Not since Mark Johnston's Mister Baileys in 1994 has North Yorkshire celebrated a 2,000 Guineas winner.

But the thrilling prospect at Newmarket tomorrow is that the county has two contenders for the Stan James-sponsored race, which opens the Classic season.

Kevin Ryan saddles Amadeus Wolf, winner of last year's Gimcrack Stakes at York, and the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket.

Ryan's Hambleton neighbour Bryan Smart relies on Misu Bond, who hit the jackpot last autumn in the Redcar Two-Year-Old Trophy and won the Free Handicap at Newmarket last month.

Ryan, who has resisted the temptation to give Amadeus Wolf a prep race, preferring to rely on two racecourse gallops, is more than happy with the way his stable-star is limbering up for his all-important test under Neil Callan.

Smart, too, is bubbling with anticipation, firmly believing that we have yet to see the best of Misu Bond, the mount of Tony Culhane.

Although the pair are widely separated in the betting market - Amadeus Wolf is priced at around 8-1, with Misu Bond quoted generally at 33-1 - the distance of one mile could bring the pair very much together.

Personally, I fear that Amadeus Wolf - who has yet to race beyond six furlongs - will be as effective over the longer trip, whereas Misu Bond, a winner over seven furlongs, might well improve again for an extra furlong, in which case he could well prove to be the best value each-way bet in the field.

The competition is very strong, with George Washington representing Aidan O'Brien and Kieren Fallon, and Sir Percy - the big hope of Marcus Tregoning and Martin Dwyer - both being unbeaten last season.

Hugely talented though he is, George Washington does not look the most straightforward horse and so I am swaying towards Sir Percy.

Much as I would love to see Ryan or Smart bring the £330,000 prize to North Yorkshire, I suspect they may be playing for place money. I go for Sir Percy to win, with Misu Bond the most tempting each-way wager at his current inflated odds.

TONIGHT

Bangor selected races: 6.30 Mooramana, 7.30 Calatagan, 8.30 Polar Gunner.

Today's other meetings: Fontwell (evening, National Hunt), Musselburgh (afternoon, Flat), Southwell (afternoon, National Hunt), Wolverhampton (afternoon, Flat on all-weather track).

Today's Nap: Welcome Approach (2.20 Musselburgh), whose chances were highlighted in yesterday's paper.

TOMORROW

Newmarket selected races: 2.35 Majestic Missile, 3.15 Sir Percy.

Thirsk selected race: 4.50 Rio Riva.

Tomorrow's other meetings: Goodwood (afternoon, Flat), Haydock (afternoon, mixed meeting of National Hunt and Flat races), Hexham (evening, National Hunt), Uttoxeter (afternoon, National Hunt), Worcester (evening National Hunt).

Updated: 10:33 Friday, May 05, 2006