AFTER shutting up shop for a couple of weeks fearing a virus had struck his stable, Alan Berry is now satisfied his horses are hail and hearty.

Recent results seem to suggest he is right and success for Polar Impact (2.20) at Newcastle today may well confirm that theory.

The three-year-old colt has done nothing wrong in three starts to date this term, including a smooth-as-silk victory over five furlongs at the Tyneside track on his reappearance last month.

Polar Impact has since put in a couple of sterling efforts in handicap company notably when third at Haydock last time out, and provided he is in that sort of mood again, another visit to the winners' enclosure beckons.

In the one mile handicap at 4.35, Blythe Spirit has the form in the book to beat his eight rivals.

He won cosily enough at Carlisle last time out giving the distinct impression there was plenty more to come.

Add to this the excellent run currently being enjoyed by trainer Richard Fahey's yard, and Blythe Spirit should really be knocking on the door once again.

In the closing Apprentice Classified Stakes, Middleham-based 7lbs claiming jockey Matthew Roe attempts to ride his first ever winner aboard Ringside Jack (5.10).

"He's only had a handful of rides and been placed on most of them," said his boss Chris Fairhurst who added, "Ringside Jack is too consistent for his own good and hardly ever gets dropped in the weights, but he is well suited by the conditions of this contest."

Beverley stage a cracking evening meeting featuring a brace of high-class two-year-old events both over the minimum trip of five furlongs.

First up is the Hilary Needler Trophy, a race Tim Easterby is bidding to take for the second year in succession. Twelve months ago he bagged the booty with Good Girl, and now he tries to follow up On The Brink (7.10).

On The Brink, who trotted up at Thirsk last time out, has a pedigree packed with speed. Knowing Tim he'll have had his filly in mind for the £18,500 event for some time now, judgement which may well be vindicated in no uncertain fashion.

In the later Brian Yeardley Conditions Stakes, the giant chestnut colt Ketan (8.10) should take all of the beating.

Royal Ascot's Coventry Stakes has already been pencilled in for Mark Johnston's imposing juvenile, unbeaten in two starts at Thirsk and Redcar.

Chester host the Showcase Handicap and seeing as the race is over seven furlongs, a low draw is vital in order to avoid having to challenge around the wide outside.

Well placed emerging from the number 2 box is Idle Power (7.20), entitled to go close taking his useful three-year-old form as a guide when picking a 0-95 contest at Yarmouth in July