GOLDOPHIN and Frankie Dettori attempt to maintain their stranglehold on the Duke of York Stakes and the Yorkshire Cup via Bertolini (2.45) and Marienbard (3.20) on the Knavesmire this afternoon.

Twelve months ago the boys in blue bagged the Group 3 and Group 2 contests via Lend A Hand and Kayf Tara. Those two distinguished stars have both now been honourably retired to stud, but as ever with Sheikh Mohammed's mighty operation there are always a plenty of able deputies waiting in the wings.

Bertolini's form last season was rock-solid, including finishing runner-up to Nuclear Debate in the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot. He has not been seen out in this country this term, however his third to the American star sprinter, Caller One, at the Dubai World Cup meeting in March makes good reading.

Marienbard's credentials are equally impressive. He reeled off a sensational mid-season three-timer when in the care of Michael Jarvis, success which persuaded the Crown Prince of Dubai to once again get his cheque book out to purchase the son Caerleon. In the opening Showcase Handicap, Kathology (2.15) should benefit from a return to six furlongs.

The son of College Chapel, who failed to stay seven furlongs at Lingfield last time, has been drawn bang slap in middle of track, right where the fastest strip of ground appears to be. Henry Cecil's hugely powerful stable showed signs of a revival yesterday when Western Verse obliged, and the reappearance of Londoner (3.50) may help to keep the momentum going in the Glasgow Stakes.

Victories at Newmarket and Yarmouth helped establish Londoner's reputation as being a useful juvenile, progress his guv'nor will doubtless be hoping to continue through to his three-year-old career.

In the closing Micklegate Handicap, Gralmano (4.50) makes plenty of appeal despite having to carry 3lbs more than his long handicap weight.

Kevin Ryan's six-year-old enjoyed a splendid Millennium campaign, scoring at Wolverhampton, Redcar, Ripon, and Doncaster. He been gradually coming to the boil over recent weeks, including a creditable fifth from a bad draw over an inadequate trip of a mile at Thirsk last time out.

With two-and-a-half furlongs further to travel on a much more galloping track, Gralmano should be right on target, especially with northern ace John Carroll in the plate. Philip Hobbs makes the long journey from the west of England to Perth in Scotland with Thyne Will Tell (2.25) and In The Flow (4.30).

Both are progressive young hurdlers, typical of the type of horse produced by Hobbs - tough, genuine, and particularly nimble.