LENNY Lungo's highly-profitable winning streak shows no signs of abating at Newcastle today where Skippers Cleuch (12.45), Lord Of The Sky (1.50), and Sioux Raider (2.20) are all confidently expected to maintain their respective unbeaten records for the season.

Lungo, currently heading for his best-ever tally, has never made any secret of his belief that Skippers Cleuch has the class to go right to the top of the tree, prompting the six-year-old gelding's inclusion in this year's Racing North ten-to-follow list.

And to date he has not let us down, twice scoring in silky-smooth style at Ayr.

Both of those victories were achieved over two-miles, but there are no worries concerning Lungo's decision to step him up another half-mile for the EBF Novices' Hurdle at the Tyneside track because Skippers Cleuch shapes as if the longer trip will suit.

Lord Of The Sky's campaign has been even more fruitful, romping to a dazzling hat-trick by virtue of a comeback success at Ayr followed by a brace of effortless wins at Carlisle.

He has taken to fencing like a duck to water and despite having to shoulder a colossal weight in the Myson Radiator Novices' Chase should still complete a sizzling four-timer.

Sorting out the 21-runner Saltwell Maiden Hurdle is going to take some doing with such a massive field facing the starter.

However, it's that man Lungo again who appears to hold all of the aces via Sioux Raider, sent out by his in-form Scottish handler to prevail in a two-mile bumper event at the course just over four weeks ago.

Said by connections to be suited by an even sterner test of stamina, Sioux Raider could conceivably produce significant improvement over three miles, justifying Lenny's bold decision to pitch the son of Commanche Run in at the deep end for his hurdlng debut.

Tony Dobbin, due incidentally to partner all three of the selections, has had more bad luck with injuries than most over recent years, many of which have resulted in long periods on the sidelines.

Thankfully he now seems to be staying off the deck and is taking full advantage by stringing together a series of brilliant riding performances.

In the Chris Graham Handicap Chase at Newbury there might well be some value to be had with Donnybrook (3.10).

York-based trainer Bob Woodhouse placed the handsome chestnut to score at Uttoxeter and Newcastle last term, although the latter victory was tinged with a hint of good fortune after Mary Reveley's Robbo made a dramatic exit at the final obstacle with the race apparently at his mercy.

Some would say Donnybrook deserved the win anyway as reward for his overall standard of jumping since he nearly always puts in a fault free round.

Eric Wheeler and smart 3lb apprentice Steve Carson have excellent double prospects at Lingfield with Kilmeena Lad (1.30) and Absolute Fantasy (3.30).

The former is ideally suited by the way the weights are framed in the Bet Direct Classified Stakes, while Absolute Fantasy bids for a quick-fire follow-up having skated up over six furlongs at the course last week.

l Trainer Mark Pitman has reported Ashley Park in good form for his return to action in the Pertemps Christmas Hurdle at Kempton a week today.

The six-year-old has been restricted to just two runs over hurdles and Pitman said: "Fingers crossed with him, he's going great guns at the moment.''