LATALOMNE (2.55) deserves a change of luck in this afternoon's £25,000 Showcase Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.

They say lightning doesn't strike twice, but that is patently untrue for Latalomne, who crashed out at the second last fence in both the 2002 and 2003 Festival Queen Mother Champion Chases with the race seemingly at his mercy.

Such sloppy jumping has deprived Brian Ellison's top-notch chaser of virtually super-star status in the National Hunt arena, but at nine-years of age there is still time to make amends and prove himself to be the leading two-miler in this country.

At the other end of the spectrum, stamina rather than speed is the essence of the four-mile Paddy Power Chase, a contest suited to the likes of the dour slugger, Sir Frosty (2.20).

Course experience is vital in this type of leg-wobbling affair and Timmy Murphy's mount showed he was fully capable of handling the fearsome Prestbury Park fences by grabbing a similarly gruelling race on New Year's day at the track.

Sir Frosty also goes extremely well when fresh so his long absence need not be a worry, although on the negative side the fact he has to shoulder top-weight requires careful tactical finesse. The fast ground is a plus granted the surface will not be energy-sapping, but Murphy needs to be at his most patient lest the effect of his welter-burden takes effect at the bottom of the severe finishing hill, rather than on the summit when the race is over and done.

Sue Smith, bang on target for her best season, can look forward to yet more success at Newcastle with Tomenoso (1.55) in the Putter & Flutter Handicap Hurdle.

Sue's five-year-old, a gorgeous looking son of the Derby winner Teenoso, showed just what he was made of by stringing together an impressive hat-trick of victories over hurdles last term.

Unlike most of his stable-mates Tomenoso has yet to hit peak form, but he had a pleasing pipe-opener at Carlisle in October and as a result should now be fit enough to get back on the winning trail.

* Yesterday's headline horse, Mr Bountiful, landed a big gamble (12's to 7-1) when scoring for Michael Dods' stable at Lingfield.

* Frankie Dettori reached a century of winners for the tenth time in his career when booting home newcomer Rendezvous Point in the opening race at Lingfield.

The Italian had to work hard to get the John Gosden-trained juvenile up by a head from 8-1 shot Pergolacha in the EBF Bet Direct on 0800 32 93 93 Maiden Stakes.

Despite being off the bridle, Dettori did not let up on the Kingmambo filly.

Get more on racing at our Racing North site.