WATCHABLE can defy top weight in the feature race at Ripon this evening and record his second success of the campaign for David O'Meara.

The North Yorkshire trainer saddled the four-year-old to win at Ayr on his reappearance. On his latest start, Watchable finished a good third at Goodwood, which confirmed him to be a sprinter on the upgrade.

The £12,000 Directors Cup looks a good target for him and, with Danny Tudhope on board, he is fancied to resume winning ways.

O'Meara can also lift the Ripon Farm Services Handicap with Rural Celebration, who will also have the assistance of the excellent Tudhope.

The three-year-old was solidly supported at Catterick last weekend before winning cosily by three lengths from Tango Sky. A 6lb penalty may not hinder her progress as she climbs the sprinting ladder.

Paul Hanagan, who rides one of the favourites, Taghrooda in Friday's Investec Oaks, travels north to partner Roossey in the opening in the British Stallion Studs Maiden Stakes.

The William Haggas-trained juvenile took a step forward on his second and latest start when beaten only a neck on this course. If he shows a similar level of improvement now as he showed between his first and second starts, he should be hard to beat.

Derbyshire showed a hint of ability in three maiden runs last season for Kevin Ryan. He should not be underestimated on his handicap bow in the Eura Audit UK Handicap. Paul Mulrennan, pictured, has the mount.

Also worth noting are the promising Epsom Hill (8.40) and the Tim Easterby-trained Choisan (9.10), a previous course winner.

Stillington trainer Ruth Carr sends Fort Bastion to Nottingham to contest the totepool Home Of Pool Betting Handicap.

Royal Ascot could beckon for this gelding, who won the Thirsk Hunt Cup on his penultimate start and who has since been beaten only a whisker by Navajo Chief at York. He should he competitive again.

Hanagan rides at Nottingham before journeying to Ripon's evening meeting and he can be rewarded with a win on Etaab in the Try A totetrifecta Today Handicap.

The three-year-old fulfilled debut promise when winning handsomely at Lingfield last month. She has been given a rating of 80 for her handicap bow and is fancied to follow-up at the main expense of Sir Michael Stoute's Bragging, who has a similar profile to the selection.

David Brown often has a smart juvenile or two and it would be no surprise if War Alert was above average.

She makes his debut under Jamie Spencer in the Bet totejackpot Irish Stallion Farms Maiden Fillies' Stakes and this daughter of War Front is not to be dismissed lightly.

David Barron's lightly-raced Rozene (2.50), who finished second on this course last month, and the in-form Rockweiller (5.20) are two others to consider on the card.

Selections

Ripon today

6.40 Roossey, 7.10 Derbyshire, 7.40 Rural Celebration, 8.10 Watchable (NAP), 8.40 Epsom Hill, 9.10 Choisan.

Nottingham today

2.20 War Alert, 2.50 Rozene, 3.20 Heartsong, 3.50 Fort Bastion, 4.20 Etaab, 4.50 Jarlaath, 5.20 Rockweiller.

Today's other meetings

Fontwell, Kempton and Southwell

Tomorrow's meetings

Ffos Las, Hamilton, Kempton, Lingfield and Southwell.