Kieren Fallon, who rode two winners at Pontefract yesterday, but also picked-up a one-day ban, can play a starring role at Ascot tomorrow in what promises to be one of the outstanding races of the season.

The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, which has attracted a crack line-up of 14 runners, is the target for Fallon's mount Russian Rhythm as she seeks her fourth Group 1 prize of the year and the chance to confirm herself as Europe's top miler.

Trained by Sir Michael Stoute, Russian Rhythm, winner of last season's Lowther Stakes on Knavesmire, has numbered the 1,000 Guineas among her scalps this term.

More recently, she overcame trouble in running to win the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood.

Not since Sir Michael's Milligram in 1987 has a filly won the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, but not many will have tried, and even fewer with the credentials of Russian Rhythm.

Falbrav, brilliant winner of last month's Juddmonte International Stakes at York, and so unlucky in Ireland last time, reverts from ten furlongs to bid for this valuable prize.

Dubai Destination, the mount of Frankie Dettori, Soviet Song, ridden for the first time by Jamie Spencer, and last year's winner Where Or When, the mount of Kevin Darley, are also in the line-up.

But they have all got Fallon to beat. In what promises to be a cracking race, Russian Rhythm, my Nap selection, can show her rivals the way home.

The highly-regarded Snow Ridge, impressive winner of his debut race at Kempton, is fancied to follow-up by landing the Hackney Empire Royal Lodge Stakes.

The Meon Valley Stud Fillies' Mile looks a good opportunity for Aidan O'Brien's dual-winner Necklace to complete a hat-trick.

Stillington trainer David Chapman, fresh from his memorable triumph with Quito in the Ayr Gold Cup last Saturday, saddles the gelding again in the £70,000 Tote Trifecta Handicap.

As equally effective over seven furlongs as he is over six, Tony Culhane's in-form mount should not be overlooked.

Tim Easterby's Fayr Jag, a winner in Ireland last time, has enjoyed a wonderful campaign and looks sure to go well in the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Diadem Stakes, but my vote goes to Airwave to finally claim a prestigious prize after a frustrating campaign.

Ripon's final meeting of the season sees Philharmonic going for his second win, after justifying favouritism at the Evening Press Sunday Raceday at York earlier this month.

That form has worked out well and Richard Fahey's charge can oblige again in the Nidderdale Novice Stakes.

The smart Handsome Cross will be a tough nut to crack in the Weatherbys Bank Nursery, despite top-weight, while the featured race, the Ripon, Cathedral City of Dales, Handicap looks a good opportunity for Jeepstar.

Tim Easterby's former headstrong gelding, already a course-and-distance winner, added to his tally at Musselburgh last time and looks a horse on the upgrade, now that he has finally tuned his mind to racing. Jamie Mackay again has the mount.

Saturday's tips:

ASCOT

TV races: 2.00 Snow Ridge, 2.35 Necklace, 3.05 Quito, 3.40 Airwave, 4.20 Russian Rhythm (Nap), 4.55 Marinas Charm, 5.30 Typhoon Tilly.

RIPON

2.25 Lady Blade, 2.55 Vonadaisy, 3.25 Philharmonic, 4.00 Up Tempo, 4.35 Jeepstar, 5.10 Handsome Cross, 5.40 Arresting.

HAYDOCK

2.20 La Scala, 2.50 Blackheath, 3.20 Arzoo, 3.50 Mekuria, 4.25 Bond Moonlight, 5.00 Star Cross.

Tomorrow's other meetings are at Market Rasen and Plumpton. Overnight declarations for both these meetings were not available from racing agency Weatherbys in time for publication.

Updated: 12:00 Friday, September 26, 2003