ED WALKER is ending 2017 in fine form – which makes his CATOCA of interest at Wolverhampton.

The Lemon Drop Kid filly runs in the second division of the 32Red Casino Novices' Stakes after making a pleasing debut at Kempton, where she finished fourth of 12 at 25-1.

Having cost $120,000, you would want her to be showing something, but after displaying signs of greenness in the early stages, the penny began to drop in the closing stages.

It was a run which suggested she will be much sharper next time out and trainer Walker has been banging in the winners of late. Liam Keniry rides today's nap selection.

In the first division there is an interesting newcomer in the shape of Sir Michael Stoute's SUN MAIDEN, with David Probert taking the reins.

A daughter of Frankel, she is a half-sister to the brilliant Midday, so if she has inherited a modicum of her sibling's ability, then an all-weather maiden should be a formality.

While many may think this is a strange place and strange time of year to start her off if she was any good, do not forget that Enable began life in a Newcastle maiden in November.

Chris Gordon's horses have been running well of late without the successes they have deserved but his SEA WALL can break those frustrations in the Weatherbys "Birdie" Calendar 2018 Handicap Hurdle at Lingfield.

Having ended last season with three wins, he could have been expected to find things tough this campaign, yet he reappeared with a fine run at Newbury when second to Poppy Kay.

The winner franked that form by finishing a fine third in the Gerry Feilden at the weekend, while the third – Donald McCain's Chti Balko – has run well stepped up in class at Haydock.

A repeat of that effort off the same mark will surely be good enough for Sea Wall under Tom Cannon.

Philip Hobbs' PERSIAN SNOW must take all the beating in the Call Star Spreads On 0808 2349709 Veterans' Handicap Chase.

He ended the last campaign with two wins in hunter chases – but they were strong races for the grade and he looks to have a bit more life left in him than some, having never been over-raced.

A 2lb rise for CRACKING FIND might not be enough to stop him following up in the N&L Franklin Developments Chase at Southwell.

He won two from seven over hurdles but always looked one to thrive for bigger obstacles and he made all at Catterick last time out. An Laoch, the second that day, is a decent yardstick but he held him off gamely.