MALCOLM JEFFERSON has made an uncharacteristically slow start to the season, but that could all be about to change provided Calatagan (2.30) defies top weight in the betfair.com Handicap Hurdle at Sedgefield this afternoon.

Calatagan is unlucky not have remained unbeaten in two starts over jumps. Having won first time out at Catterick last term, he returned to the track only to tip up at the second-to-last flight when holding every chance against the ultra-smart Far Pavilions.

On the strength of those performances the Official Handicapper has allotted Jefferson's budding star a rating of 107, which considering Far Pavilions ended his 2003 campaign on a mark of 125, seems plenty generous enough in a race that shouldn't take too much winning.

In the following John Watson Joinery Handicap Chase, Bob's Buster (3.00) has every prospect of following up his recent impressive success at Hexham.

Bob's Buster prevailed under a tight rein in the hands of Kenny Johnson that day, when the combination could easily have parted company as the selection gave the third fence from home a good old-fashioned clout.

Don't expect any fireworks in the Saltwell Signs Amateur Riders' Chase, an event sure to be run at a married man's gallop for the first couple of circuits.

Third time round in the three-mile-and-three-furlong contest, Carnacrack (3.30), a gelding guaranteed to stay longer than the mother-in-law, is fully expected to be in command,

Not too many of the senior flat riders ply their trade on the all-weather tracks, so the appearance of Richard Quinn, Henry Cecil's stable jockey, is more-than-welcome at Southwell.

Richard shouldn't waste any time getting off to a flyer by taking the opening six-furlong dash aboard Majik (12.10). Majik, a previous course and distance scorer, will be emerging from stall 15, once thought to be the kiss of death on the wide outside.

Recent evidence has, however, turned the tried-and-tested formula about needing to be against the inner rail on its head as it now appears the strip of ground towards the stands side is marginally favoured.

Mick Easterby is not averse to having a runner or two on the sand and his decision to despatch Trouble Mountain (2.40) down from Sheriff Hutton to the Midlands venue could well pay dividends in the mile-and-three-furlong handicap.

Trouble Mountain ran a fantastic race when fourth to Wunderwood in a red-hot affair at Doncaster's final turf meeting of the season.

If Mick's six-year-old is able to reproduce that level of form in this far weaker grade, the talented apprentice, Paul Mulrennan, could well be in for an armchair conveyance.