Norton trainer Andy Turnell, who last night confirmed that he will saddle a runner in the Vodafone Derby at Epsom on Saturday week, can win the feature race at Ripon tomorrow evening.

Turnell, who has sent out two winners in the last three days, is represented by Gem Bien in the £10,000 Amec Capital Projects Handicap and Fergal Lynch's mount is my Nap selection.

Gem Bien started at 33-1 when successful at Beverley on his latest start. He overtook long-time leader Hormuz on the line to win by a neck. There was no fluke about that victory.

Turnell, who won with Arjay at Thirsk last night, has confirmed that his stable-star Jelani is set to take his chance in the Derby.

The colt, who finished fifth to Moon Ballad in the Convergent Dante Stakes at York two weeks ago, is owned by Claire Hollowood, who, with her husband, John, are major investors in racing.

The couple, who live near Helmsley, own the famous Highfield Stables in Norton, having bought the property, where Turnell is now based, some 18 months ago for a reputed £1m.

Jelani will be one of the Derby outsiders, but Turnell said; "So long as the ground at Epsom isn't rock-hard, which is unlikely, he will run."

Best Port makes plenty of appeal in the Ripon Farm Services Handicap.

John Parkes' stayer has run three solid races in defeat this season and is overdue a winning turn. With Tony Culhane in the saddle, he will not lack assistance.

Also worth noting at Ripon are the promising Distinction (8.40) and the in-form Pinchbeck (9.10).

The pick of the afternoon action is at Yarmouth, where I strongly fancy Silver Seeker to win the EBF Novice Stakes.

Frankie Dettori's mount is the first runner of the season from David Loder's powerful Newmarket yard.

Daana looks the one to be on in the Coopers (Ironmongers) Fillies' Handicap.

John Dunlop's three-year-old has finished runner in both her starts this season. She can now make it third time lucky with useful apprentice David Kinsella reducing her weight by a handy 5lb.

A North Yorkshire raider worth noting at Yarmouth is Cryfield, trained by Nigel Tinkler, who runs in the Custom Kitchens Amateur Riders' Handicap.

The experienced Carol Williams, a big plus in these type of races, has the mount on the five-year-old, who should be coming to his peak after two outings.

Tomorrow's tips:

Ripon

6.40 - Coranglais

7.10 - Platinum Duke

7.40 - Best Port

8.10 - Gem Bien (Nap)

8.40 - Distinction

9.10 - Pinchbeck

Yarmouth

2.00 - Ascari

2.30 - Silver Seeker

3.00 - Alqhutub

3.30 - Daana

4.00 - Little Richard

4.30 - Second Paige

5.00 - Cryfield

Updated: 12:24 Tuesday, May 28, 2002