FOLLOWING a horse in form has a habit of paying dividends, which is why nap selection Style Dancer makes plenty of appeal on Knavesmire tomorrow.

The opening day of the two-day meeting, which is highlighted on Saturday by the John Smith's Cup, has been targeted by Leeds trainer Richard Whitaker as the ideal opportunity for Style Dancer to bid for a rapid hat-trick.

The six-year-old goes for the £15,000 Hearthstead Homes Handicap and, despite a 6lb penalty, looks sure to take plenty of beating.

Style Dancer, who got off the mark at Doncaster 12 days ago when beating Harmony Hall, followed up under a penalty at Beverley last Friday night to prove himself in rude health at present.

George Duffield, in the saddle at Beverley and currently in as good a form as his mount, has the ride again tomorrow. A successful mission looks likely.

The Mr Kipling Exceedingly Good Cakes Handicap, which opens the card, has attracted two fancied runners from Milton Bradley's Chepstow yard.

Kevin Darley is aboard Eastern Trumpeter, but marginal preference is for River Tern, winner of this race 12 months ago.

Although not the easiest of horses to win with, River Tern gave notice that his turn was imminent when finishing third to Euro Venture at Beverley last Saturday.

Euro Venture is in the field again tomorrow, along with the Mick Easterby-trained Blessingin-disguise, who looks sure to give York owner Alan Black a good run for his money after his recent good effort in the Gosforth Park Cup.

But River Tern will do for me in his bid to repeat last year's success.

The featured £25,000 Stanley Racing Summer Stakes over six furlongs looks a good opportunity for Hot Tin Roof to get back in the winning groove.

Tim Easterby's filly, twice a winner this season, has since run well in defeat in three outings, twice over seven furlongs.

Returning to a shorter tip tomorrow should suit her and she can carry Kevin Darley to victory.

Chris Thornton has had a quiet time of it this season, but the Middleton handler has good prospects of landing the £17,500 Cuisine de France Rated Handicap with Flossy.

A prolific winner last year, Flossy gave notice of a return to form when finishing a good fourth at Newmarket last month.

With Pat Eddery a significant booking, she can fulfil that promise here.

Regal Philosopher has strong claims in the John West Tuna Rated Handicap.

Overdue a victory after some highly creditable efforts this term, Michael Hill's mount finished an excellent third to Caribbean Monarch at Sandown last Sunday after not getting the cleanest of runs.

Lingfield stages tomorrow's other afternoon meeting, and the Care Fund Handicap looks best left to Sir Mark Prescott.

The Newmarket trainer can clinch this low grade event with Diva, a Beverley winner last week and a horse on the upgrade.

Frilly Front (2.20) and Forest Dancer (3.20) are also worth considering.

Tomorrow's tips

YORK

2.10 River Tern

2.40 Style Dancer (Nap)

3.10 Hot Tin Roof

3.40 Flossy

4.10 Regal Philosopher

4.40 Emms

LINGFIELD

2.20 Frilly Front

2.50 Diva

3.20 Forest Dancer

3.50 Starry Mary

4.20 Bramble Bear

4.50 Arthurs Kingdom