JUMPING fans still in mourning over the cancellation of Cheltenham at least have Aintree to look forward to this week, plus a well above average card at Musselburgh today.

Many of the big hitters in the betting ring tend to concentrate exclusively on one of the top jockeys at the Scottish track, namely Tony Dobbin, who appears to have a yet another decent pay day in prospect via Ebinzayd (2.00) and Telemoss (3.30).

Lenny Lungo, the trainer of Ebinzayd, had his strongest team prepared for the ultimately doomed Festival, so will be seeking to extract every ounce of compensation.

In Ebinzayd, a former track scorer who has yet to finish out of the money this season, he has an ideal candidate to oblige with help of Dobbin's expertise from the saddle.

Neither may Tony's energy be sapped aboard Telemoss in the Sair Head Novices' Hurdle. He was an effortless winner at Kelso in February, certain to pick up many more similar races if his impressive physique is anything to go by.

Coming north doubtless in search of faster ground is Ela Agapi Mou (3.00), an exceptionally well-handicapped eight-year-old trying to end a long losing sequence in the three-mile Handicap Hurdle.

Heather Irving's gelding has been running most consistently on unsuitably soft going ever since the turn of the year, but Musselburgh's sandy soil means it rarely gets gluey whatever amount of rain falls.

Talking of the wet stuff, Nottingham's had its fair share lately and consequently any shortage in the stamina department is likely to be brutally exposed.

One event under the microscope will be the two-mile City Business Handicap featuring three horses, Knighted, Pride Of India, and Ulshaw, all of whom are in terrific heart at present.

Each one of the in-form trio have serious claims, but neither should Established (4.10) be ignored after ending his 2000 campaign on a high note by winning two of his last four starts in the style of an improving stayer.

There's a fairly motley looking crew assembled for the mile-and-a-quarter Easter Monday Classified Stakes, with the exception of one or two potentially useful customers, notably Zagaleta (4.45).

Casting an eye down the jockey bookings, the engagement of Kieren Fallon for Andy Turnell's filly definitely adds weight to the argument that the she'll be fit enough to do herself justice, despite a six-month absence.

Fallon's supporters may have further cause for celebration if, as expected, he takes the closing Handicap on Route Sixty Six (5.15).

Jedd O'Keeffe's mare showed improved form over the sticks during the winter and has the additional bonus of being suited by eminently heavy ground.

* Papillon has been given the chance to repeat his victory of 12 months ago in the Martell Grand National on Saturday after a change of policy by the Irish Government.

In February, due to foot and mouth disease, the Irish Government banned racing and asked trainers not to travel to England. And two weeks ago the agriculture minister, Joe Walsh, confirmed that position remained unchanged.

But a sudden U-turn has given the green light for Irish-trained horses to run at Aintree.

Willie Mullins, chairman of the Irish Racehorse Trainers' Association, said: ''The Department of Agriculture has changed its stance and they are allowing horses to go over to Aintree. At the moment they won't be allowed back in the foreseeable future.''

Ted Walsh, Papillon's trainer, was delighted to hear the news.

He said: ''It was a surprise a very pleasant surprise. It looks as though we'll be coming to Aintree now."