MICHIGAN Blue's love affair with Hereford looks set to continue tomorrow when the gelding has an excellent chance of recording a course hat-trick.

Successful in selling company by 13 lengths in early-October, Michigan Blue stepped-up in class on his latest outing and recorded an easy four lengths victory over Deliceo.

Clearly at the top of his form, the nine-year-old, trained by Malcolm Evans, has excellent prospects of enjoying another win in the Paddy Morrissey Novices' Handicap Chase.

Jockey Steve Wynne, who has struck up a good rapport with Michigan Blue, will be back in the saddle tomorrow, despite having been left battered and bruised by a spinning fall at Haydock yesterday, which resulted in him being forced to give up his remaining mounts.

Silver Surfer is napped to oblige in the novices' handicap hurdle.

Trained by John Mackie, who sent out two winners on Saturday, The Silver Surfer comes here in fine form after a recent success at Ascot.

Although he is burden with a top weight tomorrow, the six-year-old is expected to take plenty of beating in the hands of Carl Rafter, who has ridden three winners in the last two days.

The consistent Caliban (12-50) should finally get some reward, while recent winner Churchtown Glen (3-20) is fancied to defy a 7lb penalty.

At Newton Abbot, Henrietta Knight can hit the target with Gray Knight in the EBF 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (Qualifier).

The four-year-old, who had just one outing last season, looks the type to make her mark over hurdles this term and comes from a stable in form.

The Wantage trainer can also win the Levy Board Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race with interesting newcomer Briar's Mist, also the mount of Jim Culloty.

The Pot Black Handicap Hurdle looks a good opportunity for Fairtoto to get back in the winning groove. David Wintle's gelding finished runner-up in both his starts in the spring, but a recent race over hurdles should ensure he is not lacking in fitness here. Warren Marston has the mount.

Recent course winner Magic Bailiwick can double his score in the South West Racing Club Handicap Hurdle.

Tomorrows Tips:

HEREFORD

12.50 Caliban, 1.20 Michigan Blue, 1.50 The Silver Surfer (NAP), 2.20 Rake Hey, 2.50 Sing Solo, 3.20 Churchtown Glen, 3.50 Dark Princess

NEWTON ABBOT

1.00 Mattan, 1.30 Gray Knight, 2.00 Perange, 2.30 Fairtoto, 3.00 Magical Bailiwick, 3.30 Raffles Rooster, 4.00 Briar's Mist

Updated: 12:12 Monday, November 19, 2001