THE exciting young chaser Argento could be the answer to George Moore's search for another high-quality horse.

The genial Middleham handler has suffered a dearth of decent ammo over the past couple of years, but with the emergence of Market Rasen-bound Argento (1.20) things could be about to change.

There was certainly plenty of encouragement to be gleaned from the gelding's latest run at Catterick, where he blitzed his rivals with a series of spectacular leaps.

Immediately after the race George reported: "Jockey Russ Garritty told me Argento is still a big baby, however one day he could be very good." And those sentiments have more than a ring of truth since the handsome six-year-old possesses the two natural attributes, speed and jumping accuracy, needed to succeed over fences.

In view of Lord Pat's (12.50) cracking record at the Lincolnshire track it might prove churlish to spurn the opportunity to back him in the opening Conditional Riders' Handicap Hurdle.

Exactly 12 months ago, Kate Milligan's diminutive grey galloped his rivals into submission and even though he has risen a few pounds in the ratings, plus has a long absence to defy, he still looks a cut above his main rivals in the two-mile-one-furlong event.

Malcolm Jefferson has seized the opportunity to strike while the iron is still hot with Calatagan (1.50).

Last week at Sedgefield, Jefferson's rising star returned from a summer at grass to score in scintillating fashion and I see no reason why a repeat performance should not be on the cards in the Winter Series Handicap Hurdle.

Calatagan, who might well have maintained his 100 per cent record over timber but for tipping up at Catterick's second flight from home last term, is blessed with a powerful and relentless action, guaranteed to be suited by the prevailing testing conditions.

Jefferson also has fair prospects of recording via Clear Dawn (2.20) in the following Bet 365 Handicap Chase.

Having drawn a blank during the 2002/2003 campaign, Clear Dawn has slipped back down to a potentially winning mark. In addition, the selection was heavily supported in the early betting exchanges on his latest outing at Fakenham, suggesting that connections have been pleased as far as his preparatory work has been concerned.

The age-old "horses for courses" adage most definitely applies to Wincanton, a sharp right-hand track suited to slick-jumping sorts rather than dour, one-paced individuals.

Previous course-and-distance winner, Indian Chance, fits neatly into the former category and given the benefit of his sharpener at Ascot in November is now perfectly primed to capture the £8,000 Silver Buck Showcase Handicap.

* Officials at Wolverhampton will hold an inspection at 10am tomorrow morning to determine prospects for racing there on Saturday evening.

Monday's fixture at Dunstall Park was abandoned in controversial circumstances before a race had taken place and the Fibresand surface is still saturated and as unraceable.

''The managing executive is continuing to monitor the situation ahead of Saturday's meeting,'' said a statement released by the course yesterday.

''The forecast is for the weather to remain mainly dry."

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