PETER NIVEN has the chance to supplement an already excellent record at Sedgefield by scoring aboard First Light (3.30) this afternoon.

The majority of Niven's success has been achieved riding for Mary Reveley, but today he switches allegiance to the Malton-based handler John Quinn, responsible for First Light.

Quinn's mare didn't really enjoy the rub of the green last season, putting in a series of decent efforts without gaining any particular reward.

Now freshened up by an eight-month absence, First Light makes plenty of appeal against a relatively weak field for the Stan James Handicap Hurdle.

The meeting kicks off with a tricky Selling Handicap Hurdle guaranteed to test the patience of even the most ardent form book student. There are several likely to be in the shake-up, my tentative vote going to Macintosh (2.00), sure to be well handled by the classy 5lb claiming jockey Peter Ryan.

Blarney Stone (3.00), twice runner-up in bumper events, has schooled adequately in preparation for his timber debut in the EBF Novices' Hurdle.

Provided he doesn't bodge too many of the obstacles, Kate Milligan's six-year-old probably has most to fear from Hexham winner Fireside Girl.

Galant Moss (4.00) is an extremely welcome visitor for the Jayne Thompson Memorial Chase since it's not often a horse of this quality makes an appearance at the course.

Martin Pipe's raider was a regular in all of the top-flight staying hurdle races a couple of years ago and connections have high hopes he will be equally as good over fences.

The three-mile-three-furlong betsmart.co.uk Handicap Chase promises to be a war of attrition under pretty testing conditions and if anyone has the capability to galvanise the somewhat ponderous Laundry Lady's Lad it is surely Tony McCoy.

However, I marginally prefer the prospects of Zamhareer (4.30), who always seems to reserve his best for the track.

The form of Stratford-bound Spontaneity (2.40), third to Ocean Line at Ludlow, received a major boost when the latter went on to bag a £10,000 race next time out.

Richard Johnson's mount should therefore have little difficulty getting off the mark in the Burgess Spa Selling Hurdle despite his relative lack of experience.

The Michael Dods-trained Foxes Lair (2.25) might be worth an interest in the seven-furlong Weighing Room Maiden Stakes at Musselburgh.

The two-year-old gelding made a pleasing bow at York, finishing fifth in a contest which is working out quite nicely.

The danger to the selection is unquestionably Alakananda, from Sir Mark Prescott's Newmarket stable, runner-up on both starts to date.

At the other end of the British Isles Dods' sends Indy Carr (4.20) to Windsor, in with a great shout for the Quality Heating Selling Stakes.

l Bobbyjo, last year's Martell Grand National winner, is set to reappear at Galway next Monday having been entered both over hurdles and over fences at the Irish course