TA RIB, no match for the Criquette Head trained Sensation in Newmarket's Falmouth Stakes last month, can brush aside less testing opposition in the Group Three Hungerford Stakes at Newbury today.

Ed Dunlop's Mr Prospector filly, though unable to get off the mark in two starts as a juvenile, has proved top class at three.

She began her 1996 season by running out the emphatic winner of a maiden at Newmarket's Guineas meeting, heating Godolphin's Fatefully by five lengths.

From there she went to Longchamp for the Dubai Poule d'Essai des Pouliches, for which she started one of the outsiders at odds of just over 14 to 1.

However, she defied her position in the market by winning the race, giving Dunlop his first taste of victory in a classic.

Given a shrewd ride by Willie Carson, she held a prominent pitch throughout, was kicked to the front once the field had turned for home and just held on by a neck from the Elie Lellouche trained favourite Shake The Yoke, who had struggled to room early in the straight.

The French filly gained her revenge in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot as Ta Rib could, manage only fourth place, beaten around three lengths.

Last time, although going down to another French raider, Sensation, the chestnut turned in a better effort at the July meeting.

The time for the race was fast, and with Sensation progressing into a filly of the highest calibre it seems a reproduction of her Newmarket performance would entitle Ta Rib to go very close.

Barry Hills can claim the listed Washington Singer Stakes for two year olds with State Fair.

Having made an encouraging debut, the Shirley Heights colt ran a fine race when second to Shamikh in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot, and kept on strongly to take a three runner maiden at Chester last time out.

There is still plenty improvement in him and State Fair can negotiate the transition into listed company.

At Catterick's evening fixture, Gold Blade can complete a five timer by defying top weight in the opening Tattersalls Bookmakers And International Racecourse Management Amateur Riders' Handicap over a mile and a half.