Brazilian ace Silvestre de Sousa brought himself level with Paul Hanagan in the race to be crowned champion jockey with an excellent treble at Ripon.
With Ryan Moore looking likely to miss the remainder of the campaign following a fall at Glorious Goodwood, this year's title is set to be fought out by the two northern-based riders.
While reigning champ Hanagan was suspended for the day, De Sousa made the most of his absence by rattling up a hat-trick of winners, meaning the pair head to Catterick on Tuesday locked together on 87.
The highlight of the treble was victory on David O'Meara's Pepper Lane, who turned what looked to be a competitive Armstrong Memorial Handicap into a procession.
The 15-2 chance was competing off a 7lb higher mark than when successful at Redcar on her latest start but it has certainly not halted her progress judged on this emphatic two-and-a-quarter-length victory over Gap Princess.
O'Meara said: "She was very impressive today and I'm really happy with her. She's obviously improving all the time and I might bring her back here for the Great St Wilfrid. We'll just see how she is but it looked a good race today and she's done it really well. Hopefully she can remain in good form."
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