Cumbrian trainer Barry Murtagh, who saddled a winner at Musselburgh yesterday, can complete a quick follow-up at Catterick tomorrow.

Murtagh saddles Northern Minster in the 'We Race On New Year's Eve' Amateur Riders' Handicap Hurdle and the four-year-old is napped to follow in the hoofprints of Hollows Mill, who scored for the stable in Scotland yesterday.

Northern Minster comes into this contest in good form. He was a winner on this course last month when beating Sir Homo by three and a half lengths.

That race was over two miles and tomorrow's extra three furlongs should not inconvenience Northern Minster.

The 'Join 2004 Catterick Club Today' Handicap Chase looks a realistic target for Workaway to follow-up his recent Kelso success.

Richard McGrath again has the mount on Andrew Parker's gelding, a talented horse who is also his own worst enemy.

A hard puller, there is a chance that his headstrong tendencies could prove his undoing. But McGrath got on well with him at Kelso and I fancy he can work the oracle a second time.

Micky Hammond has good prospects of winning the Christmas Time Handicap Hurdle with Tee-Jay, the mount of Tony Dobbin.

Winner of both his starts this season, two races seperated by several months, Tee-Jay returned to action with a thrilling victory at Southwell a fortnight ago.

Venetia Williams does not have too many runners on this course, but the trainer looks poised to complete a double tomorrow.

Williams saddles the potentially useful Real Cracker (2.20) and also the promising Flying Falcon (3.20).

At Exeter, Master Florian makes plenty of appeal in the Christine Loze Birthday Novices' Chase.

Paul Nicholls' six-year-old underlined his ability over hurdles last season and conformed that promise with a good first effort to finish fourth at Sandown earlier this month.

Master Florian tackles fences tomorrow and will be hardbto beat.

The promising Imperial Dream (12.30) and the consisent Ambience Lady (2.30) are two others to note at the west country track.

Thursday's tips:

Catterick

12.20 Northern Minster (Nap), 12.50 Workaway, 1.20 Tee-Jay, 1.50 Farlington, 2.20 Real Cracker, 2.50 Grattan Lodge, 3.20 Flying Falcon.

Exeter

12.30 Imperial Dream, 1.00 Master Florian, 1.30 Over The Storm, 2.00 Oracle Des Mottes, 2.30 Ambience Lady, 3.00 Manhunter, 3.30 Society Affair.

Tomorrow's other meeting is at Ludlow.

Updated: 12:03 Wednesday, December 17, 2003