SUCCESSFUL barrister Eric Elliott mixes business with pleasure by virtue of combining the legal profession with training a small string of horses at Whinstone Park near Rushyford.

Elliott makes his entries very carefully and the fact he's opted to send Place Above (1.50) all the way up to Musselburgh speaks volumes for the useful nine-year-olds' prospects in the Scottish Racing Conditional Jockeys Handicap Chase

"This horse has got a real engine," said Elliott after Place Above had powered to a clear-cut victory at Sedgefield in November. And just to re-affirm that positive statement, the selection has since followed up at Newcastle and run well in defeat back at Sedgefield when totally unsuited by bog-like underfoot conditions.

Keith Reveley has picked up a smart hurdling recruit from Lynda Ramsden's yard in the guise of Mount Vettore (1.20).

Mount Vettore is built like a Chieftain Tank and, given he's blessed with such a robust physique, it seems almost unbelievable that he was allowed to go off at 16-1 when opening his hurdling account over track and trip last time out.

Bookmakers aren't going to be anything like as generous when Reveley's representative lines up for the Racing Novices' Handicap Hurdle, a two-miler in which Mount Vettore has most to fear from the long-distance Newmarket raider, Goblin.

After making a most promising debut when runner-up at Wetherby, the wheels have well and truly come off Greek Star (2.25).

Not for the first time it was the punters who got the thin end of the wedge, because having been the subject of significant market support at Market Rasen in December, Greek Star finished nearer last then first despite starting a warm 5-2 favourite.

It's impossible to tell what exactly went wrong, however he's such a good-looking individual that the handsome chestnut must be given a second chance to make amends, especially with the eye-catching booking of in-form jockey, Keith Mercer.

Even though Theatre Lady (2.00) has been out of action for 118 days, don't be put off having a small each-way investment on the David Evans-trained filly at Wolverhampton.

Theatre Lady is only a slip of mare and she's doesn't normally take much work before acquiring a decent level of fitness.

Add this information with the sure-fire knowledge that the opposition in the Bet Direct Selling Handicap is no great shakes, and there's definitely a case for getting financially involved.

Low numbers have been enjoying quite an advantage at the course over the past few weeks, so it'll be no surprise if Party Boss (3.45) decides to hug the inside rail from stall two.

Clive Brittain's three-year-old was all-out under a never-say-die from Richard Hughes to land the spoils at Southwell in mid-November. Brittain then handed the son of Silver Patriarch a nice rest after that battling performance, a shrewd ploy which could well be rewarded by a follow-up triumph in the extended one-mile Bet Direct Handicap.

Heavy ground means Chepstow will be like a ploughed field by the time Lilac (4.25) steps out to contest the Letherby & Christopher Mares' Only Handicap Hurdle.

Lilac, whose sole success to date came on a fast surface at Uttoxeter in the spring of 2004, has also proved in the past that she handles the mud equally efficiently, a hint worth taking in a race which won't take much winning.

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