Archie Babe bids for compensation tomorrow at Ripon's opening meeting of the season.

The John Quinn-trained gelding, a winner at Doncaster's Lincoln meeting, attempted a quick follow-up five days later at Newcastle but suffered trouble in running and could finish only fourth.

Quite how close Archie Babe would have gone to doubling-up with a clear run is impossible to say for sure, but visual evidence of that Gosforth Park contest suggested he would have taken all the beating.

He is a little worse off at the weights now than he was then, but such is his current well-being that Archie Babe deserves the chance to get back on top in the Allison's 40 Handicap. Smart apprentice Liam Keniry continues his partnership with the Ryedale raider.

The £15,000 Nick Wilmot-Smith Memorial Handicap over six furlongs is the feature race on Ripon's card. It is a wide-open race and not an easy one for punters, but Consensus, trained by Mel Brittain at Warthill, should play a part in the finish.

The four-year-old, a course and distance winner, made an encouraging reappearance at Doncaster 12 days ago to finish fifth to Law Breaker from an unfavourable draw.

In the £14,000 Galphay Classified Stakes, Ed Dunlop could hold the key with the smart Mubeen, while Dunaskin carries my Nap vote in the Sawley Handicap.

Trained near Newcastle by Don Eddy, Dunaskin shaped well in nurseries last season and made an encouraging debut when finishing sixth at Doncaster a fortnight ago.

Kevin Darley looks a significant booking tomorrow for the three-year-old, who will appreciate the step up to ten furlongs.

Richard Hannon has made a bright start with his juvenile string and Top Spec in the Spa Welter Maiden Stakes could be another winner for the Marlborough trainer.

Richard Hughes takes the mount on this speedily-bred colt, who is sure to have been well-tutored for his debut.

Tim FitzGerald is still seeking his first winner since taking over the reins from his father, Jimmy, at Norton Grange Stables a month ago.

Perhaps, Invitado will be the one to break the duck for the rookie handler, who has booked champion jockey Kieren Fallon to do the steering in the Markington Selling Handicap. It could be a significant booking.

The main jumping action tomorrow is at Ascot, where BBC2 are televising the first four races, with the Daily Telegraph Showcase Handicap Chase taking pride of place.

Given the title of this race, The Newsman would be an appropriate winner, and it's not beyond the realms of possibility. The 11-year-old has won his last two starts and looks sure to go well again under Leighton Aspell.

Wednesday's tips:

Ripon

2.00 Top Spec, 2.30 Invitado, 3.05 Mubeen, 3.35 Consensus, 4.10 Archie Babe, 4.45 Bint Alhaarth, 5.20 Dunaskin (Nap).

Ascot

2.10 Secret Drinker, 2.40 Stromness, 3.15 The Newsman, 3.45 Hopbine, 4.20 Alpine Slave, 4.55 Montys Tag, 5.30 Cayman Went.

- Tomorrow's other meeting is at Ludlow.

Updated: 12:26 Tuesday, April 01, 2003