Sir Michael Stoute and Kieren Fallon, who were on the mark at Newmarket yesterday with Petrushka, whose impressive win in the Nell Gwyn Stakes promoted her to favourite for the Sagitta 1,000 Guineas in a fortnight's time, can keep up the good work tomorrow.
The new partnership, who are looking set for a vintage campaign, can lift the £35,000 Craven Stakes with King's Best.
Although a disappointment in the Dewhurst Stakes last autumn, when he spoiled his chances by pulling too hard and refusing to settle, King's Best was still beaten less than six lengths by the winner Distant Music.
He had been an impressive winner of his two previous races, which included the Acomb Stakes at York in August.
Although quite headstrong and highly-strung, King's Best has a wealth of natural talent, and tomorrow, in what is effectively a trial for the 2,000 Guineas, he is fancied to advertise his ability.
Henry Cecil saddled two winners yesterday on the opening day of the meeting and looks poised to add to his score in the John Mowlem Fielden Stakes.
Western Summer is the horse and this exciting prospect, as low as 10-1 for the 2,000 Guineas, has sound credentials.
Easy winner of his only start as a juvenile - at Nottingham last October - Western Summer has been doing some impressive work on the Newmarket gallops this spring. He should make a bold bid in the hands of Cecil's new stable-jockey Richard Quinn.
Ripon stages an attractive card, highlighted by the £10,000 Cocked Hat 'Cock O' The North' Handicap, in which Clever Girl should go well in the hands of Kevin Darley.
Tim Easterby's filly enjoyed a profitable juvenile campaign last season and made a satisfactory reappearance on this course when fourth to Going Global. Racing on her favourite soft ground again tomorrow, Clever Girl can make her presence felt.
Easterby can also win the Sharow Maiden Stakes with Nap selection Miss Beady.
Romantic Myth won the two-year-old race for Easterby at the previous Ripon meeting and although it would be asking a lot to expect Miss Beady to be quite in the same league as her high-class stable-mate, this youngster is reported to have been shaping well at home.
With Darley in the saddle, Miss Beady can make a successful debut.
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