem as the draw is all important. On fast ground those drawn low may as well stay in their boxes, but softer conditions can alter the advantage considerably.

On really testing ground, jockeys drawn low tend to come up the stands side and have seen in the past to be well clear of those drawn high.

Beverley has seen some heavy rain over the past few days and the current going is good to soft. Whether it will have a massive effect is anyone's guess, but with the view that low numbers could have the edge I expect Green Park to run well in the Rawfield Handicap over the sprint trip.

Richard Fahey's charge has only shown glimmers of form this campaign though he has mainly competed at a higher level. His best run came at Chester in May when runner-up to Bertoliver from a mark of 88.

With a rating 6lbs lower for today's event he looks well handicapped and Paul Hanagan rides the tricky sprint course as well as anyone these days.

Off The Record is likely to swerve the William Hill Great St Wilfrid Stakes at Ripon on Saturday because of the prospect of rain-softened ground. Trainer James Given does not want to risk the Stewards' Cup seventh on soft going and is looking to alternative races next week.

"I think we are an unlikely runner on that ground. The rain came against him at Goodwood and we wouldn't want to run him again on soft ground,'' said Given.

Ripon clerk of the course James Hutchinson reported the ground to be soft after rain yesterday.

"The forecast for the next couple of days is still unsettled, so I think it will probably stay on the slow side,'' said Hutchinson.

Tim Etherington hopes Fullandby can make it third-time lucky in Saturday's race, having finished second in 2006 and 10th 12 months ago.

"He ran a super race last year and he actually 'won' the race on his side, which gives you an idea of how important the draw is,'' said the North Yorkshire handler.

"When he was second in the race we weren't drawn great again, but we moved across to the right side.

"The horse is in great form, he ran very well to finish second at Ayr last time and, in my opinion, the likely soft ground will suit him.

"Obviously he is up a few pounds this time around and it is a very competitive race, but all we are hoping for is a decent high draw.''

Derek Shaw has yet to decide whether to commit Baby Strange to the Great St Wilfrid.

The four-year-old colt has just been touched off in his last two races and his main target is the Ladbrokes Portland Handicap at Doncaster next month.