DEEP WATER (3.30) has everything in place to win Catterick's Marne Handicap Chase for the second year in succession.

It's very much a case of deja-vu for Micky Hammond's gelding, who 12 months ago lined up for the contest off precisely the same mark of 120, and was partnered to victory by Tony Dobbin, the jockey once again entrusted to do the steering.

Hammond's fellow Middleham handler, Patrick Haslam, despatches Positive Profile (3.00) in the hope of opening his account for the season in the Watt Fences Handicap Hurdle.

Ignore Positive Profile's latest dismal form figures (UPF), since all were achieved in a short and non-productive spell over fences.

In fact he might well have won on his most recent start, but for making an almighty mess at the obstacle three from home, as a result of which he fired Barry Keniry clean out of the saddle.

Tom Doyle now takes over and provided Positive Profile stands up on his return to hurdles, it's not hard to envisage him outclassing the opposition, even though he must shoulder top-weight in the £10,000 event.

Pardishar (4.10) was a last-minute absentee at Fontwell's meeting on January 31 after trainer Gary Moore decided the sticky ground would not suit.

Fortunately there are no such problems now at the popular Sussex jumping venue, as the track has dried up during the past few days, which should by rights be to Pardishar's liking according to his consistent course record.

The application of a first-time visor on Exit Smiling, combined with a drop back from one mile to seven furlongs, could be just the ticket for the David Nicholls- trained raider at Wolverhampton.

Exit Smiling (2.50) was soon firmly in charge up front when last seen out at the track. But when following the cue for a final push to the winning line, there simply wasn't any juice left in the tank, having been headed a furlong from the wire.

Nicholls is clearly also of the opinion that the selection needs the headgear to help him concentrate - never a bad thing on the all-weather surfaces as it doubles for vital protection from the dreaded kickback.

In division two of the Red Button Handicap, Ziet d'Alsace (3.50) bids to follow up last month's course and distance success.

Tony Carroll's mare collected despite being momentarily knocked out of her stride on that occasion, so it's pretty safe to assume her winning distance of a length-and-three-quarters could have been significantly enhanced had the five-year-old enjoyed an uninterrupted passage.

For the earlier Amateur Riders' Handicap, Nicki gets the opportunity to showcase her skills aboard Always Flying.

Nicki's husband, Noel, is responsible for training Always Flying (1.50), who already has a track win under his belt, and appears to be an improved performer over timber this winter.

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