County Durham trainer Howard Johnson, who is enjoying a purple patch, heads south to Huntingdon tomorrow with every chance of adding to his burgeoning tally of winners.
Johnson can kick-off on the right foot with Nap selection My Shenandoah in the Fred Cheshire Claiming Hurdle.
Although fast approaching the twilight of his career, the 11-year-old still looks capable of making his mark at this modest level.
A fair fourth in testing ground at Market Rasen on his reappearance three weeks ago, My Shenandoah should be all the better for that outing.
Johnson and Lee can also win the £12,000 Tote Credit Club Handicap Chase with Chevet Girl. A winner at Wetherby on her reappearance, she goes well on sharp tracks and is hard to reel-in when adopting her front-running tactics.
Denis Caro is another trainer who has his horses in fine form and the Gloucestershire handler can score with Zaffaranni in the European Breeders' Fund/Tattersalls (Ireland) Mares Only Novices' Chase (Qualifier).
The six-year-old scored handsomely first time out this season, but got bogged down in the mud at Wetherby two weeks ago.
Nick The Jewel gets my vote in the Huntingdon Racecourse Conference Venue Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Chase.
Jeff King's seven-year-old is in cracking form, having won his last two races and a hat-trick is on the cards here. Nick The Jewel also has an alternative engagement at Ludlow (12.35).
At Ludlow, Regal Exit is well worth supporting in the Moore Scott Novices' Chase.
Nicky Henderson's gelding runs here in preference to the high-class Isio, which is a tip in itself. Although without a previous race this season, Regal Exit can be relied upon to be fit at the first time of asking.
Tomorrow's tips:
Huntingdon
12.15 My Shenandoah (Nap), 12.45 Bay Island, 1.20 Zaffaranni, 1.50 Chevet Girl, 2.20 Supreme Attraction, 2.50 Nick The Jewel, 3.25 Noble Baron.
Ludlow
12.05 Westgate Run, 12.35 Regal Exit, 1.10 Golfagent, 1.40 Putsometnby, 2.10 Scratch The Dove, 2.40 Carroll's Dove, 3.15 Canadiane.
Updated: 13:26 Wednesday, December 11, 2002
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