MAN On The Hill, trained largely in isolation on Middleham Moor, can show his rivals the way home at Sedgefield tomorrow.

The seven-year-old goes for the Jayne Thompson Memorial Novices' Chase over two miles and five furlongs and will be bidding to follow-up his course and distance success on his last outing back in May.

Formerly trained by Martin Pipe, with whom he lost his form, Man On The Hill joined Ferdy Murphy earlier this year.

Despite having more than 100 horses, Murphy trains this fellow very much on his own.

A highly-strung individual, Man On The Hill is allowed to do his own thing most mornings and only joins the rest of the Murphy string for schooling sessions or fast work.

Complicated horse, though he is, Man On The Hill is also talented. He can prove the latter point by scoring in the hands of JP McNamara.

Mick Easterby has his horses in excellent form and the Sheriff Hutton trainer is expected to add to his score at Sedgefield.

Recent bumper winner Barton Dante makes her debut over obstacles in the EBF 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (Qualifier) and is fancied to deliver the goods under Tony Dobbin.

Easterby can also lift the Stillington Standard National Hunt Flat Race with the well-regarded Real Shady, winner of his only start last season. He is napped to pick up where he left off.

Blue Moon should not be overlooked in the Hartburn Handicap Chase.

Noel Wilson's gelding ran a decent race over this course and distance a fortnight ago when finishing second to the useful Lord Capitaine. Useful claimer Vinny Keane again has the mount tomorrow.

At Stratford, Hang'em Out To Dry would be a popular local winner in the Pennine Project Management Handicap Chase.

The ten-year-old is jointly-owned by Shirley Russell - wife of top racing photographer Alec - who lives at Huttons Ambo near Malton.

A winner on his seasonal reappearance at Bangor earlier this month, Hang'em Out To Dry is a fairly useful performer on his day. With Jimmy McCarthy in the saddle, he can double his score tomorrow.

Martin Tate has been training for more years than he probably cares to remember, but he remains a very shrewd operator and it would be no surprise to see him hit the target with Fashion Victim in the Pennine Project Management Novices' Handicap Hurdle.

A four lengths winner at Hereford last time, Fashion Victim can oblige again.

Tomorrow's Tips

SEDGEFIELD

1.10 Rarchnamara

1.40 Willow Run

2.10 Man On The Hill

2.40 Barton Dante

3.10 Stone Cold

3.40 Blue Moon

4.10 Real Shady (NAP)

STRATFORD

1.20 Fashion Victim 1.50 Empire Park

2.20 Hatchy Boy 2.50 Hang'em Out To Dry

3.20 Supreme Glory

3.50 Pharpost

Updated: 09:56 Wednesday, October 31, 2001