WILF STOREY'S decision to switch Atlantic Power back to hurdles could spark a change of fortune for the ten-year-old grey gelding at Newcastle today.

Sheer size is not one of Atlantic Power's attributes and as a consequence of his diminutive stature he has noticeably struggled to cope with the demands of steeplechase fences.

So much so that even though he was racing on his favoured heavy ground at Ayr last time out, Atlantic Power had to be pulled up after making a series of stamina-sapping blunders.

The only logical solution was to revert to hurdles, an arena in which Atlantic Power has at least picked up a couple of races over the course of the past few years. And yes, hope does spring eternal in horse racing circles, giving rise to the possibility that Atlantic Power (1.50) can bounce back from his disappointing effort at Ayr and end a near three year drought by taking the money in the three mile Parklands Golf Course Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle.

Both the distance and the testing surface will suit, plus he's also 12lb lower than when last visiting the winners' enclosure at Perth in June 2000.

In the later two mile Handicap Hurdle, Midlem Melody (2.50) bids to follow-up last month's narrow course and distance victory.

The seven-year-old mare is due to be ridden by Paddy Aspell, who inexplicably doesn't seem to get as many opportunities as he deserves despite being one of our most promising young riders.

The ground is also forecast to be heavy at Leicester, which is absolutely ideal for Auk (1.40) in the opening two mile Selling Handicap.

Auk sprang a 33-1 surprise in a similar event over track and trip last season when conditions were almost identical. With so few of this afternoon's opposition appearing as if they will be at home in the mud, a second course success for Auk is not beyond the realms of possibility.

l Newcastle are keeping their fingers crossed that the weather does not take a severe turn for the worst.

Clerk of the course James Armstrong last night reported the track to be raceable at present, but he is keeping a close eye on the weather.

l Tony Dobbin was stood down for three days after taking a fall from Bobayaro in the Blue Charm Novices' Chase at Musselburgh yesterday.

''He's fine. There's nothing wrong with him except that he's had a little knock on the head for which the doctor has signed him off,'' said his agent Richard Hale.

''He can ride again on Friday and he'll be back at Catterick.''

Dobbin was due to ride today at Newcastle where he had four booked rides. He is just four winners short of his second successive century.

Get more racing online at www.racing-north.co.uk.