BE sure to check out Sedgefield specialist Milan King (2.50) if you're thinking of having a bet at the County Durham track today.

Regular readers of this column will recall the slick-jumping gelding has done us a good few turns in days gone by, notably when landing the nap selection at odds of 10-1 over track and trip just over a year ago.

Milan King's form has been rather patchy over the past six months, but he did show signs of returning to form with an encouraging fourth at Market Rasen in August.

Karowna's (3.55) superior rating suggests he only needs to stand up in order to secure the Oliver Wendels Memorial Novices' Hurdle.

Famous last words I know, however Rupert Wakley's mount has been handicap hurdling off a rating of around 112, a mark substantially superior to that of any of his rivals this afternoon.

Luckily Orange Order (3.55) is none the worse for the crashing fall he took at Southwell 11 days ago.

George Moore's normally safe jumping chaser held a long lead over his rivals at the time, and with only another five fences to negotiate was seemingly a most unfortunate loser.

If there is any justice to be had, Orange Order can gain deserved compensation in the Sam Berry Novices Chase, provided jockey Russ Garrity manages to keep the partnership intact this time.

Soft ground at Haydock has ensured a huge entry for the action-packed eight-race card.

I have a fair idea that James Bethell won't be leaving the meeting empty-handed since he has a couple of decent chances via Rich Gift (3.35) and Borders Belle (4.40).

Rich Gift has yet to finish out of the frame in four outings this term and is unquestionably suited by the conditions of the King's Regiment Cup Classified Stakes.

Borders Belle has even stronger claims in the later Arowry Handicap over a mile-and-half.

The daughter of Pursuit Of Love produced a career best performance at York recently, swooping late to conquer Warning Reef in fantastic whip-cracking finish.

That race was run on good ground, but Borders Belle is even more effective with juice in the turf and so is confidently expected to follow-up her battling Knavesmire victory despite a considerable hike in the weights. Finally down to Kempton where the former Mark Johnston-trained St Helensfield (5.20) makes his somewhat belated debut for Martin Pipe.

He's been off for over a year now, a factor which should not worry Pipe devotees sine they know the boss can get them fit even after extraordinary long absences.

* Jockey Michael Roberts has escaped serious injury following an horrific fall at Wolverhampton.

The former champion jockey was hurled to the ground when his mount Out of Sight suffered a fatal injury during the 13-runner Tony Overton Handicap.