It had been a very lean season for Chris Thornton until his Oriental Empress burst on to the scene in early summer.

And the progressive stayer, who has won her last three races, can continue her improvement by taking the two mile apprentice handicap (5.10) at Wolverhampton today.

The three-year-old is versatile with regards to the ground and she turned in her best effort to date when easily winning over this trip on soft ground at Chepstow last time.

And although her only run on Fibresand to date was a modest one, it's a fair bet that this strong-travelling sort has more improvement in the locker.

Yorkshire trainers can also be on the mark at Dunstall Park as Kevin Ryan's Noble Locks looks to hold strong claims in the opening claimer at 2.25.

Ryan's four-year-old is thriving this year and he's also forged a good partnership with Joan Flynn, his seven pound claimer.

Although a bit to find strictly at the weights, he is at least a regular winner and that will count for plenty here.

At Ryan's local course Thirsk the best bet on the card could be the highly regarded Wahoo Sam in the seven furlong conditions stakes (3.05).

David Barron's highly regarded juvenile holds a Gimcrack entry and he looked a horse with a future when winning on the sand at Southwell recently.

There's plenty of improvement to come and he's taken to beat Tim Easterby's hat-trick seeking Kentucky Blue.

Milton Bradley's Mammas F-C hasn't been at her best so far this term but she's undeniably well treated at present and gets the vote in the six furlong handicap at 2.35.

Her high draw will stand her in good stead in this ordinary contest and she'll be suited by the prevailing conditions.

At Ascot the Northern trainers can also be in winning form and Alan Swinbank's Gracilis makes plenty of appeal in the John Guest Brown Jack Handicap over two miles.

He showed all the ability was there on his reappearance and, although disappointing on his next two starts, shaped much more promisingly in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle last time.

Armagnac, who got messed about in the early stages at Newmarket last time, can return to winning ways in the City Index Rated Handicap over six furlongs.

Richard Hughes is an interesting booking for the four-year-old, who looked better than ever when winning in good style at Haydock on his penultimate start.

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