Maraahel, narrowly beaten on Knavesmire in his last two races, can make it third time lucky when he returns to York tomorrow.

Trained at Newmarket by Sir Michael Stoute, the high-class four-year-old will again be ridden by Richard Hills when he lines-up for the £50,000 Strensall Stakes.

Maraahel, second to Bandari by half a length at the Royal Ascot meeting in June, was back for the Juddmonte International two weeks ago and went down by a neck and a head to Electrocutionist and Zenno Rob Roy in one of the most thrilling finishes on Knavesmire in recent years.

Maraahel, who led briefly entering the final furlong on his latest start only to be pipped by rivals from Italy and Japan, lost nothing in that Group 1 defeat.

Tomorrow he reverts to Group 3 status and also races over a furlong-and-a-half shorter distance than in the International.

Maraahel is a strong traveller in his races, so the trip should not trouble him and I fancy him to have the edge over Mullins Bay, winner of the John Smith's Cup on Knavesmire last month and representing the Aidan O'Brien-Kieren Fallon partnership.

Fallon rides Clueless for Newmarket trainer William Haggas in the Garrowby Handicap and I expect this progressive three-year-old to make a bold bid.

After running well in defeat earlier in the season, Clueless underwent a gelding operation in early summer before returning to action in a blaze of glory at Newmarket.

His favoured forcing tactics are well suited to York and he could prove difficult to catch in this mile and a half contest.

Settrington trainer John Quinn has good prospects with Jake Black, a course winner last season, who goes for the Bollinger Champagne Amateur Rider Challenge Series Final Handicap.

The five-year-old, who comes from a yard in good form, won a qualifier for this series at Pontefract recently and will again have the assistance of Scott Dobson, who is attached to Mark Johnston's Middleham yard. He is napped to follow-up.

Wednesday's tips

York

2.10 Kudbeme, 2.40 Wing Collar, 3.15 Maraahel, 3.45 Clueless, 4.20 Patavium, 4.50 Charlie Cool, 5.20 Jake Black (Nap).

Lingfield

2.20 Parkview Love, 2.50 Bermuda Beauty, 3.25 Perfect Story, 3.55 Flag Lieutenant, 4.30 Sailing Days, 5.00 Looks Could Kill, 5.30 Lord Nellsson.

Tomorrow's other race meeting is at Newton Abbot (afternoon, National Hunt).

Updated: 11:58 Tuesday, August 30, 2005