A couple of years ago Mulligan Express was on track to become one of Ferdy Murphy's leading lights.

But due to a minor training setback things haven't gone to plan since winning twice over hurdles at Carlisle.

Thankfully Mulligan Express (1.15) now appears to be over his problems and following a 408-day absence returns to action in the Eglinton Novices' Handicap Chase at Ayr.

Staying is the name of the game for the eight-year-old, a resolute galloper not prone to doing anything in a hurry. But by the end of two-miles-and-six-furlongs Mulligan Express possesses sufficient stamina to dig deep and repel all challengers.

Ferdy and stable jockey Davy Russell may already have initiated a double via Inn Antique (12.45) in the Ryan Air Novices' Hurdle.

Inn Antique had a reputation of being a tearaway when trained by Paul Nicholls, although he demonstrated none of those headstrong tendencies on his winning debut for Murphy's stable at Sedgefield in November.

In the Showcase Handicap, Kerry Lads (1.45) can atone for last month's unlucky track and trip defeat

Having seen off Ballinclay King and Ryalux, all Kerry Lads had to do was jump the last fence to secure victory. But Lucinda Russell's gelding fired Vinny Keane out of the saddle with the mother of all blunders.

Keane has paid a heavy price for the mistake and is replaced by Richard Johnson, who is right back in the groove after missing most of the autumn with a broken leg.

Ann Duffield's nightmare of failing to train a winner for 505 days ended when Charming Admiral obliged at Catterick last Wednesday.

Maybe the trickle will turn into a flood and Rifleman (1.30) has obvious claims in the Sky Text Maiden at Wolverhampton.

Rifleman was bought un-raced out of Mark Johnston's yard and it was quite a shock when he left Kingsley House because some of his homework was highly promising.

It was no surprise that the juvenile put in a good first time out run for Duffield at Southwell where he was the subject of a massive gamble from 12-1 to 3-1.

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