YORK's Ebor meeting which starts next Tuesday looms over today's racing, and it is worth looking out for nice types who are bypassing the big prizes next week for less exacting tasks.

Mark Johnston's HAFAWA is a case in point as she was entered in the Lowther Stakes and has some big-race entries further down the line.

The Intikhab filly runs in the 3.20 conditions race at York, which is msall beer compared ot those targets and after trotting up at Pontefract on her debut, she seems set to turn into a progressive sort.

I shall be disappointed if she does not win here.

It's tempting to link up HAFAWA with EVASIVE and KITE WOOD, who are other performers with strong profiles but tried in lesser company than might be expected.

EVASIVE was talked about as a 2,000 Guineas contender when trained by Michael Stoute and has finished behind Sea the Stars and Mastercraftsmen in Group-class company at Newmarket and Royal Ascot.

I have not quite given up on TARIQ in Evasive's race, the 3.10 Hungerford Stakes at Newbury, and he has been tuned up with Jeremy Spencer taking the ride.

He might represent the each-way value here at Evasive is sure to be backed off the boards.

Initially KITE WOOD looks to have a lot going for him in the 2.30 Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury. But he is still something of a talking horse, but the Goldolphin stable are in such good form it seems churlish to try and oppose him with several other contenders a much of a muchness.

At Ripon, the showpiece sprint of the day is the Great St Wilfred Handicap over six furlongs.

This is a field of exposed handicappers, but Alan Jarvis has chosen this big pot for the return to action of MAGIC CAT. At 40-1, it's ard to make acase for this son of One Cool Cat, but let me try.

Not seen out since May, there was probably something wrong with the three-year-old gelding and I think we can forget those two poor efforts this season.

Instead look back in the form and see that last September, Jarvis' charge beat Total Gallery - no mean performer this season - in heavy ground at Ayr over five furlongs.

Rain across Yorkshire means there will surely be a bit of cut here and I reckon it will suit the Cat, who has won at this venue, another tick in the box.

Of course, the selection could just not have trained on - but at 40-1 following gut instinct with a small investment might just be rewarded.