FOLLOWING two successive Newcastle victories, Stallone (3.15) is now trying his luck in slightly stronger company for this afternoon's feature event at Beverley, the £10,000 Brantingham Stakes.

Trainer Noel Wilson has done well to revive the flagging fortunes of Stallone, who having formerly won three times for the Newmarket-based handler Jeremy Noseda in the year 2000, then drew blank over the next couple of seasons.

Perhaps a spell over hurdles last winter was enough to make Stallone realise it was far easier to make a living running on the Flat, promptly picking up a couple of races on his return to the level, latterly edging out Cripsey Brook in a nip-and-tuck duel to the line.

The latter went on to frank the form by scoring at Nottingham in a fast time, a win which points strongly to prospects of Wilson's six-year-old in today's mile-and-a-quarter showpiece.

If as expected Ronnie Barr's Mehmaas makes the early pace in the Dave Hallam Handicap, he could well set up the race for Cryfield (3.45).

Both have been allotted favourable high draws, which should in all probability allow Cryfield to sit on Mehmaas's tail, prior to pouncing when the action gets serious on the notoriously stiff uphill climb to the lollipop.

Derek Shaw's Attorney (4.45) has dropped so far down the ratings he's in danger of falling off the end of the weighing scales.

It does seem like the sprint gelding is now only capable of making his presence felt in low-grade events and even then he doesn't always get competitive.

Fortunately Shaw has found a very bad race for Attorney to contest - the closing five furlong 0-60 Apprentice Handicap - a weak affair, which on recent evidence he is fully entitled to play a leading role.

It is simply impossible to ignore Mark Johnston at present. Therefore his decision to send a brace of runners all the way down to Brighton must command the utmost respect.

The ever-loyal Joe Fanning takes the ride on both, beginning with Stagecoach Ruby (2.30) in the opening Claiming Stakes over seven furlongs.

The selection improved out of all proportion when stepped up to the trip last time out at Redcar, clearing right away from of her rivals when asked to quicken at the half-way stage.

She's a well-bred filly and in some respects it is big surprise that connections are risking losing her, although the fact that Stagecoach Ruby is blind in one eye may have something to do with their decision.

Mark and Joe's other runner, Blazeaway (4.00), doesn't have quite such a clear-cut chance in the later John Bloor Memorial Maiden Handicap. Nonetheless the way Johnston's yard is motoring, they could probably win with the stable cat at present.

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