RICHARD HUGHES did his level best to wrest the 2002 champion jockey's title from Kieren Fallon's grasp, but in the end a combination of ill-timed suspensions plus lack of firepower put paid to his chances.

Hughes has turned his attentions to the all-weather circuit and in particular Lingfield, where his hold-up style of riding suits the way the races are normally run.

Richard turns out at the Surrey venue this afternoon, where he will probably adopt his tried and tested modus operandi on Looking Down (1.50) for his guv'nor Richard Hannon in the Betdirect Nursery.

The one-mile contest on paper at least appears to be extremely competitive, but Looking Down proved he acted well on the polytrack last week when finishing runner-up to Greek Revival, a hot-pot trained by Barry Hills.

In the opening six-furlong Maiden Stakes, brothers John and Michael Hills team up with Brave Call (1.20).

John isn't one to rush his two-year-old brigade and must have been delighted with Brave Call's debut second to Zabaglione at Newbury last month. The selection had 13 useful rivals behind him that day, including the favourite and some other well-bred individuals from a smattering of the top southern stables.

Gerry Enright's yard isn't too far from the track and he used his local knowledge to good effect by placing High Point to win at the course last week.

Enright has opted not to let the grass grow under High Point's feet and whipped him out double quick in an attempt to complete a double in the mile-and-a-half Amateur Riders' Handicap.

Judging by the way the improving four-year-old acquitted himself on his last visit to the course, he's going to take some catching, provided his relatively inexperienced pilot doesn't make any silly mistakes.

Beaten just once in eight outings under National Hunt Rules, Skippers Cleuch (1.30) looks as if he's only got to put in a clear round to win on his debut over fences at Kelso.

Len Lungo's giant gelding has frightened away most of the opposition in the Rosie's Bistro Novices' Chase at the Scottish track, where he faces just three rivals in the £7,500 contest.

With underfoot conditions guaranteed to be extremely testing, Harry Hooly (3.00) could well reverse his recent defeat at the hands of Over The Hill at Sedgefield.

Harry Hooly was no match for the latter on the much faster ground, but now Laura Hislop's mount has the opportunity to exploit his superior stamina.

In the closing Bert Logan Handicap Chase over three-miles-and-one-furlong, seek no further than Carnacrack (3.30), a gallant runner-up to last week's 5-1 winning nap, D J Flippance.

* Hexham's meeting tomorrow has been abandoned due to waterlogging.

* Sunday's £65,000 Tote Becher Chase at Aintree has the makings of a thrilling contest with 22 horses, headed by Martell Grand National winner Bindaree, entered yesterday.

Among the possibles are last year's first and second, Amberleigh House and Smarty.

The former was confirmed last week a definite runner by trainer Ginger McCain.

Trainer Kim Bailey has announced that Browjoshy is ''very much an intended runner'' in the Becher Chase.

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