Classy Girl set to shine

Tim Easterby's filly is without a win since her juvenile campaign but has tumbled down the weights as a result and offered encouragement on more than one occasion during 2010, notably when third in the ultra-competitive Reg Griffin Memorial Trophy at York.

Her only previous visit to this venue resulted in a second in Listed company and she represents value this afternoon.

Tadcaster trainer Tom Tate sends Kings Gambit for the Ripon Silver Bowl Conditions Stakes and the South African import was good enough to make the frame in the Sky Bet York Stakes last summer.

He takes on last year's beaten Cambridgeshire favourite Almiqdaad, though, and Michael Jarvis always commands close attention on his visits to the North Yorkshire venue.

Similarly, Sir Michael Stoute sends just the one runner to the meeting so Eleanora Duse will have plenty of support on her side in the Ripon "Cock O'The North" Handicap.

But in Mark Johnston's Monterosso, she faces an opponent on a rapid upward curve, providing the Dubawi colt translates his all-weather form to turf.

Maltby trainer David Brown scooped the biggest race of the day on the Westwood when Lenny Bee showed a fleet turn of foot to land the Spring Into Racing At Beverley Handicap.

Smartly out of the stalls under Freddie Tylicki, the 4-1 shot followed in Fol Hollow's early wake before pulling a length-and-a-half clear.

Rapid Lad provided Beverley's racegoers with plenty of excitement throughout his career and the race named in his honour produced a thrilling three-way battle, won in the end by 3-1 favourite Zaplamation.

John Quinn's charge finished quickly to fend off Mick Easterby's Blue Spinnaker, while Brockfield was in close attendance in third.

Norton handler Richard Fahay notched another winner in the second division of the Racing UK on Sky 432 Maiden Auction Stakes with Above The Stars.

The 3-1 joint-favourite was always travelling best under Paul Hanagan and recorded a half-length verdict over Whisper Louise.