Tim Easterby has almost made Ripon's Steve Nesbitt Challenge Trophy Nursery his own and saddled his fourth consecutive winner of the race yesterday.

The 13-8 favourite Mind Alert followed in the footsteps of Samadilla (2000), Travelling Times (2001) and last year's victor Somnus with an all-the-way success under Kevin Darley.

The partnership came home just half a length in front of Fox Covert, with Redwood Rocks a further length and three-quarters back in third, after the field elected to race down the far side.

''They tell me I'm farming this one,'' said Easterby. ''I hadn't realised I'd won it so much.

''I'm delighted for Mr Bennett (the owner), but I don't think this is quite as good as Somnus,'' he smiled.

Mind Alert was completing a double for Darley, who had earlier landed his 11th century of winners in 12 years with a spare ride on Wanchai Lad.

The Danzero colt was landing a huge gamble when taking the opening Claro Maiden Auction Stakes by a neck from Philharmonic.

The pick of the paddock, Alan Jarvis's charge opened at 11-2 in places but was soon backed at all rates down to 11-4 at the off.

Darley, a last-minute replacement for Darryll Holland - who had a wisdom tooth removed earlier in the day - had his mount sharply out of the stalls and chose to race down the far side with three of his 13 rivals.

The move paid off, although there was only a neck to spare as stands-side leader Philharmonic finished with a rare rattle.

Masterpoint won the Deverell Premier Claiming Stakes by four lengths from 1-2 favourite Yakimov.

The Mark Of Esteem gelding's victory for Mark Johnston at Beverley on Sunday resulted in a £12,000 claim from northern owner Reg Bond, who sent him to Thirsk trainer Bryan Smart.

However, Smart's decision to honour the three-year-old's entry in yesterday's race meant he was claimed for £20,000 by jumps owner Michael Gates, who is set to send him for a hurdling career.