SEB SANDERS realistically needs a minimum two winners at Ripon this afternoon to keep up the pressure on Jamie Spencer for the right to become champion jockey.

Spencer has had the better of the argument over the past couple of weeks and leads 127-117, but that's not to say Sanders can't hit back via Prince Noel (2.30) and Emerald Wilderness (3.30).

Although Prince Noel has yet to win a race of any description, his rivals in the opening Claro Selling Stakes are at best modest, at worst, simply dreadful.

Given the weakness of the contest, plus the fact Prince Noel ran with credit in far better company at Haydock 18 days ago, Sanders has every chance of kicking off proceedings on a positive note.

As far as quality is concerned, Sanders has a lot more to look forward too when he gets the leg up on Emerald Wilderness in the City of Ripon Handicap.

Ed Dunlop's progressive three-year-old nearly made it three wins from his last four starts when narrowly beaten in a photo at Pontefract.

It's to be hoped that effort hasn't taken the edge off the selection, who was mistakenly asked to perform over an inadequate trip of eight furlongs at the last-named venue.

Thankfully Dunlop has seen the light and opted to return Emerald Wilderness to a mile-and-a-quarter, the distance over which he'd enjoyed both of his previous victories.

Leading apprentice Andrew Mullen takes a handy 3lbs off Fol Hollow's back, weight which could make all the difference come the closing stages of the Sapper Conditions Stakes.

Fol Hollow (3.00) backed up an all-the-way Glorious Goodwood win with a fair sixth placing when taking his chance at last week's Ebor Festival

The David Nicholls-trained two-year-old probably did a bit too much too early pace-wise in the York event, however if Mullen can keep a bit more up his sleeve, then more success beckons.

Alan Swinbank appears to have excellent prospects of recording an across-the-card double via Karlani (5.00) and his sole Lingfield runner, Osolomio (3.45).

The face value of Karlani's Newcastle triumph received a massive boost when the second home that day, Atlantic Coast, went on to land a decent Newbury prize.

It does seem as if the application of blinkers has woken up Karlani, who looks different gear to the others in the marathon two mile Wakeman Stayers Handicap.

Swinbank really is mustard these days, a point underscored by Osolomio's superb 14132131 form figures, admirable consistency which entitles the gelding to maximum respect in the ALNO Handicap.