RICHARD Johnson, going far and wide for winning opportunities as he seeks to secure his first-ever jockeys' championship after finishing runner-up no fewer than 16 times to the now-retired Tony McCoy, is Lincolnshire-bound today in a bid to further extend his lead in the title race.

Johnson is fancied to claim at least one winner on the Market Rasen card - WESTERN MILLER in the opening PHS Besafe Brightgear Novices' Hurdle.

Trained by the in-form Charlie Longsdon, the four-year-old fulfilled previous bumper promise when winning on his first hurdling assignment at Carlisle last month, putting six lengths between himself and Tickenwolf, the runner-up, at the line.

Western Miller looks a pretty smart horse in the making. He has a 7lb penalty to carry this afternoon but is fancied to make light of that extra burden and provide Johnson with another winner as he aims to bring up 150 successes before Christmas.

It is no surprise that Venetia Williams is bringing UHLAN BUTE out so quickly after last week's Bangor success. The handicapper has responded by raising the gelding 11lb in future races, whereas he can race this afternoon in the PHS Group Washroom Solution Novices' Handicap Chase under a 7lb penalty.

Again the mount of Liam Treadwell, Uhlan Bute won by 11 lengths at Bangor and was not in any real danger throughout the final half-mile. Provided this race does not come too quickly for him, he ought to take plenty of beating.

The £25,000 Lord Tennyson Handicap Hurdle is the feature race on the card and CLONDAW BANKER makes plenty of appeal from the foot of the weights.

Nicky Henderson's charge won nicely over this distance of two and a half miles at Sandown last time and is fancied to prove competitive again off a 5lb higher mark, admittedly in a stronger race. One potent threat is likely to emerge from Work In Progress after his Kempton success and his good second to Hunters Hoof at Aintree last time. However, an 8lb rise means Work In Progress has to concede more than a stone here to Clondaw Banker, which may be too much to overcome.

Nigel Hawke, who has a tremendous record on this course, has good prospects with CALKIN DU BRIZAIS in the PHS Besafe Arc Solution Handicap Hurdle.

The four-year-old shaped well to finish third to Bowdler's Magic at Fakenham last time, especially as the winner has since gone on to score again at Wetherby.

Brian Ellison has sound claims of landing the PHS Besafe National Hunt Flat with Sand Blast, runner-up in all his three races, most recently at Musselburgh.

But the gelding may find a couple of potent threats among newcomers, KEEPER HILL and Scarteen. Keeper Hill represents former Malton-based jump jockey Ron O'Leary, nowadays a trainer in Ireland and very shrewd at placing horses in these bumpers as he showed when landing a recent event at Carlisle.

Scarteen is trained by John Ferguson, who is likewise adept at winning bumpers with well-bred recruits. There is no form to go on, but Keeper Hill receives my tentative vote.

On the Flat at Lingfield, EL VIENTO should appreciate the step up to six furlongs in the unibet.co.uk Daily Enhanced Place Terms Handicap.

Richard Fahey's gelding, who has been in rude health for some time and has cemented together a series of creditable efforts, was a fast-finishing fourth at Kempton last week after being badly outpaced in the early stages.

That race was over the minimum trip and this extra furlong should suit him better. Tony Hamilton rides.

Fahey and Hamilton can also score with FARHAM in the Download The Ladbrokes App Handicap.

Placed in both his juvenile outings last season, the Malton three-year-old made a belated reappearance at Wolverhampton last month and finished fourth in maiden company. He is now into a handicap off a fair mark and is napped to open his winning account.

Also worthy of attention at Lingfield are the consistent HAPPY CALL (12.40) and the promising FALLEN FOR A STAR (2.15), trained by John Gosden.

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Today's tips, Market Rasen: 12-30 Western Miller, 1-00 Uhlan Bute, 1-30 Rio Milan, 2-05 Clondaw Banker, 2-40 Calin Du Brizais, 3-10 Ride On Time, 3-40 Keeper Hill.

Lingfield: 12-10 Lady Canford, 12-40 Happy Call, 1-10 Stars At Night, 1-40 Up To You, 2-15 Real Smart, 2-50 El Viento, 3-20 Farham (NAP), 3-50 Automotive.