RACING NORTH readers have already enjoyed plenty of fun following ten-to-follow pick Let It Be, who travels to York this afternoon seeking to notch her third win of the season.

Highlighted as a filly to keep on the right side of in our annual pullout published last March, Let It Be initially came good when journeying to Redcar in June.

She then upped her game significantly to record a fast-time victory at Haydock, prior to visiting Chester 12 days ago when despite being a well backed favourite, the four-year-old could only finish in third spot.

Bad run theories are second nature in racing, however, Let It Be was neither suited by Chester's turning track, nor the mile-and-a-half trip which simply isn't far enough for her.

Now back on a much more galloping course, plus a longer distance and title-chasing jockey Jamie Spencer booked, Keith Reveley's stayer possesses serious claims in the Patrington Haven Handicap.

Although it's hard to imagine the opener being any other than a bookmakers' benefit, an each-way bet on Kudbeme (2.10) might conceivably make a tiny dent in their satchels.

Kudbeme, a shock 33-1 scorer in July, has since demonstrated that triumph was no fluke by twice performing with great credit at Doncaster and Newcastle.

Malton handler Neville Bycroft clearly has his filly in great heart and provided she takes full advantage of an excellent low draw, Kudbeme should once again find herself in the shake-up.

The feature event of the day, the £50,000 Group 3 Strensall Stakes, is a particularly strong renewal with Sir Michael Stoute, Saeed Bin Suroor, together with the Irish raiders Jim Bolger and Aidan O'Brien all represented.

O'Brien cleverly placed the well-handicapped Mullins Bay to lift the John Smith's Cup last time out on the Knavesmire, however he's now got much more his plate in pattern company against the likes of Maraahel (3.15).

Maraahel has run two fantastic races in defeat at the course, firstly in Royal Ascot's Hardwicke Stakes when chasing home Bandari, an effort he eclipsed by grabbing third spot in the Group 1 Juddmonte Stakes at the Ebor meeting.

Mark Johnston, still on cloud nine having just nabbed his 12th successive century of domestic winners, thought Market Trend (3.45) was good enough to run in the 1000 Guineas much earlier on this year.

She didn't cut any ice at Newmarket, but there was more encouragement to be gleaned from the three-year-olds' most recent run at Ripon when third on her return from an 11-week lay-off.

In an ideal world Market Trend would appreciate a little more give underfoot, none the less Johnston's filly is bound to strip fitter for that spin and with the yard flying anything is possible.

Despite an absence from action of 137 days, Calatagan (5.20) should not be discounted in the closing Bollinger Champagne Challenge Handicap.

Malcolm Jefferson's six-year-old finished runner-up on the identical card in 2004, therefore it's no surprise to see him being aimed at the same prize before resuming his normal modus operandi over the jumps.

* Jamie Spencer gave up three of his six rides at Leicester yesterday due to dehydration.