CLASSIC trials at Thirsk and Newbury and the Scottish Grand National at Ayr collectively provide armchair punters with an enthralling triple-header tomorrow.

The £23,000 Stanley Racing Thirsk Classic Trial is contested by fillies as well as colts and it could well be one of the fairer sex who prevails.

Goldeva would not be an obvious choice in this Listed race, but Reg Hollinshead's useful filly has the scope to improve further now she is stepped up to a mile for the first time.

Her latest outing over six furlongs at Leicester saw her finishing well into second place behind Lady Dominatrix, leaving the strong suggestion that she was well worth a try over a longer distance.

Goldeva gets her chance tomorrow and it would come as no surprise in this quarter to see her come out on top at good odds.

At Newbury, all eyes will be Queen's Logic in the Dubai Duty Free Stakes as she bids to underline her postion as favourite for next month's Sagitta 1,000 Guineas.

Mick Channon's filly was an oustanding juvenile last year when her wins included the Lowther Stakes at York in August. Reported to be in good form at home, she will be hard to beat.

The Lane's End Greenham Stakes is a traditional trial for the 2,000 Guineas and Sir Michael Stoute could have an ace in his hand, courtesy of Bragadino.

Zucchero, a long-priced winner of last month's Lincoln Handicap, will not start at fancy odds in the Bet Direct Spring Cup. David Arbuthnot's gelding has excellent prospects of following-up under Simon Whitworth.

Run for Paddy, who had a confidence-booster when winning easily at Market Rasen last Saturday, carries the nap in the Gala Casinos Daily Record Novices Handicap Chase, which opens the Ayr card.

The Gala Casinos Daily Record Scottish Grand National promises to be a thrilling event and although Grey Abbey will be into unknown territory as he steps up an extended four miles for the first time, Barry Murtagh's charge has the advantage of racing on his favourite course.

With Bryan Harding in the saddle, Grey Abbey, successful at Wetherby on his latest start, promises to take the world of beating.

Martin Pipe's Copeland has the ability to defy top-weight under Tony McCoy in the Samsung Electronics Scottish Champion Hurdle.

- EVENING Press tipster Tom O'Ryan is back at the top of the Racing Post/Corals NAPS competition after his tip of Elvington Boy came in at 5/1 at Ripon yesterday.

Tomorrow's tips:

Thirsk

2.15 Dune; 2.50 Glistening Silver; 3.20 Goldeva; 3.50 Boanerges; 4.20 Indian Spark; 4.55 Cherished Number; 5.25 Santisima Trinidad; 5.55 Eagle Park

Ayr

1.35 Run For Paddy (Nap) 2.10 Spring Margot; 2.45 Copeland; 3.25 Tuergeonev; 4.00 Grey Abbey; 4.35 Backcraft; 5.10 Joes Edge

Newbury

1-55 Mr Combustible; 2.30 Calcutta; 3.05 Queen's Logic; 3.35 Bragadino; 4-10 Kilkenny Castle; 4.45 Pagan Dance; 5.20 Tender Trap; 5.50 Disco Volante

Updated: 12:07 Friday, April 19, 2002