LORD TRANSCEND has already been talked about as potential Cheltenham Gold Cup material so all eyes will be on Howard Johnson's star when he makes his long-awaited debut over fences at Ayr this afternoon (1.00).

Even though Howard has never hidden his admiration for Lord Transcend, it is always a nerve-racking moment when such a highly-prized individual is asked to jump a fence in public for the first time.

Johnson has sensibly picked a relatively low-grade contest, the Skybet Beginners Chase, for his dashing grey to have his initial foray over the bigger obstacles. The distance of three-miles-and-one-furlong dovetails superbly with the pick of Lord Transcend's best form over hurdles and since the opposition is nothing to write home about he should, barring accidents, make no mistake.

One hour later, Midlem Melody (2.00) goes back into battle, having landed a welcome 7-2 winning nap selection for this column at Hexham last time out.

Having been placed on all but one of her eight last outings, it is pretty safe to say Midlem Melody has been an absolute model of consistency. Scrutinising the times she has been clocking, there is also significant evidence to suggest the mare is improving quite markedly as her career progresses.

Given Midlem Melody is on the upgrade, plus the fact they should go a good clip from the off in the Interactive Novices' Handicap, I reckon the seven-year-old will be the one to beat when the gloves are off over the final couple of fences.

The £25,000 Showcase Handicap is one of the most valuable races confined to mares only all season and nine runners is something of a disappointing turn-out.

It is no big surprise to see the two leading trainers at the Scottish track, Nicky Richards and Lenny Lungo, supplying the joint top-weights, Glenmoss Tara and Mindanao (2.30).

Both have live credentials, although the latter just gets the vote on account of her likely superior fitness. Mindanao warmed up for the two-mile event with a more-than-promising third-placing to a very talented pair in the guise of The French Furze and October Mist.

Lungo's representative was returning from a long absence on that occasion and therefore will be fully entitled to come on leaps-and-bounds in preparation for today's enticing pot of gold.

Henry Daly, who has the happy knack of being able to get his horses cherry-ripe on the home gallops, looks sure to go close with Bangor-bound Coursing Run (2.40).

If cast-iron proof is required of Daly's ability to give his horses the requisite amount of graft, a peek at last year's form book reveals Coursing Run won his sole start in 2002, coasting to victory over three miles at Southwell 12 months ago.

Spotting up-and-an-coming young riders is an essential ingredient to profitable punting, witness the recent emergence of talented teenager Rory Moore.

Moore travels to Wolverhampton, where he is fancied to make it three wins from four tries aboard the progressive juvenile Maunby Raver (2.20) in the Littlewoods Bet Direct Nursery.

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