SERGEANT CECIL, a great favourite with Knavesmire regulars, can produce another winning performance in front of his admiring York crowd tomorrow.

The Emirates Airlines Yorkshire Cup is the target of Rod Millman's evergreen campaigner, whose previous victories on this course have included the Ebor Handicap, the Lonsdale Stakes and the re-sited Doncaster Cup.

Runner-up to Percussionist in this event 12 months ago, Sergeant Cecil has every chance of avenging that defeat tomorrow.

He comes into battle under Jimmy Fortune after blowing away the cobwebs with a fine first effort of the season when finishing fourth to Maraahel at Newbury over an inadequate mile and a half.

Back up to one mile and six furlongs tomorrow, he will surely take plenty of beating.

Tim Easterby, who saddled Tcherina to win on the course yesterday, can add to his tally with nap selection Cristal Clear in the opening Langleys Solicitors EBF Marygate Stakes.

The juvenile won in pleasing style on her debut at Ripon and the form of that contest is working out nicely.

Well regarded at Habton Grange, Cristal Clear can oblige again and book her Royal Ascot ticket for the Queen Mary Stakes.

Halla San should go well in the Reland Jorvik Heritage Handicap, a new £50,000 race, which has attracted a competitive field.

A facile winner at Catterick on his reappearance, Richard Fahey's gelding went up 15lb for that success, but he performed admirably in defeat at Ripon off his new mark to finish third to Raucous over two miles, a trip which may have stretched him.

Back over a mile and a half here, he should make a bold bid.

Tombi gave a slick performance to win a maiden race at Nottingham recently, Howard Johnson's sprinter has more on his plate in the Axis Intermodal Handicap, but this useful performer should be involved in the finish.

David Nicholls has a high opinion of Buachaill Dona, a winner on this course last August.

The four-year-old returns to action in the Sporting Index Handicap and is not one to underestimate.

At Newbury, a note should be made of Sakhee's Secret (2.25), who was so impressive on his comeback at Newmarket, and the promising Ahjar (4.40), who looked a winner waiting to happen when finishing second on all his three starts last year as a juvenile.


Racing selections

Tomorrow

York
1.45 Cristal Clear (NAP), 2.15 Halla San, 2.45 Sergeant Cecil, 3.15 Promising Lead, 3.50 Tombi, 4.25 Buachaill Dona, 5.00 Fongs Gazelle.

Newbury
1.55 Polar Circle, 2.25 Sakhee's Secret, 2.55 Measured Tempo, 3.30 Mujma, 4.05 Art Investor, 4.40 Ajhar, 5.15 Cordier.

Tomorrow's other meetings:
Uttoxeter, Bangor-on-dee (both National Hunt), Newmarket (Flat).

Today's meetings:
York, Salisbury, Perth, Ludlow, Folkestone.