KING REVO'S progressive profile should ensure he gives his backers a big run for their money on day one of York's prestigious May meeting.

Patrick Haslam's four-year-old, who mopped up four races over hurdles during a profitable winter jumps' campaign, showed he was equally effective on the level by making a winning return on the Flat at Hamilton a fortnight ago.

This afternoon's mile-and-a-half Arriva Train Stakes admittedly represents a step up in class for King Revo (3.35), however he's never stopped improving during the past 12 months and there's no better person in the saddle than northern-based ace, Kevin Darley, to steer the selection home.

The feature event on the card, the Group 2 Duke of York Stakes, has attracted a field of fifteen crack sprinters, truly worthy of the world-class stage served up by the fabulous facilities on the Knavesmire.

The sheer quality of the line-up means the contestants are very closely matched, although as far as the official ratings are concerned, Trade Fair and Airwave come out a few pounds clear of the remainder.

Trade Fair's mark has been calculated over seven furlongs, which puts him at a major disadvantage over today's trip of one furlong less. On the other hand, Airwave normally goes well fresh, so she's bound to be in the firing line along with my preferred each-way tip Ashdown Express (3.00).

Christian Wall's powerhouse is a must-see for paddock observers - such is his hugely impressive physical appearance. He's also sure to strip fitter for his recent comeback at Newmarket behind Arakan, with whom Ashdown Express is now far better off at the weights and should therefore by rights avenge that particular defeat.

The Godolphin team has an excellent record at the track boding well for the glowing prospects of Punctilious (3.00) in the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes, a Group 3 Fillies' only event.

Frankie Dettori's mount is reported to have wintered superbly in the warm Dubai sunshine, and on the evidence of her two victories in 2003 she might easily have the measure of a disappointingly small turn out for the £55,000 affair.

Despite a wide draw being far from ideal over seven furlongs at the track, Redwood Rocks (2.00) may have enough in hand to overcome his wide berth in stall 14.

Bryan Smart's three-year-old is rapidly developing into a useful performer, a point underlined in no uncertain terms by his gritty defeat of Mark Johnston's in-form, Man Of Letters, at Musselburgh late last month.

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