GUS BERRY looks ripe for further success in the marathon three-miles-and-three-furlongs Alan Merrigan Memorial Chase at Sedgefield this afternoon.
Don Forster's eight-year-old, locally-trained at Heighington near Redworth, is rapidly developing into a course specialist having previously won at the track both over hurdles and fences.
In fact, he prevailed on the corresponding card 12 months ago when scooping the Showcase Hurdle off an official rating of 96.
Two months ago Gus Berry (3.20) switched his attentions back to steeple chasing, obliging at an extremely generous starting price of 12-1 considering he was running off a mark of just 71.
Although the selection has been raised another 7lbs for the victory, he remains exceptionally well-handicapped over fences compared to the much higher level of form he has achieved over hurdles in the past.
In the Harry Lane Memorial Handicap Hurdle, First Light (2.20) is fancied to confirm his superiority over Squandamania.
Back in mid-November the former dished out an eleven-length drubbing to Squandamania over track and trip.
Their respective fortunes have been in marked contrast since with First Light failing to follow-up, while Squandamania has thrived by collecting two of his last three races.
As a result of his success John Norton's gelding is significantly worse off at the weights with First Light, who seems poised to take full advantage and so help Peter Niven edge ever nearer a career milestone of 1,000 winners.
There's a few real old characters in the Tote Bookmakers Hurdle including Cypress Avenue, Mr Christie, and Nazzaro (3.50), all of whom require plenty of driving from the saddle.
Nazzaro's journey from Dorset measures a distance of no less than 314 miles and I dare say trainer Bill Turner will be doubling up as travelling head lad in order to take the wheel of his horsebox.
Turner's somewhat enigmatic veteran has plenty of ability when he decides to put his best foot forward, and if anyone can cajole the southern horse to produce the goods its his dedicated pilot, Robert "Chocolate" Thornton.
Blistering early pace is the hallmark of Wolverhampton-bound Bowcliffe Grange (2.40).
David Chapman's headstrong sprinter rather disgraced himself at Southwell recently by bucking off his young 5lb claimer Claire Bryan, prior to bolting riderless around the all-weather circuit.
The needless effort expended most of his energy before the contest had even started with the consequence that when the combination were finally re-united they finished stone last.
Provided Claire is better prepared for Bowcliffe Grange's pre-race antics, they could well poach a winning lead from the highly-advantageous number 1 stall.
Apprentice-of-the-moment Gary Gibbons retains the ride on Sualtach (5.10), bidding to complete a quick-fire double in the closing division 2 of the Walter Raleigh Handicap.
There was plenty of gas left in the tank when Gibbons put the pedal to the metal aboard Sualtach last week, the pair powering clear of the heavily-supported Pension Fund.
A repeat performance would surely be good enough against a bunch of mainly second-raters in the extended one-mile and-one furlong event.
Best bet at Folkestone could turn out to be Our Slimbridge (3.00), who looks in a different league to his opponents in the Stanford Selling Hurdle.
l Ferdy Murphy will bid to continue his fine record in staying handicap chases through Streamstown in Saturday's £100,000 De Vere Gold Cup.
The Middleham trainer has enjoyed a successful 12 months in such contests with the likes of Paris Pike and Ackzo, and carried off the Tote Northern National at Newcastle last Saturday with Narrow Water.
Streamstown has completed a hat-trick for Murphy this season, most recently beating Tullymurry Toff and Young Kenny at Wetherby on January 11.
His trainer said today: ''Streamstown is an intended runner.
''He's in top form, he came out of the Wetherby race really well and I've been pleased with his preparation.
''It's his toughest test but he's done everything we've asked of his so far.''
Regular partner Adrian Maguire is suspended on Saturday and will be replaced by JP McNamara.
''It's a bit disappointing that Adrian cannot ride him but it's nice to give JP a chance,'' Murphy said.
''He rides and schools the horse at home and knows him very well. We've got a good bank of jockeys at home and we like to use our own.''
McNamara added: ''It is a pity for Adrian but I am looking forward to the ride.
''I have never ridden Streamstown in a race but I have ridden work on him and schooled him and he is a lovely improving horse.''
Streamstown is one of 23 horses confirmed today for the Grade Three contest.
Commanche Court currently heads the weights but is more likely to run in the Racing Post Chase at Kempton the same day
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