Gentleman's Deal, who created such a big impression on his recent first outing for Mick Easterby, can fulfil that promise tomorrow at Wolverhampton.

Formerly trained by Ed Dunlop at Newmarket, and bought by Easterby at the last autumn sales, the five-year-old returned from a lengthy racecourse absence to win in style at Southwell on New Year's Day.

The handicapper has raised Gentleman's Deal by 14lb in future races for that success, which makes the 6lb penalty he is set to carry tomorrow something trivial, if those calculations are correct.

An interesting recruit to Easterby's Sheriff Hutton yard, and among the entries for the Lincoln Handicap at Redcar when the turf season starts in March, Gentleman's Deal will be a popular fancy in the betdirect.co.uk Handicap. Dale Gibson again has the mount.

Kevin Ryan has many better horses than Mystic Man in his Hambleton yard, but few have proved as prolific winners as this hardy gelding, who turns out for the Hotel And Conferencing At Dunstall Park Claiming Stakes.

Mystic Man gained his latest success in a similar race here last week and, despite stepping up in trip tomorrow, can oblige again.

Robert Winston has a host of fancied rides at Wolverhampton and it is unlikely that the York-based jockey will finish the day empty-handed.

Winston has good chances of succeeding aboard York Cliff (1.20), Pab Special (1.50) and Tranquilizer (4.20).

Up at Kelso, my Nap selection Chef de Cour will be a popular choice in the £12,000 Weatherbys Insurance Morebattle Handicap Hurdle.

Trainer Len Lungo's gelding ran a fine race at Wetherby last week to finish second to the classy Town Crier. He was unlucky to come up against such a favourably handicapped rival on that occasion and deserves to go one one better tomorrow.

Harrovian bids for the Simonside Handicap Chase for the second successive year.

Pauline Robson's nine-year-old failed to build on his win last term, but he still has plenty of potential and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him bounce back here after an encouraging effort at Wetherby last month.

He can be forgiven his latest disappointing start at Ayr as the ground was too testing for him.

Friday's tips:

Wolverhampton

1.20 York Cliff, 1.50 Pab Special, 2.20 Charley's Aunt, 2.50 Heartcrusher, 3.20 Mystic Man, 3.50 Gentleman's Deal, 4.20 Tranquilizer, 4.50 Chief Commander.

Kelso

1.10 Romantique, 1.40 Ornella Speed, 2.10 Some Touch, 2.40 Harrovian, 3.10 Chef de Cour (Nap), 3.40 Moment of Madness.

Tomorrow's other meeting is at Huntingdon.

Updated: 12:10 Thursday, January 12, 2006