RICHARD FAHEY has reaped a rich harvest from his talented chestnut gelding The Butterwick Kid over recent seasons.

Named after the village on the outskirts of Malton where he's trained, Fahey has campaigned the ultra-consistent eight-year-old to win over fences, hurdles, and on the Flat.

Today The Butterwick Kid (2.50) attempts to add to that already admirable career record at Leicester in the three-mile Novices' Handicap Chase.

At first glance the selection's task appears to be pretty awesome with such a massive weight on his back. But the saving grace as far as punters are concerned is the booking of the up-and-coming Irish amateur Paudge Whelan to ride.

Whelan's 7lb allowance could prove absolutely crucial on ground almost certain to be hock deep. And there's no doubting his skill-in-the-saddle, having already partnered a handful of winners in this country from precious few opportunities.

In fact, he put up a particularly polished performance aboard The Butterwick Kid last time out at Wetherby, where the combination romped to an impressive 17-length victory.

The earlier Groby Novices' Chase is one of the hottest races of its type run at the course this term.

Sandy Duff, Spring Grove, Errand Boy and Mr Percy all merit strong consideration. However, none may be able to cope with the former useful hurdler Lord Lamb (1.50) from Mary Reveley's yard.

Lord Lamb is a big and powerful grey, who looks every inch a chaser in the making. And not surprisingly he's reported to have schooled encouragingly in preparation for his eagerly-awaited debut over the bigger obstacles.

In the Yarmouth Claiming Stakes at Wolverhampton, Al's Alibi (2.10) has an outstanding chance.

Willie Muir's runner has been given a head start in the contest by virtue of his advantageous number two stall, compared to one of his main market rivals, Failed To Hit, who has been unluckily drawn out wide in the cheap seats.

Jorrocks will more than likely be a warm order to scoop the £12,000 Showcase Handicap after his sparkling success at Southwell eight days ago.

Mick Easterby's speedy miler is far from sure to stay this afternoon's extra one-and-a-half furlongs, while last year's winner Hannibal Lad probably needs further nowadays.

Perhaps the safest option therefore is to have a small interest on the dual track and trick winner Paperweight (3.10), still relatively leniently treated on the form he showed when trained by Luca Cumani.

Frost threatens Hereford, but if the card does get the go-ahead, Pennyahei (2.30) should not be far away in the Lugg Classified Hurdle.

Steve Brookshaw's ten-year-old hasn't got a very good strike-rate with only one win in 35 tries.

But this is such a weak event, it really is there for the taking with race conditions to suit.

In the closing Monnow Mares' Only Handicap Hurdle, Granny Rich (4.00) is a must for the short-list.

She sauntered to a brace of course and distance wins last term, and has now slipped down to the sort of mark which suggests a return to the winners' enclosure is imminent.

l Rimatara, yesterday's 7-2 winning nap for JANUS at Southwell, makes a rapid reappearance in the 1.10 at Wolverhampton today