AIDAN O'Brien, with two Classics already tucked neatly away this season, can highlight his chances of capturing a third on Knavesmire tomorrow.

The County Tipperary trainer saddles Septimus in the Dante Stakes, and Kieren Fallon's mount is strongly fancied to carry off this traditional Derby trial en route to making a bold bid for the big race itself at Epsom next month.

Winner of two of his three starts last season, his only defeat coming in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster, Septimus finished a close-up seventh on his reappearance in Group 3 company at Longchamp last month.

O'Brien's horses, who were looking in need of an outing at that time, have since thrived and Septimus is expected to leave that form well behind tomorrow.

He faces strong opposition from Palace Episode, previously with Kevin Ryan, and now with Godolphin, but that colt, who won the Racing Post Trophy, lacks the physical scope of Septimus and also comes from a yard, which has yet to hit top form. Kevin Ryan saddles an interesting runner in the opening totesport.com Handicap in Desert Commander.

The four-year-old, who started life with Godolphin before suffering a setback, missed the whole of last season, but reappeared in a blaze of glory for Ryan, who bought him cheaply, at Thirsk last month. He is expected to take plenty of catching again tomorrow.

In the Bank of Scotland Corporate Hambleton Handicap, Rio Riva makes plenty of appeal. Julie Camacho's progressive gelding was a decisive winner at Redcar on his reappearance and looks capable of making his presence felt in stronger company. The ground at York should be in his favour and he is certainly not to be underestimated.

Papa can be the master at Perth

STILLINGTON trainer Harry Hogarth is aiming to strike while the iron is hot at Perth this evening.

Hogarth's horses are in excellent form, none more so than Master Papa, who bids to complete a hat-trick of wins in the hands of Tom Dreaper.

The seven-year-old, who goes for the Albert Bartlett & Sons Handicap Chase over two-and-a-half miles, scored over this course and distance last month and followed-up in grand style at Bangor 12 days ago when beating Mooramana by nearly two lengths.

A return to Perth - Britain's most northerly racecourse - means another long trek for Master Papa, but the North Yorkshire gelding is expected to make his journey well worthwhile by clocking-up another victory.

Racegoers at Perth have a treat in store, courtesy of an appearance by Ruby Walsh, the recently-crowned Irish champion, who makes a rare visit to the track.

Walsh can lift the Carlsberg Novices' Handicap Chase aboard Madformakeup, who is trained by the shrewd Tony Martin.

A winner of a handicap hurdle at Thurles on his latest start, Madformakeup promises to be hard to beat in this three-miler over the larger obstacles.

Mick Easterby, who has his horses in tremendous heart, can capture the Commitments Are Coming Handicap Hurdle with Amalfi Storm.

The five-year-old finished a respectable third at Sedgefield last time over two-and-a-half miles. Tonight's shorter distance should suit him even better. Easterby, though, will not be making the journey to Perth.

Almost part of the fixtures and fittings on Knavesmire, wild horses, let alone fancied runners, would not drag him away from York Races this week.

Racing selections

TONIGHT

Perth

Selected races: 7.30 Madformakeup (Nap), 8.30 Master Papa, 9.00 Amalfi Storm.

Today's other meetings are at York, Hereford, Exeter and Bath.

TOMORROW

York

Selected races: 1.45 Desert Commander, 2.45 Septimus, 3.15 Rio Riva.

Tomorrow's other meetings are at Carlisle, Ludlow, Salisbury and Perth.

Updated: 11:16 Wednesday, May 17, 2006