Ichi Beau, so impressive in his two races over fences, can complete a hat-trick of victories at Musselburgh tomorrow.

The Ferdy Murphy-trained gelding steps out of novice company into an open handicap for the first time, but taking on more experienced jumpers should not hinder the chances of this rising star.

Ichi Beau, a winner twice on the Flat earlier this year, scored by 13 lengths on his chasing debut at Carlisle last month and was raised almost a stone by the handicapper.

That massive hike up the ratings failed to anchor him and at Aintree recently, Ichi Beau obliged again when coming home 16 lengths ahead of the useful Dorans Gold.

Another 15lb rise was the result of that emphatic win, but Ichi Beau can remain one step ahead by adding to his tally in tomorrow's Gold Rings Handicap Chase.

Adrian Maguire takes the mount on the six-year-old, who, according to Murphy, will appreciate the expected good ground even more than the soft surface he has experienced in his previous two outings.

The Middleham partnership of Murphy and Maguire is worth following throughout the afternoon.

They can also score with Star To The North (1.05) and Hindiana (2.10), while Prince Highlight (3.15), another of their representatives, is also worthy of attention as he carries the Nap vote.

Beaten only three lengths into third place on his debut at Aintree, Prince Highlight suffered interference in the closing stages that day. Sure to have benefitted from that race, he can gain compensation tomorrow.

Sandown officials were inspecting the hurdles course this afternoon to determine if racing will be possible there tomorrow and Saturday.

Heavy rain has made the hurdles course heavy and more rain is forecast. The chase course is not in immediate danger.

If hurdle racing is not possible at Sandown tomorrow, plans are being made for an all-chase card on Saturday, incorporating tomorrow's three chases.

Another problem is whether it would be possible in such conditions to get medical help to parts of the hurdles course.

The Bovis Lend Lease Winter Novices' Hurdle is the feature race at Sandown. The Grade 2 event, with £17,500 in the kitty, looks an ideal opportunity for Sheer Genius to extend his winning sequence.

Mark Pitman's smart gelding completed a hat-trick at Cheltenham earlier this month when getting the better of Fnan by a neck. With Norman Williamson again in the saddle, Sheer Genius can score again.

The progressive Forest Jump commands plenty of respect in the Bovis Lend Lease Novices' Handicap Chase, while Kates Charm is another worthy of attention in the Bovis Lend Lease Chase.

Robert Alner's mare has beennin cracking form recently and is marginally preferred to Blwing Wind, who represents the Martin Pipe stable.

There will be a precautionary inspection at Southwell at 7.30am tomorrow to decide if racing can go ahead there. The course was passed fit today for racing tomorrow but more rain is forecast so Southwell officials have decided to inspect in the morning.

Tomorrow's other race meeting is at Exeter, where no problems are reported

Top tips: Musselburgh 12.05 Royal Amaretto, 12.35 Ocean Drive, 1.05 Star To The North, 1.35 Northern Motto, 2.10 Hindiana, 2.40 Ichi Beau, 3.15 Prince Highlight (Nap).

Sandown: 1.00 Kadarann, 1.30 Something Dandy, 2.05 Sheer Genius, 2.35 Lannkaran, 3.10 Kates Charm, 3.40 Southern Star.