MOTIVATOR makes his long-waited comeback at York this afternoon following a winter of spin to match anything on offer during the recent General Election.

Michael Bell's unbeaten colt admittedly set the pulse racing by emphatically winning last season's Group 1 Racing Post Trophy, however connections then let ante-post backers down with a late withdrawal from his original target, the 2000 Guineas.

Having taken millions on the colt for last month's Newmarket Classic, the bookies were left laughing all the way to bank as on the advice of jockey Johnny Murtagh, Motivator's connections opted to save him for the Epsom Derby, via today's £145,000 Dante Stakes on the Knavesmire.

"We didn't want to get him buzzed by running over one-mile in the Guineas because Johnny felt the colt was much more of a Derby (middle-distance) type," explained Harry Herbert, representing owners, The Royal Ascot Racing Club.

I don't believe I've heard quite so much hot air over one thoroughbred, especially as he's far from certain to confirm the placings with Albert Hall, a gallant second to Motivator in the "Racing Post".

Ironically, Kieren Fallon, who partnered Motivator last year, will now be riding Albert Hall for his new boss, Aidan O'Brien. Seeing as O'Brien's three-year-olds are streets ahead of anything we've seen so far in 2005, Albert Hall (2.30) is my pick ahead of Motivator.

Fallon also has a cracking chance in the opening totesport.com Handicap courtesy of Jim Goldie's River Falcon, who bids to win the race for the second year in succession.

Easy ground and hold-up tactics are key to River Falcon (1.30), who galloped his way through the mud at Thirsk to land the column a money-spinning 9-2 nap selection in April.

The two-and-a-half-mile York Stayers Handicap is a brand new, and welcome, addition to the 2005 programme on the Knavesmire.

Although not many racehorses possess the requisite stamina to stay this extreme distance, Vicars Destiny (4.10) is an exception to the rule.

The Sue Lamyman-trained mare galloped her rivals senseless over a similarly long trip at Pontefract last time out, a feat she's likely to repeat despite being pushed up the weights as result of her most recent success.

l Kieren Fallon will not face any Jockey Club charges in the wake of events that led to two riders being banned.

Jamie Spencer and Neil Callan were both suspended for two days when found guilty of improper riding after they were deemed to have been involved in an altercation during a race at Newmarket on Saturday.

Spencer flicked his whip at Callan near the finish after passing him on his mount Cavan Gael.

However, it was suggested by some observers that earlier on Callan had caught Fallon with his whip and may have been involved in an incident with the six-times champion.

Officials have now viewed a video of the race and do not plan to bring any charges against Fallon.