KARL BURKE believes Rivellino will run a big race in the Listed Cleves Stakes at Lingfield Racecourse today.

The Middleham trainer puts his progressive four-year-old up against top class sprinters like Ladies Are Forever and Hoof It in the £45,000 six furlong qualifier for the all-weather championships at the track on Good Friday.

Rivellino comes into the race on the back of a neck success over Alben Star in a competitive handicap over the same course and distance earlier this month.

His jockey that day, Danny Tudhope, is also back on board.

“The race comes a week or two earlier than I would have liked, but Rivellino is in good order and has a good draw (one),” Burke said.

“We want to make sure he gets in the sprint on finals day as I don’t think he will get in off his current rating of 98.

“There are only one or two handicaps left that he could go for to increase that rating and obviously this race today.

“I think he is an improving sprinter and, although it’s a step up in class, we have always thought he would be up to this level. We are very hopeful that he will run a big race, but he will have to step up on what he has done to win it.”

Burke also saddles Yeeoow in the £45,000 Ladbrokes Handicap over seven furlongs.

The five-year-old has won two of his six starts on Polytrack and, although he is having his first start since October, has won first time out for the last two years.

Burke added: “Yeeoow will definitely come on for the run, but he is in great form at home and is working very, very well.

“He always goes well fresh and we think the step up in trip will suit. I would be hopeful of a very big run, but it would probably take a personal best to win it.”