TRANSPORTING thoroughbreds on our congested motorway network is a nightmare for most trainers, so Newcastle-based handler Bob Johnson will be relieved he only has to amble a few miles down the road in order to get Jaccout (2.20) to the racecourse today.

Although the ex-French seven-year-old won a couple of races in his homeland during 2002, the transfer to the UK has in the main proved to be an unmitigated disaster, racking up a string of duck eggs over the past 18 months.

Genial Bob must have thought he'd got a real duffer on his hands, until that was Jaccout showed the faintest signs of a much-needed revival when third at Sedgefield.

Admittedly he was more-or-less stuffed out-of-sight by the first two in that particular race, nonetheless the selection did at least demonstrate a glimmer of his old Gallic ability.

Completing the final piece of the jigsaw, trainer's son, Kenny, who rides most of the stable's inmates, might in addition change tactics and rather than make the running as he did at Sedgefield, conserve energy in rear for more of a grandstand finish aboard Jaccout in the Saltwell Signs Handicap Hurdle.

The earlier Asbestos Removal Novices' Chase looks a straight re-match between Jazz d'Estruval and Tribal Venture (1.20), first and second respectively when the pair clashed at Ayr in late December.

Despite the fact that ten lengths separated the consistent duo, in truth Tribal Venture took something of a pasting from his main rival. At this stage of the debate all appears lost, but that's not the case because Tribal Venture could still be able to reverse the form on 9lbs better terms, plus the advantage of re-opposing over a two-and-a-half-furlong longer distance.

Watch out for any early morning market support on the long-term absentee Broke Road (3.00) at Fakenham.

Heather Dalton has a huge reputation for getting her horses fit first time out on her own gallops, therefore if any money does materialise it can only mean that Broke Road has been given plenty of strong fitness work in order to try and overcome his 859-day holiday.

As far as form claims go, during the 2001/2002 season Broke Road had no problems whatsoever paying for his keep by twice putting his head in front where it counts.

One of those victories was recorded over course and distance, yet another positive pointer to the prospects of J P McNamara's mount.

Richard Whitaker takes Nevada Desert (2.40) on the long trek from Scarcroft, near Leeds, in an attempt to make up for a soul-destroying head defeat suffered over track and trip 32 day ago.

Nevada Desert is often a bit too keen for his own good, luckily though he's been drawn on the outside which should allow jockey Dean McKeown to get the hard-pulling chestnut tucked in behind the field and help him to settle.

If "Deano" can execute the plan to perfection, expect the combination to come with a searing late burst of acceleration to collect the spoils.

* Astronomic looks set to be Howard Johnson's representative in the Rossington Main Novices' Hurdle at Haydock on Saturday.

The County Durham handler also has leading Cheltenham fancy Arcalis in the race but does not want to risk him in the prevailing heavy conditions