Ripon's opening novice stakes sees Fantasy Force and Hidden Gift put their Royal Ascot aspirations on the line in Wednesday's British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes. Fantasy Force finished third at York last month and should improve under Mikey Sheehy, while Hidden Gift fetched £150,000 at Goffs Breeze-Ups and represents the promising Wathnan operation.

Michael Blake's Arctic Voyage arrives seeking a hat-trick after victories at Hereford and over this course 21 days ago. The gelding faces Howth, who boasts an impressive four wins from six hurdle starts but makes his return from a lengthy absence following September's Plumpton defeat. American Land adds further depth with solid course and distance form.

The card also features Gone By, runner-up behind Oaks contender A La Prochaine at Newbury before repeating that effort at Ascot. She headlines the maiden fillies stakes alongside Joud, half-sister to three winners, and Golden Step who showed promise behind Brilliant Star at Kempton. Meanwhile, Fortamour returns for his remarkable 70th career start.

These midweek contests provide crucial stepping stones toward Royal Ascot, with several lightly-raced types looking to establish themselves among the summer's elite three-year-old ranks.