SUPPORTERS of Nevada Desert (2.50) will have been jumping joy as the rain tipped down over York racecourse yesterday.

When assessing the mud-loving Nevada Desert's prospects it's always advisable to remember he relishes bags of juice in the ground, a situation which has only come about during the past 36 hours .

Trained not far from the Knavesmire at the village of Scarcroft, Richard Whitaker's charge also likes to bowl along near the head of affairs on account of his tendency to pull like a mustang.

A low draw in a big field on the round course is always preferable, a scenario which has worked out to a treat since the selection is set to emerge from a far side berth in stall two.

Strictly from a form point of view Nevada Desert is a tad high in the weights, however stable apprentice, Michael J Stainton, the jockey with the film-star type name, is able to take 5lbs off his back.

Stainton is rapidly establishing himself as one of the top young riders on the northern circuit, therefore backers should be in safe hands given his skill and expertise in the saddle.

The likely slogging match for the two mile HSS Hire Handicap holds no fears as far as the consistent four-year-old Gee Dee Nen (3.25) is concerned.

No once out of the first three on his last four starts, Gee Dee Nen was in no mood for taking prisoners when slamming his nearest rival by five lengths at Thirsk in May.

The Newmarket raider has since humped top-weight into fourth spot in a hot heat at Goodwood, a brave performance which is sure to swell numbers in his ever-growing fan club.

Tim Easterby loves to have a winner at his local track, consequently it's no surprise to see he's entered three runners, Mimi Mouse, Gallery Girl, plus Wanchai Lad (4.35), for the five furlong Handicap.

From a selection perspective it wouldn't be so bad if any of the trio were toiling, but nothing could be further from the truth and seeing as all appear in excellent heart, none can be discounted with confidence.

The only possible angle I can find is the fact that Tim's stable jockey, David Allan, has opted to partner Wanchai Lad, who came from another parish to nail Bo McGinty on the wire at Beverley.

With well over £8,000 to the winner, David won't want to leave it quite as late on this occasion, nonetheless waiting tactics are still most probably going to be the order of the day.