Somnus, the best sprinter in Europe, trained by Tim Easterby at Great Habton, makes the short journey to York tomorrow for the most valuable race on the card.

The Group 2 Heartstead Homes Duke of York Stakes offers £100,000 in prize money and is an ideal launch-pad for Somnus, even allowing for the fact that he has a Group 1 penalty to defy.

Somnus won twice at Group 1 level last year, both times in France.

These two successes were either side of a wonderful effort in the Haydock Sprint Cup, a race he'd won the previous year. He was denied last term by Tante Rose, to whom he was conceding weight.

Although Somnus lacks a preparatory outing the ground conditions will be in his favour. Somnus has the to run a huge race despite his 9st 9lb burden.

The Tattersalls Musidora Stakes offers Mona Lisa the chance to advertise her Oaks claims for Aidan O'Brien and Kieren Fallon, who have a Guineas double to their credit this term.

Tomorrow's tips

York

1.30 Another Bottle, 2.00 Haunting Memories, 2.30 Mona Lisa, 3.00 Somnus,

3.35 Flamboyant Lad, 4.10 Gamble In Gold, 4.45 Ginger Spice.

Newcastle

Selected race: 6,45 Brut (Nap).

Tomorrow's other meetings are at Brighton (afternoon, Flat), Exeter (afternoon, National Hunt) and Perth (evening, National Hunt).

Updated: 11:11 Tuesday, May 10, 2005