Hexham has lost its last four meetings, two because of foot and mouth crisis restrictions and two because of bad weather, but Muriel Naughton will be among those trainers hoping that the programme there tomorrow goes ahead without a hitch.

Naughton, who is based at Richmond, saddles Needwood Spirit in the £10,000 Tote Bookmakers' Handicap Hurdle and this in-form gelding is fancied to complete a hat-trick of wins.

Needwood Spirit has been at the top of his form in recent weeks and has gained a brace of victories at Carlisle, his latest success being achieved by a wide margin.

The Nap selection is awarded to Brain James in the Christian Chomse Junior Amateur Riders' Handicap Hurdle.

The seven-year-old, who looks to be running into form, had been scheduled to run at Sedgefield today but the abandonment of that meeting this morning because of frost means that he has now been re-routed further north. He commands plenty of respect.

Len Lungo, who sent out Mr Woodentop to win the final race at Ayr yesterday, has good prospects tomorrow with The Grey Dyer in the Girson Field Stud Novices' Chase.

Having failed to complete the course on his first two outings over fences this season, The Grey Dyer had a confidence-restorer over hurdles at Wetherby a couple of weeks ago and duly got his head in front.

He remains a potentially decent chaser and a clear round tomorrow should make him hard to beat.

Stamparland Hill can score for Malcolm Jefferson and Tom Siddall in the Tote Top Of The North Novices' Hurdle.

The six-year-old, already a winner this season, looks to be progressing well over hurdles and he is expected to have the edge over Pension Fund, who is nevertheless fit from the Flat.

Forest Gunner, who held a tempting engagement at Sedgefield this afternoon, has been diverted to Hexham tomorrow for the Dixon's and Bradbury Novices' Hurdle. The hint should be taken and Richard McGrath's mount is expected to land his third win from four outings.

At tomorrow's Leicester meeting, Listen Up should not be overlooked in the Ash Mares' Only Novices' Hurdle.

Richard Phillips' six-year-old won two of her three races in bumpers last season and looks a useful recruit to hurdling.

Warren Marston has the task of guiding her through her debut, which could well prove a successful mission.

In the Unsworth Sugden Advertising Handicap Chase, Quainton Hills has strong claims.

Nick Gaselee's charge has twice run well this season and is a previous winner over this course and distance. A return to winning form is anticipated.

Also worth watching out for is the in-form Romney in the Birch Handicap Hurdle.

Tomorrow's tips:

Hexham

12.50 Brian James (Nap)

1.20 Stamparland Hill

1.50 The Grey Dyer

2.20 Needwood Spirit

2.50 Amber Moss

3.20 Forest Gunner

Leicester

1.00 Listen Up

1.30 Kings Rapid

2.00 Tom Tailor

2.30 Quainton Hills

3.00 Arctic Spirit

3.30 Romney

Updated: 12:04 Tuesday, December 11, 2001