Don't be surprised if 25-1 shot Onlytime Will Tell upsets his more fancied stable-mate Fire Up The Band (5-1) in this afternoon's Stewards' Cup.

As usual, leading sprint trainer David Nicholls handler goes in mob-handed for the £100,000 feature, but it is gratifying to know that Nicholls whispered "the winner" when Onlytime Will Tell's name was drawn out of the hat and nominated for stall 16 by the Sessay near Thirsk-based trainer.

Readers of Racing North had their cards marked way back in March when David revealed that Onlytime Will Tell "could be one of our best this season," quite a compliment for a man with a stable full to the brim with near top-class speedsters.

Admittedly the son of Efisio has taken time to come to hand this term, however it does look like Nicholls has brought the five-year-old to concert pitch at exactly the right moment for the annual 30-runner cavalry charge.

The reason for the confidence behind the selection stems from finishing a close second to the supremely well-handicapped Fantasy Believer at Ascot last weekend. It was an outstanding effort against an opponent considered virtually unbeatable on the day.

Of course none of Nicholls' other runners can be ignored, especially Fire Up The Band, partnered as usual by the trainer's son, Adrian..

Neither must we forget North Yorkshire's other big hope, Brian Smart's Bond Boy.

* An apprentice jockey was taken to hospital after a three-horse pile-up in the Teletext 'Hands And Heels' Apprentice Maiden Handicap at Thirsk yesterday.

Estrella Levante, ridden by Jemma Marshall, Dara Mac, the mount of Suzanne France, and T K O Gym, with Liam Treadwell on board, clashed five-furlongs out.

France and Treadwell were shaken but Marshall was taken to hospital for X-rays on a suspected broken arm.

Wayne Hogg was apportioned with the blame andbanned for two days, on dates to be confirmed, for not riding the bend properly on East Riding and causing a concertina effect which resulted in Estrella Levante, Dara Mac and and T K O Gym being hampered.

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