NOT many top-flight jockeys tip the scales at under eight stones, although leading lightweight rider Frankie Norton is a notable exception.

Given his undoubted strength-in-the-saddle, despite being so small, Norton's services are in constant demand and he's been snapped up by Jamie Poulton to partner Bishops Finger (12.45) at Lingfield, the day's sole surviving fixture.

Bishops Finger was backed at long odds when comfortably landing a one-mile selling race at the course in November. And he has since shown the result was no fluke by twice running well in better class contests.

But perhaps the most compelling reason to side with Bishops Finger lies with trainer Poulton's decision to step him up an extra two furlongs.

When the three-year-old recorded his earlier win, it was noticeable that he was being scrubbed along quite vigorously at halfway and only got on top of his opponents well inside the final furlong.

The manner of victory certainly suggested ten furlongs would bring about dramatic improvement, a factor his supporters will be banking on when he lines up for the Showcase Handicap.

Hayley Turner is one of the brightest young prospects within the apprentice ranks.

She gets the leg-up on Fig Leaf (2.20), fancied to go close in the seven-furlong betdirect.co.uk Handicap.

Hayley was aboard when the pair failed to cope with the late charge of Brian Smart's Creskeld at Southwell last time out.

However, that defeat was over a mile, whereas all of Fig Leaf's previous best form, including a turf success at Yarmouth, has been at slightly shorter distances.

In the closing Sports Betting Handicap, Satelcom and Easter Dagger (3.50) renew rivalry, having finished first and third respectively at the course ten days ago.

Eastern Dagger, a big strapping colt, was having his first run for nearly two months and probably just needed the outing compared to Satelcom, who looked as fit as a butcher's dog in the parade ring beforehand.

In order to reverse the placings, Mark Johnston's Middleham raider has a couple of lengths to make up.

But he really is a most imposing individual with the potential to brush aside Satelcom in what shapes to be a most interesting re-match.

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