NATIONAL Hunt racing returns to Wetherby today and Brian Ellison is set to take the wraps off one of his big hopes for the winter season.

THE GREY TAYLOR makes his debut over fences in the Watch On The Racing UK App Novices' Chase, which promises to be an exciting transition for this strapping gelding.

The Wetherby course will hold no fears for him. Last season, the six-year-old won both his races over hurdles at this venue. He has, though, always been regarded as an embryo chaser and the major obstacles now await him.

Will Kennedy, a regular rider for Ellison these days, has the mount on The Grey Taylor, who has the size, scope and ability to make a success of his new discipline. A bold bid is anticipated.

Ellison also has good prospects with RACING EUROPE in the bet365 Charlie Hall Meeting 30/31 October Handicap Hurdle.

It would be no surprise if this six-year-old were switched to fences at some stage this season – but there may be a hurdle race or two to be won with him in the meantime.

He enjoyed a solid first season last term, running a succession of creditable races. His fitness here has to be taken on trust after six months off but Ellison saddled three winners at Hexham last Saturday and has his string in good form.

John Quinn runs KASHMIR PEAK in the Watch Racing UK Anywhere Handicap Hurdle.

On the face of it, the Norton gelding may appear to have a stiff task conceding weight all round. But unlike many others in the field, he will have an edge on fitness, having recently had a run on the Flat.

A capable horse on his day, Kashmir Peak is expected to be involved in the shake-up of this two-miler.

Also worth noting are Tim Easterby's hurdling debutante OUR THOMAS (2.10), who showed promise on the Flat, and DALIA POUR MOI (3.15), an interesting point-to-point recruit from Philip Hobbs' Minehead yard – which is also strongly represented by the talented VILLAGE VIC (3.50), who carries the nap vote.

Jack Garritty heads to Nottingham in his quest to beat Tom Marquand in the race for the Stobart Apprentice Championship, which ends on Saturday.

The Malton rider has a couple of winning chances for boss Richard Fahey aboard El Viento and Ortac Rock.

EL VIENTO has been in good form all season and ran a blinder in defeat at Ayr last month, staying on strongly to finish second and giving the impression that he would have got his head in front in another dozen strides.

Garritty knows him well and can get the seven-year-old into gear in the trustratrader.com Find Tradespeople You Can Trust Handicap over five furlongs.

ORTAC ROCK runs in the trustratrader.com Handicap, also over the minimum trip. The six-year-old failed to run his race at Hamilton last time but had gone down narrowly at Ayr on his previous start. A reproduction of that form would put him in here with a sound chance.

Juvenile maiden races occupy the first three slots at Nottingham, which has a habit of producing some useful talent.

There is precious little form to go in any of the three races but Paul Hanagan's well-bred mount ALQUFFAAL (1.30), MAINSTREAM (2.00) – who showed promise on his debut and represents Sir Michael Stoute and Ryan Moore – and the John Gosden-trained newcomer SNOW MOON (2.30) are all of interest. Positive market moves for any of them would make them even more appealing.

Also worth noting at Nottingham are AL KHAFIJ (3.00), making his handicap debut under Dettori, and the Mark Johnston-trained SALIERIS MASS (4.10), who ran well to finish second on his latest start.