MAKE sure you put Perchancer (3.50) on your hit list for this afternoon's Betabet-sponsored nine furlong City of Ripon Handicap.

Some professionals feel Patrick Haslam's five-year-old is not totally in love with the game, but I'm of the opinion that provided you catch him in the right mood, Perchancer is a genuine enough character.

He certainly caught the eye on his recent prep race on the sand at Wolverhampton, making significant late headway to take seventh spot having forfeited any prospects of winning with an extremely tardy start.

If you've been following the North American racing scene and the success of their all-conquering colt Point Given, due to take on Galileo later this year in the Breeders' Cup, his pedigree will almost certainly be of interest.

Not many of his relatives are currently in action on this side of the Atlantic, so it's fascinating to see Point Given's sire, Thunder Gulch, represented by Thunder King (2.45) in the Racing Welfare Maiden Stakes.

And if you do happen to be at trackside, don't forget to take a peek at Mark Johnston's colt in the paddock, because Thunder King really is a magnificent specimen.

Fourth on his only run so far at Haydock, the selection is expected to step up on that effort and open his account in the six furlong contest.

There's a brace of cracking races for punters to get their teeth into at Chester, beginning with the Bet Direct Handicap over an extended seven furlongs at 3.30

Twelve months ago there was a shock result when the 50-1 shot Lady Boxer prevailed.

The five-year-old mare bids to follow-up, although for sure she'll not be anything like as good value.

In any case Martin Mullineux's raider is far more exposed than the likes of Faithful Warrior, twice successful in good company at Sandown and Pontefract.

The fact that Faithful Warrior has been strutting his stuff over a mile is not ideal.

Nevertheless he's horse with an awesome turn of foot, and if within sniffing distance of the leaders at the furlong pole possesses the requisite finishing kick to grab the £20,000 showpiece even over this slightly shorter trip.

With plenty of rain forecast for the area, Totem Dancer's (4.35) prayers have been answered.

Les Eyre's stayer has been the model of consistency during the past two months, often making the frame on ground faster than she would like.

Now with the added advantage of getting her toe in the turf, the two mile Broadcasters Handicap is there for the taking.

Fast-improving Miss Opulence (2.05) can give first season trainer Vicky Haigh her biggest win to date in the Chivas 200 Nursery at Sandown.

After showing plenty of promise on her Catterick debut, the two-year-old filly turned over one of Mark Johnston's best colts, Stunning Force, in a thrilling head-to-head duel at Newcastle.

I reckon that represents a tip-top performance and am surprised Miss Opulence wasn't more harshly dealt with by the Official Handicapper. But on the other hand it at least gives supporters of Vicky's budding stable-star the chance relieve the bookies' of some cash by plunging in on the progressive daughter of Kylian.

Jonjo O'Neill's move from the Lake District to the West Country has not stopped the popular Irish handler farming northern racetracks.

He sends Intersky Falcon (2.30) up to Market Rasen in an attempt to follow-up his course and distance win last month. Previous experience of the tricky Lincolnshire track is vital, which should give O'Neill's gelding the edge over the likely favourite, Martin Pipe's Caxton Star.