STAR OF ZILZAL, whose lulling fortunes were transformed by a change of tactics last time, can continue his resurgence with victory under top weight in the Ron Smyth Rated Stakes at Epsom today.

A useful performer last year, Michael Stoute's gelding failed to add to his tally in his first three outings of 1996 but gave a much improved showing to win a similar event at Goodwood earlier in the month.

Sent to the front from the outset by Tony Clark, the bay had his rivals at full stretch passing the quarter mile marker. At the furlong pole the race was over and Clark had to do no more than the necessary to secure a two and a half length success over Grand Musica.

Clark may not be one of the sport's big names but is a much underrated pilot, who can once again conjure a front running victory from Star Of Zilzal.

The six furlongs of the Staff Ingham Nursery should prove ideal for Mark Johnston's Balladoole Bajan. This Efisio filly, an encouraging third on her debut at Redcar, then ran a good second at Hamilton before getting off the mark at Thirsk.

Lining up for a 12 runner median auction maiden, the bay made headway towards the lead at the halfway point of the five furlong contest before producing a strong run inside the last to beat Prince Dome by a length and a half.

The was plenty in that performance to suggest an extra furlong will suit Balladoole Bajan well, and she is taken to follow up.

Visitors to Nottingham have found Henry Cecil a useful ally down the years, and the Warren Place trainer looks set for a double.

Dragonada can make a winning debut in the DHL International Maiden Fillies' Stakes, while Lost Lagoon, a twice raced brother to All At Sea, can defy a lengthy play off to land the Dynasty International Stakes.