NATALIA GEMELOVA doesn't always get the chances her talent richly deserves, but at Beverley this afternoon she could well partner a welcome winner aboard Ryedale Ovation (2.50).

Quite why trainers don't utilise Natalia's services more often is a mystery, because given the right tackle she's more than capable of producing the goods.

Full marks then to Tim Easterby for booking Gemelova, who in conjunction with her priceless 5lbs apprentices' allowance should help Ryedale Ovation put up a bold show in the Linda Bradbury Handicap.

All-singing all-dancing sire, Montjeu, responsible for many high-class horses including the Derby winner, Authorized, is represented by Cushat Law (3.50) in the mile-and-a-half Handicap.

Although Cushat Law achieved absolutely zilch last year, she clearly needed time to develop since the filly strengthened during the winter and made a pleasing reappearance when fourth at Yarmouth.

Interestingly there was plenty of money in the betting market for the selection that day, strongly suggesting her handler, Willie Jarvis, was expecting his inmate to go very close.

Admittedly Cushat Law didn't quite deliver, nonetheless she'll strip a lot fitter for the run, which combined with the presence of Kevin Darley, makes me think now is the ideal opportunity to invest.

Plenty of horses from these parts head to Nottingham, including a live contender for the opening EBF Maiden Stakes, namely Polite Society (1.40).

Mark Johnston's two-year-olds haven't been setting the world alight, however it's early days yet and with a pile of enviable juvenile talent to go to war with, his younger brigade must surely get going soon.

Polite Society did little wrong on her five furlong debut, bar hitting a mid-race flat spot prior to keeping on with admirable resolution.

The beautifully-bred daughter of Seeking The Gold will by all accounts enjoy today's slightly longer distance, plus benefit significantly from having acquired vital racecourse experience.

A big-priced nap selection, second-home 11-1 shot Dakota Rain, was heartbreakingly foiled by John Quinn's Holiday Cocktail at Carlisle nine days ago. Dakota Rain (2.10) has dropped like a stone down the weights and if low numbers hold the call for the toteexacta Handicap, the five-year-old might well take advantage of the handicapper's undue leniency.