THREE FAMOUS races return to the calendar today with the City and Suburban, Blue Riband Trial Stakes and Great Metropolitan as Epsom stages its spring meeting for the first time since 1990. Julie Cecil can take full advantage by landing the City and Suburban Stakes with Behaviour.

Behaviour, effective from a mile to 10 furlongs, ran several good races last season, most notably when a one-and-a-quarter length runner up to Blomberg in the Group Three Diomed Stakes at the Derby meeting.

On his reappearance in the Group Three Earl Of Sefton Stakes over nine furlongs at Newmarket last Wednesday, Behaviour showed himself to be in good order with an encouraging fourth, beaten three-and-a-half lengths behind Ali-Royal.

Sure to have come on for that run, Behaviour is napped to open his account for the season with local hope Silver Groom the main danger.

Papua can put a slightly below form seasonal debut behind him by landing the Blue Rib and trial Stakes.

Reappearing in Kempton's Easter Stakes over a mile, Ian Balding's three-year-old was easy to back and, although looking fit, could only keep on at one pace inside the final furlong to finish third, beaten five-and-a-quarter lengths behind Pelham.

Likely to be suited by the extra half mile of today's race, Papua faces a relatively simple task with only two rivals and should be followed.

David Nicholls' runners are enjoying a purple patch and the Sessay trainer looks set to land the Stanley Racing Great Metropolitan Handicap over the Derby course.

Successful over 12 furlongs four seasons ago, Hazard A Guess ran well over that trip at Newmarket last week when faced with a stiff task.

Always in touch with the leaders, the gelding kept on from a furlong out to finish a two-length third to the improving Angus-G, who was in receipt of 1 lb.

With the assistance of Pat Eddery today, Hazard A Guess can give Nicholls another boost with a victory in this £8,000 added event.