Bollin Thomas, who has done Borders trainer Dick Allan proud since he bought him out of the Tim Easterby yard last year, can add to his scoresheet at Sedgefield tonight.

The eight-year-old goes for the tictactips.com Novices' Hurdle and is napped to oblige in the hands of Tony Dobbin.

Bollin Thomas won the Moet & Chandon Amateur Riders' Derby at Epsom last summer for Allan, and has also proved a useful money-spinner over hurdles.

His latest success, in handicap company, came over this course and distance when he got the better of Planters Punch by half a length.

Back into novice class this evening, Bollin Thomas should have too much firepower for his rivals.

There's a treat in store for Sedgefield racegoers in the shape of a rare appearance on the course by Ruby Walsh, the recently-crowned Irish champion jockey, who also enjoyed another bumper campaign on this side of the Irish Sea, riding mainly for Paul Nicholls.

Walsh teams up tonight with the shrewd Tony Martin, trainer of Heartstopper, who runs in the wbx.com Handicap Chase.

Although his form in Ireland is pretty modest, Heartstopper merits the utmost respect. He represents a trainer who places his horses especially well and will be ridden by a jockey who is undoubtedly one of the best in the business.

Sparkling Taff can provide the in-form Sue Smith with yet another winner in the wbx.com World Bet Exchange Novices' Handicap Hurdle.

Bingley-based Smith has been sending out winners hand over fist lately and Sparkling Taff, a creditable fourth at Wetherby last time, despite making a careless jumping error at the third-last flight, is expected to be a tough nut to crack.

Racing selections

TONIGHT

Sedgefield: 6.15 Fleetwod Mac, 6.45 Sandy Gold, 7.15 Sparkling Taff, 7.45 Bollin Thomas (Nap), 8.15 Heartstopper, 8.45 Gollinger.

Today's other meetings: Folkestone (evening, National Hunt), Goodwood (afternoon, Flat), Kelso (afternoon, National Hunt), Kempton (afternoon, Flat).

TOMORROW

Goodwood (selected races): 2.40 Tax Free, 3.15 Final Verse, 4.20 Edaara.

Tomorrow's other meetings: Ayr (afternoon, Flat), Lingfield (evening, Flat), Salisbury (evening, Flat, 7.30am inspection today), Wetherby (afternoon, National Hunt, 3pm inspection today).

Updated: 11:02 Wednesday, May 24, 2006