SMART INSTINCT ran a cracker at York on his seasonal bow and better awaits in the totesport betXtra Zetland Gold Cup at Redcar.

The Bank Holiday feature has attracted a typically competitive field but Richard Fahey's gelding appeals as a lightly-raced type on an upward curve.

The four-year-old has not won since scoring on his first two starts as a juvenile but he ran well in decent company last term without actually troubling the judge.

However, Smart Instinct looked to have improved for a winter on his back when fourth in a tight York handicap at the Dante meeting.

Although Folk Opera was an easy winner that day, Smart Instinct's two-and-a-half-length fourth was a hugely creditable effort given the victor was once considered a Classic contender and has won again since in Listed company.

Smart Instinct could probably have done with a stronger pace but he kept on well and was only just outpointed in the finish that day.

This Smart Strike gelding should have come on for the run and can once again take a hand in the finish.

Motafarred is likely to be hit hard by the handicapper following a facile success at Pontefract on Friday so Micky Hammond has probably made a wise move in turning out again quickly at Carlisle.

The six-year-old breezed home by an untroubled four lengths at the Yorkshire venue, getting a perfect run before taking it up a furlong out and keeping on strongly.

Admittedly it may not have been the best race but there was no knocking the style of Motafarred's victory and he showed he still has something to come.

Although the Cleanevent Carlisle Bell Trial Handicap is a step up in quality, Motafarred can rise to the challenge.

Opera Prince may not have hit the same kind of heights as his half-brothers Grey Shot and Opera Cape but he should prove up to the task in the Leicestershire And Rutland Life Handicap at Leicester.

Well out of the frame in two turf starts at the backend of last season, Opera Prince showed up well when second in a moderate all-weather maiden on his seasonal bow.

That Wolverhampton effort looked to have put him spot on for his engagement at Warwick last time and Sylvester Kirk's charge won a little easier than his half-length verdict would suggest.

Opera Prince has duly taken a 4lb jump in the ratings but he is one who has not seen much action yet and could have something left in the locker.

There was much to like about Light From Mars' racecourse debut and he is taken to open his account in the Free Sports Betsfreebets.

co.uk Maiden Stakes at Chepstow.

Third on his first try at Nottingham, this Fantastic Light colt should have learned plenty for the experience.

Dunbrody Millar, better known for his exploits over fences, is not the force of old but should still prove a tough nut to crack in Cartmel's ES Hartley Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle.

■ Dermot Weld's exciting filly Chinese White could yet take her place in the Juddmonte Oaks at Epsom on June 6.

The Lady O'Reilly-owned daughter of Dalakhani is unbeaten in two starts and created a big impression when winning a Listed event at Gowran on her reappearance earlier in the month.

However, Weld initially indicated it was more likely she would go for the Irish Oaks rather than travel across to England.

But after consideration, the County Kildare trainer said: The English Oaks we said was less likely than the Irish Oaks, but I have now spoken to Lady O'Reilly and it is now a possible.'' Chinese White is 7-2 with Coral for the Oaks, but can be backed at 5-1 with Boylesports.