After a frustratingly slow start to the season, Middleham trainer Micky Hammond's fortunes have struck a purple patch, and tomorrow on his local course he can continue the revival.

Former jockey Hammond sends Three Franks to Catterick in the hope that the eight-year-old can get back on the winning trail in the Rudby Handicap Hurdle.

A fairly consistent campaigner, Three Franks was tried over an extended three miles on his last two outings on this course but each time ran out of stamina. On on the most recent occasion he was a well-beaten fourth to Hey Guy.

Back to a much more suitable trip tomorrow and with the accomplished Nathan Horrocks reducing his weight by 3lb, Three Franks - from a yard which can do little wrong at present - is well worth considering.

Sheriff Hutton trainer Mick Easterby, whose horses are in rude health, can lift the Weardale Selling Hurdle with Sparky.

The six-year-old is not the most reliable type, but he was given a superb ride by Richard Guest to win over this course and distance last month. With Guest again booked for the mount tomorrow, Sparky is fancied to follow-up.

The Peter Vaux Memorial Trophy Maiden Chase will not take a lot of winning and Monsieur Darcy should be involved in the outcome.

Although an early faller at Hereford last time, Dai Williams' gelding is normally sound. His previous consistent efforts give him a definite chance in tomorrow's modest event. The under-rated Rupert Wakley has the mount.

Abadair, who has run well in each of her three outings to date, has one more chance to land a bumper before she switches to hurdles.

John Parkes' four-year-old may find opportunity knocking in the Teeside Standard National Hunt Flat Race.

At Bangor, Malton trainer Brian Rothwell can hit the bullseye with Foreshore Man in the Tilney Investment Management Novices' Handicap Chase.

The nine-year-old has finished in the frame in each of his three starts this season and, although beaten nine lengths by Santa Jet at Newcastle last time, would have reduced that margin considerably had he not blundered badly at the second-last fence.

Adie Smith, who has excellent form of late, again has the mount on Foreshore Man, who is awarded the Nap vote tomorrow.

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