LOCAL knowledge counts for plenty at Redcar, so it has to be a hint in itself that Cripsey Brook (3.40) represents one of only two previous course and distance winners in the line-up for the £20,000 totesport.com Handicap.

Following the recent death of Don Enrico Encisa, neighbouring Middleham trainer, Chris Thornton, has temporarily taken charge of Cripsey Brook, who signalled his turn was just around the corner by finishing third at Haydock last time out.

Redcar's ten-furlong track has always been tricky to judge right pace-wise, however, the consistent seven-year-old seems to know precisely when to deliver his challenge once things hot up in the home straight.

Normally partnered by Kim Tinkler, Thornton has opted to go for a change of tactics and give Neil Pollard the chance to take the most valuable race on the card. A few years ago Pollard's star was very much in the ascendancy, but like many apprentices, once he rode out his allowance the telephone simply stopped ringing.

In an attempt to revive his flagging fortunes, Pollard has moved to our region to try and get his face back in the frame, a switch that incidentally worked wonders for weighing room colleague, Royston Ffrench.

Although it remains to be seen if Pollard can get back on the jockey's map, opportunities to get the leg up on the likes of Cripsey Brook at least means he's not confined to total no hopers.

Get more racing online at www.racing-north.co.uk.