DESPITE his relative inexperience, Barcham Again (1.10) makes masses of appeal on his first try over fences at Towcester today.

Former Gold Cup winning trainer Kim Bailey knows his onions when it comes to handling chasers and he would not be asking Barcham Again to tackle the bigger obstacles had the six-year-old gelding not demonstrated a distinct aptitude for the job at home.

All his previous efforts have been in the hurdling arena, so the decision to enter him in the gg.com Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Chase, rather than take the more conventional novices' route, speaks volumes for the confidence of connections.

Another major plus is the presence in the saddle of Des Flavin, who is excellent value for the 3lb he takes off Barcham Again's back in the stamina-sapping three-mile-and-one-furlong event.

Expect next year's Cheltenham Festival to be on the agenda should Another Moose (2.10) make his mark in the Trade Connect Novices' Chase.

A combination of leg problems and a bout of colic has restricted Emma Lavelle's rangy individual to a couple of outings during the past couple of years.

But Another Moose is a very talented horse when in full cry and, even though facing a couple of useful opponents in the shape of Inching Closer and Celestial Gold, he should still take all of the beating.

A fortnight ago Achilles Wings (2.30) made mincemeat of his rivals at Newton Abbot, and barring any jumping disasters a repeat looks very much on the cards at the west country track.

Trainer Karen George was experimenting on that occasion as her charge was unproven at a trip beyond 2 miles. Fortunately, Achilles Wings relished being stepped up a couple of furlongs, producing a much-improved performance to waltz home in style.

After a busy summer Michael Dods has taken his wife and children on a well-deserved holiday, but that shouldn't stop the family coffers being bolstered by Mr Bountiful's second visit to Lingfield within the space of five days.

Mr Bountiful (12.50) landed a substantial gamble when supported from 12's to 7-1 on a successful raid to the track last week.

Penalised just 6lb for that victory, Shane Kelly's mount should still have sufficient in hand to take division one of the Bet Direct Handicap and complete a quick-fire double.

Cold Turkey is going to be a very warm order to complete his three-timer in the closing Amateur Riders' Handicap, but in search of better value I'm going to side with Starry Mary (3.50).

The Ed James' trained mare has run several decent races in middle-distance handicaps on the turf of late, totting up a tidy amount of place money. Generally speaking a switch to the polytrack represents a marginal drop in class, which should help Starry Mary get back into the winners' enclosure.

* Best Mate will face a maximum of 12 rivals when he makes his eagerly-awaited seasonal reappearance in the Tote Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon on Saturday.

The dual Gold Cup winner, who is following the same route as last year to the Cheltenham Festival, is reported to be in top form by trainer Henrietta Knight.

''Everything is on target for Saturday and he's in excellent form,'' said Miss Knight, who is a notoriously nervous watcher of her horses in action.

''I'm going to have to face it - he's coming out again whether I like it or not!''

His regular partner Jim Culloty will be on board at the weekend and is looking forward to renewing the partnership.

''He's in great form and it's all systems go for Saturday,'' the rider said. ''He's in good shape and it'll be a nice starting point for him.

''Best Mate goes on most ground but you wouldn't run him on rock-hard going. Good ground would be ideal.

''He's as fit as he was for this race last year.

"It'll be a nice preparation for the King George - and I hope I'll be able to ride him.''

Culloty has not yet ridden Best Mate in the Kempton feature, injury two years ago and suspension last year ruling him out.

French ace Jair Du Cochet will try to lower the colours of Best Mate as he bids to book his own ticket to Kempton on Boxing Day.

Formerly a smart staying hurdler, the Guillaume Macaire-trained six-year-old made up into one of the best novice chasers around last season, finishing runner-up to One Knight in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase at Cheltenham.

His handler admits he faces a tough task against the dual Gold Cup winner, but he is keen to get a run into his charge in Britain before a tilt at the King George VI Chase. His usual partner Jacques Ricou will be on board.

''I don't imagine we will beat Best Mate, but I must find a race for him if I want to run in the King George and I don't have a lot of choice,'' Macaire said.

Get more on racing at our Racing North site.