NORTH Yorkshire trainer David Barron, having successfully crossed the M62 on this day last year with Tres Coronas, returns to Chester today with every chance of completing an encore.

Tres Coronas won the last race on this card 12 months ago and this time for the opening IG Handicap over the same distance of an extended ten furlongs.

Graham Gibbons' mount has had two outings this season and has shaped well. A close-up eighth in the Lincoln Handicap over a mile at Doncaster, the seven-year-old came from a long way back in a strong handicap over ten furlongs at Epsom last time out to finish a creditable fifth.

Well draw in stall three this afternoon, Tres Coronas can get punters off to a good start on the second day of Chester's three-day May Festival.

Richard Fahey, Mark Johnston and Brian Ellison can also fly the North Yorkshire flag at the historic Roodee track.

Ellison bids for the Investec Structured Products Handicap - the race won last year by Tres Coronas - with Memory Cloth, who has been in tremendous form this season.

The gelding has won all his three starts and although he is climbing up the handicap and is facing tougher opposition, he is in such excellent heart he can not be easily discounted.

Fahey, whose Cosmic Halo could go well against Memory Cloth, has a fine chance with nap selection Ballymore Castle in the T&L Leasing Maiden Stakes.

Paul Hanagan's mount made a bright start to his career at Newbury last month when finishing a close-up third and looking the most likely winner a furlong out. He is well drawn in stall two in this five furlong dash and the experience he gained at Newbury should stand him in good stead.

Muteela could be another winner for Hanagan in the Boodles Diamond Handicap.

Mark Johnston's filly ran out a four lengths winner at Beverley last month and looks a progressive performer. She can go well here.

Aidan O'Brien has a loyal following at Chester and last year won the MBNA Chester Vase with Ruler Of The World, who went on to win the Epsom Derby.

O'Brien saddles two runners in today's Vase, Orchestra and Carlo Bugatti, who is the first choice of the trainer's son and principal jockey Joseph O'Brien. Winner of his only start as a juvenile, the three-year-old was slightly disappointing when only fourth at Navan in Group 3 company on his reappearance. He is equipped with first-time blinkers today and the headgear could well enable him to put his best foot forward.

In The Betfair Huxley Stakes, Noble Mission aims to confirm his form over Telescope following their meeting at Sandown a couple of weeks ago. Noble Mission won by a decisive nine lengths that day after front-running tactics were introduced. Similar tactics could be adopted today by James Doyle and Noble Mission could take some catching.

At Southwell, Stillington trainer Ruth Carr, whose horses are in great form, can strike with Meshardal in the Quicksilverslots Handicap.

Jimmy Sullivan's mount trotted-up by more than four lengths here ten days ago and a 6lb penalty may not be enough o prevent him going in again.

Also worth noting are Saakhen (2.25), who finished third behind two smart rivals at Newcastle last time, and the in-form Megaleka (4.00), who is chasing a fourth straight win for Alan Bailey.


Selections

Chester today

1.45 Tres Coronas, 2.15 Noble Mission, 2.45 Carlo Bugatti, 3.15 Muteela, 3.50 Ballymore Castle (NAP), 4.25 Jazz, 5.00 Memory Cloth.

Southwell today

1.55 Solarmaite, 2.25 Saakhen, 2.55 Meshardal, 3.25 Glorious Star, 4.00 Megaleka, 4.35 Teajaybe, 5.10 Vosne Romanee.

Today's other meetings

Carlisle, Newton Abbot and Wincanton

Tomorrow's meetings

Ascot, Chester, Lingfield, Market Rasen, Nottingham and Ripon.