FLAT jockey Connor Beasley was back among the winners at Musselburgh last Sunday, his first victory since returning to action recently after receiving life-threatening injuries in a fall last July.

The young jockey, who is all set to ride in the 2,000 Guineas tomorrow, suffered a horror fall at Wolverhampton, which left him with a fractured skull and spine, as well as damage to his neck, when his mount Cumbrianna took what proved to be a fatal fall.

Riding 3-1 chance Alpha Delphini for Cumbrianna's trainer Bryan Smart in the toteswinger Handicap, he came home a length and a half clear of the favourite, Noodles Blue Boy.

"It's taken a while to come, but it's come at last. It's a monkey off my back and I can't thank everyone enough," said Beasley.

"I've had plenty of support from the trainers who supported me last year when it went so well, and some new ones to be fair. I can't thank them all enough."

It's Classic weekend down at Newmarket, with the Qipco 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas taking centre stage tomorrow and Sunday, and Middleham trainer Mark Johnston has a live chance in both events.

The trip in tomorrow's race might be a worry for Buratino, who was so impressive at Royal Ascot last year.

William Buick will take the ride and the trainer is looking forward to the task in hand. He said: "He didn't run beyond six furlongs last year, but if you look at the Middle Park, in another half-furlong I think (winner) Shalaa would have had something to think about.

"He showed us that day he certainly stays beyond six furlongs and I've got to hope he's going to be even better at a mile. He's got every chance."

Many form students thinks Johnston has a better chance in the Qipco 1,000 Guineas on Sunday with Lumiere.

Winner of the Cheveley Park Stakes last year, Lumiere has been the subject of repeated positive bulletins through the spring and there is no sign of connections easing back on their statements as the first fillies' Classic approaches.

Lumiere, owned by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, has sharpened up for the Guineas with a pair of racecourse gallops at Haydock and Newmarket and Johnston could not be happier with the filly.

"Everything is on target for the 1,000 Guineas," said Johnston.

"On ratings, we're not the top horse in this race, so it's a bit crazy to say nothing but winning would do, but she's that type of horse and held in that sort of regard at home. We think of her as up there in our all-time top three."

Like Attraction, Johnston's previous winner of the 1,000 Guineas, much of the focus this winter has been on whether Lumiere's bold running style will allow her to get the mile trip at Newmarket.

But there are no concerns from Johnston and he said: "We've concentrated on getting her settled at home and she's been very relaxed on both her racecourse gallops, but I wouldn't count on that in a Guineas field when the stalls open. This filly is very fast, but I don't see any reason why she shouldn't stay every inch of the mile."