TONY McCOY predicted earlier this year that Newbury-bound Take Control (2.00) would be one of the season's top novice chasers and so far his judgement has been totally vindicated.

To date the classy six-year-old has not put a foot wrong, winning both of his starts in minor races at Exeter and Newton Abbot with complete authority.

But this afternoon McCoy and partner face by far their sternest test, taking a significant step up in grade to contest the valuable £50,000 Elizabeth Hitchins Memorial Novices' Chase.

With the likes of the up-and-coming trio Bindaree, Charter Ridge, and Shotgun Willy opposing Martin Pipe's emerging star, Take Control will have to uphold his jockey's high opinion if they are to take the substantial first prize back to Somerset.

The following Tote-Jackpot Hurdle is perhaps more attractive from a betting point of view because not one of the 13 runners can be discounted, a factor which should lead to an extremely competitive market.

Once again a Pipe/McCoy representative, Valiramix, is certain to be among the principals, but the one I marginally prefer is Zahari (2.30).

Trainer Venetia Williams has few peers when it comes to getting a horse fit after a long absence, consequently Zahari's 203-day "holiday" need not be a worry.

Nor should his backers be perturbed by the booking of the relatively inexperienced 5lb claimer Dave Dennis to ride the selection.

Dennis, who has already been snapped for the ante-post gamble Kingsmark in Saturday's Hennessey Gold Cup, possesses plenty of panache in the saddle, combined with the ideal temperament to rise to the big occasion.

Whizz Kid (12.10) is nicely-handicapped for the opening Bet Direct Dash at Southwell.

Considering Milton Bradley's mare last ran on turf off a mark of 66, her all-weather rating at only 47 seems more than a trifle lenient.

She boasts solid sand form and has also been lucky with an advantageous stands' side draw.

In the one-mile Median Auction Maiden Stakes, Sports Express (1.40) is worth a nibble after looking a shade unlucky on his most recent visit to the track a fortnight ago.

Bill Haigh's gradually improving youngster went for a daring run up the inner once the packed field had swung for home.

Unfortunately it was a ploy which palpably failed as the door was slammed shut by the horse in front, who was hanging badly left under pressure.

At such a late stage jockey Paul Fessey was unable to steer another course and ended up having to sit and suffer as there was simply no way through.

One of the fastest starters in the business, Marino Street (3.40), has the perfect blend of early pace to give her rivals the slip in five-furlong finale.

Provided she blasts out of the gates with her normal gusto, a first-ever success on the fibresand beckons for Bryan MacMahon's speedy seven-year-old.

l Tony McCoy rode a 36-1 four-timer at Taunton yesterday.

Murray River (4-5), Tortugas (9-2), Cadougold (5-4) and Cresswell Native (4-6) won the first four races, but 4-1 shot Country Store was unable to deliver in the Porters Perfection Handicap Chase.