Bally Lira, a confirmed out-and-out stayer, will be in her element at Chepstow tomorrow.

The nine-year-old mare tackles the "Real Radio Race Night July 27th" Handicap Chase over an extended three-and-a-quarter miles and will relish every yard of this gruelling stamina test.

A previous winner over this distance, marathon specialist Bally Lira found her latest race, over less than three miles at Exeter, against her. Despite staying on all the way to the line she was unable to get to grips with 11 lengths winner Plaid Maid.

With stamina at much more of a premium tomorrow, Bally Lira can win in the hands of Simon Burrough.

Venetia Williams, whose strongly-fancied Crocadee unseated his rider in the big race at Newcastle on Saturday, will be hoping for better luck in the Venus Novices' Hurdle.

The Hereford trainer is represented by my Nap selection Avalon Buck, who looks to have a sound winning chance.

The eight-year-old was a 10 lengths winner at Exeter on New Year's day and, despite having a penalty to carry here, looks capable of following-up.

In the Earth Handicap Hurdle, the in-form Selberry, a winner last week, can oblige again for trainer Ed James and jockey John Kavanagh.

Just In Time promises to be hard to beat in the Saturn Novices' Hurdle.

Philip Hobbs' gelding made a winning debut at Taunton last month, justifying favouritism by four lengths from Cupboard Lover.

Having cost 58,000 guineas at the autumn sales, it would be hoped that Just In Time will go on to further successes to help recoup at least some of his purchase price. Opportunity could well come knocking for him tomorrow.

Hobbs, and jockey Richard Johnson, can also capture the Mars Novices' Chase with Major Adventure, a dual-winner over hurdles last season, who looks the type to make a name for himself over fences.

On the Flat at Wolverhampton, Dancing Penney can complete a quick double for Hambleton trainer Kevin Ryan in the Vauxhall Selling Stakes.

The three-year-old was a winner at Southwell last week and has every chance of obliging again.

Colonel Custer can succeed in the Westminster Claiming Stakes.

The six-year-old, a recent winner, goes well on this track and will receive every assistance from apprentice Ian Mongan, who is excellent value for his 3lb allowance.

Sessay trainer David Nicholls can get his name on the scoresheet courtesy of Golden Dragonfly in the Bet Direct From Littlewoods Apprentice Handicap. The promising Tony Hamilton has the mount.

- Carlisle's scheduled National Hunt meeting tomorrow is unlikely to go ahead. Much of the course is frost-bound. The course was to be inspected this afternoon to decide if tomorrow's card will go on.

- This afternoon's Doncaster National Hunt programme went ahead. The meeting had been in doubt because of frost but this disappeared overnight and the course was passed fit for racing after an early morning inspection.

Tomorrow's Tips

Chepstow

1.10 - Just In Time

1.40 - Avalon Buck (Nap)

2.10 - Bally Lira

2.40 - Selberry

3.10 - Major Adventure

3.40 - Too Forward

Wolverhampton

1.30 - Golden Dragonfly

2.00 - Colonel Custer

2.30 - Beauchamp Magic

3.00 - Forty Forte

3.30 - Dancing Penney

4.00 - Clopton Green

- Tom O'Ryan's Nap for this afternoon's racing was Waterford Spirit (4.00 at Southwell).

Updated: 12:59 Monday, January 15, 2001