SEARING early pace is the trademark of Kerry's Dream, fancied to land this evening's Listed Hilary Needler Trophy at Beverley.
Trainer Tim Easterby knows exactly what it takes to win the valuable £25,000 five furlong sprint, having twice in recent years scooped the pot courtesy of Flanders (1998) and Good Girl (2001).
Kerry's Dream (8.10) has yet to prove she's right up there with that esteemed duo, but her debut Ripon triumph when only half fit was impressive, as was a hard-earned fourth placing at York 12 days ago.
The initial speed shown by the selection on the Knavesmire was truly electric, indeed it appeared as if she'd put her rivals put to bed passing the furlong pole, only to flounder in the gluey ground near the finish.
Connections were adamant afterwards that Kerry's Dream would be better suited by a faster surface, so provided there's no further rain all seems set fair for another big run from the dashing daughter of Tobougg.
Several of the season's leading colts and geldings get their chance to once again strut their stuff in the £20,000 Brian Yeardley Continental Two Year Old Trophy.
Although previous course and distance scorers Prospect Place and Everymanforhimself enter calculations, Redcar's emphatic Monday winner, Steelcut (8.10), could be the usurp the lot.
Steelcut slammed some more experienced rivals in the style of a smart youngster, a pleasing performance that prompted trainer Richard Fahey to cite next month's meeting at Royal Ascot as a possible future target.
Sandwiched in between what are a brace of extremely informative juvenile events, the Rollitts Solicitors Handicap could easily fall to Jaad (7.40).
Mark Johnston's representative attracted an avalanche of cash when failing to justify favouritism at Warwick, but it's worth noting he wasn't beaten far and the return to a stiffer test of stamina looks ideal.
* Kevin Ryan took the honours at Redcar yesterday by knocking in a near 33-1 double via Emma's Surprise and Westport.
Emma's Surprise (highlighted as the Gallops Whisper in Winner Finder) drifted from 8's to 12-1 in the betting market, but that didn't stop her producing a storming late run to snap up the opening EBF Maiden Stakes.
"We've been patient with the filly and she'll probably get seven furlongs or a mile later on in the season," revealed Ryan, who was soon back in the winners' enclosure when Westport romped away with the Pertemps People Handicap.
"He's really come to himself over the past six weeks and we like him a lot as has he travels well in his races, plus has a handy turn of foot.'' Middleham handler John Weymes also got on the score-sheet as a result of 14-1 outsider, Tallyhobye, finally shedding his maiden tag.
"He's a good worker on the gallops, however I've been banging my head against a brick wall with him over the past year-and-a-half until now," said Weymes, whose three-year-old was subsequently claimed by Market Weighton's, Mick Sowersby.
l Ballydoyle said a decision will be made today regarding Kieren Fallon's intended mount in the Vodafone Derby - amid growing speculation he is set to partner Horatio Nelson.
The Irish jockey could side with the colt after it was rumoured that he worked best of Aidan O'Brien's four serious Classic hopes - Dylan Thomas, Septimus and Mountain being the other three - yesterday morning.
Fallon also has the option of riding Sir Michael Stoute's supplemented runner Papal Bull, who is also owned by the Coolmore operation.
l Royal Ascot beckons for the improving Red Evie after she completed a four-timer with victory over Henry Cecil's unbeaten Star Cluster at Leicester.
Trainer Michael Bell has the Sandringham Stakes, a Listed Handicap over a mile on June 21, in mind for Terry Neill's progressive filly.
Leading two furlongs out, Red Evie (1-2) shrugged Star Cluster aside to win by a length and a half in the hands of Jamie Spencer.
The form looks solid as the third horse, Melaaya, was 11 lengths away
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