HEXHAM is an unusual venue to unleash potential championship material over fences, but that's exactly the plan for Europa (1.50) in the Girson Field Stud Novices' Chase today.

Tadcaster-based trainer Thomas Tate is no stranger to producing top-class speedy chasers and he'll be hoping Europa can follow in the footsteps of the likes of Ask Tom, a real money-spinner for the stable over two miles in the mid to late nineties.

Europa proved himself to be an extremely smart hurdler last term despite the fact he had "chaser" written all over his not inconsiderable frame.

And Tate has wasted no time in switching his robust five-year-old to the bigger obstacles, a sphere that couldwell eventually lead to a spin at the Cheltenham Festival.

In the following £10,000 Showcase Handicap Hurdle, Needwood Spirit (2.20) still looks one step ahead of the handicapper.

Muriel Naughton's in-form five-year-old stands on the brink of an impressive hat-trick following a brace of runaway victories at Carlisle.

Although Needwood Spirit has gone up in the weights, he's right on top of his game and certainly has the right attributes to complete the three-timer.

Quainton Hills (2.30) is a horse who seems to love Leicester and I'm seeking no further than Nick Gaselee's gelding in the Unsworth Sugden Handicap Chase.

The seven-year-old will be far fitter now that he's had a couple of outings, including a seven length second to hot favourite Coolteen Hero just over three weeks ago.

Winning naps have been very hard to find lately and yesterday's selection, Miss C, lost all chance by rearing as the stalls opened at Wolverhampton yesterday.

As all battle-hardened punters will know it's tough out there trying to get one over the bookies' and another previous nap, Stromsholm, didn't get the run of the race when finishing well down the pack at Lingfield in November.

Roger Ingram's five-year-old returns to the Surrey track this afternoon in the hope of getting the strong early pace he ideally needs to deliver his killer late punch in mile-and-a-quarter Handicap at 2.10.

The gallant eight-year-old Brilliant Red (2.40) is approaching veteran status as far as flat racing is concerned, none the less he showed there was still some sparkle in his old legs when third to Pulau Pinang over track and trip at the most recent race meeting.

Brilliant Red is the type of tough and genuine racehorse every trainer wants to have in his or her yard.

And I'm sure Lydia Richards will be confident of a big run in the Bet Watch Conditions Stakes.