A GELDING earmarked for the Scottish Grand National at Ayr in April can get in the winning groove at Taunton tomorrow.

Lordberniebouffant, trained by Josh Gifford, goes for the Tote Credit Club Handicap Chase, his second outing of the campaign.

A former useful hurdler, Lordberniebouffant scored twice over fences last season, most notably when beating the subsequent Grand National runner-up Smarty in the Sussex National at Fontwell.

His only race this season saw him finish a respectable third to Montifault at Wincanton a couple of months ago.

Tomorrow's three miles and three furlongs contest should bring out the best in him and a return to winning form is expected.

Supporting the jockey is often a good method of finding winners in conditional riders' races and tomorrow's Levy Board January Handicap Hurdle, which fits into that category, looks a good opportunity for Marcus Foley to add to his growing reputation.

Foley, who teams-up with Paulton for Kevin Bishop, has created a big impression this season riding for Nicky Henderson's Lambourn yard.

He will not be found wanting in this contest and Paulton is expected to give him a good ride.

Touring-Turtle has strong claims in the Racecourse Seminar Centre Novices' Handicap Chase.

The 10-year-old showed improved form to win over this course and distance last month when staying on dourly to score by 15 lengths from Fluff'N'Puff.

Touring-Turtle has more on his plate this time but, still well enough weighted, should make a bold bid and is awarded my Nap vote.

At Ludlow, Medium Wave can make an overdue return to the winners' enclosure in the Hughes Caterers Handicap Chase.

The 10-year-old, trained by Simon Sherwood, has finished in the frame in all his four starts this season. A race of this nature looks within his grasp.

Tribal Dancer can hit the target in the ludlow-racecourse.co.uk Handicap Hurdle.

Venrtia Williams' gelding has been in fine form in recent weeks, winning two of his last three races. Furthermore, he is a previous winner over this course and distance.

I expect Tribal Dancer to make a bold bid tomorrow in the hands of Brian Crowley.

Tomorrow's tips:

Taunton

1.20 .....Supreme Native

1.50 .....Isio

2.20 .....Lordberniebouffant

2.50 .....Paulton

3.20 .....Brooklyn's Gold

3.50 .....Touring-Turtle (Nap)

4.20 .....Fragrant Rose

Ludlow

1.10 .....Moon Spinner

1.40 .....Velcro Girl

2.10 .....Briggs Turn

2.40 .....Medium Wave

3.10 .....Spring Margot

3.40 .....Tribal Dancer

4.10 .....Stop The Music

Updated: 13:40 Wednesday, January 16, 2002