Has the moment of truth arrived for Gerald Patrick Kelly? The 66year-old is one of racing's unsung stalwarts, with a career in the sport spanning six decades, including 38 years as a professional jump and Flat jockey.

Renowned as an expert horseman, Kelly turned his attentions to training in 1987 but his Sheriff Hutton-based operation is somewhat at the opposite end of the spectrum to Godolphin. Indeed, he has yet to open his account on the level.

Distant King could change all that at Beverley today in the Hull Business School Apprentice Maiden Handicap.

The five-year-old has hinted on ability several times and at Pontefract last week he ran above himself when finishing under five lengths third to Goretski in a stakes race.

While that form has to be treated with some caution, it suggests Distant King is capable of running above his current mark of 31.

It seems that Distant King is best when running in sprints with a stiff finish, which he gets here.

Detailed examination of this race reveals that several of the runners are completely out of form and four horses are partnered by jockeys yet to ride a winner.

Indeed, the only ones other than Distant King with any sort of chance appear to be Mukarrab, Dorton Grange and Hayburner.

Foxie Lady can earn a deserved win in the Priory Park Audi Maiden.

Ed Dunlop's filly has lost nothing in defeat on three occasions this year, the latest when four lengths second to Henry Cecil's promising Timbervati at Yarmouth.

This looks an ideal opening as there is a question mark over the temperament of Luca Cumani's runner, Harmony.

Punters looking for a solid hot favourite should turn their attention to Bounteous in the Henry Streeter Maiden Fillies' Stakes at Lingfield.

Peter Chapple-Hyam's three-year-old made a satisfactory debut at Chepstow when finding Michael Stoute's Lucrezia five lengths too good.