Two months after breaking his forearm in a fall at Wincanton, Andrew Thornton is set to return to the saddle at Kempton tomorrow.

And the jockey, officially passed fit to ride yesterday, has excellent prospects of returning in a blaze of glory aboard Spring Grove in the Kempton For Weddings Showcase Handicap Chase.

Trained by Robert Alner, a big supporter of Thornton, Spring Grove took an uncharacteristic fall on his reappearance at Wincanton on Boxing Day, coming to grief two from home after looking to have the measure of his field.

Compensation awaits Spring Grove and what better day to gain it than tomorrow when the popular Thornton returns to the fray.

Venetia Williams provides the nap selction in the shape of Ismene in the Paddock Suite Mares' Only Novices' Handicap Hurdle.

The six-year-old, the mount of Norman Williamson, has run only twice this season and hit winning form at Ludlow last month.

Ismene had two lengths to spare that day over the favourite Moon Spinner, the pair finishing well clear of the remainder. She can oblige again tomorrow.

Europa, winner of two of his three starts over fences this season, can extend his scoring in the Asita Novices' Chase.

Held in high regard by trainer Tom Tate, based at Hazlewood, near Tadcaster, Europa holds an entry in next month's Arkle Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

The Kempton For Conferences Novices' Hurdle looks a suitable opportunity for Hard To Start to regain the winning thread.

With tomorrow's scheduled meeting at Bangor having fallen foul of waterlogging, Wolverhampton is left to share the billing with Kempton.

Nutmeg has excellent prospects under Dale Gibson of starring at the all-weather Flat course in the betdirect.co.uk Handicap.

Saturday's tips:

Kempton

1-50 - Domirome

2-25 - Europa

3-00 - Ismene (NAP)

3-35 - Spring Grove

4-10 - Hard To Start

4-45 - Luke Warm

Wolverhampton

1-00 - Guarded Secret

1-35 - Quiet Reading

2-10 - Safinaz

2-45 - Nutmeg

3-20 - Exclusive Air

3-55 - Dun Distinctly

4-30 - Blue Mystique

5-00 - Illustrious Duke

Updated: 12:52 Friday, February 07, 2003