Tim Easterby's runners are generally worth a second look at Wetherby, a hint well worth taking on board with respect to Pay Attention (3.35) in the Rocom Siemens Handicap Hurdle.

Last season Pay Attention could do little wrong, winning four of her six starts in a fantastically successful campaign. It was also pretty much a family affair because the breeder of the flying filly was none other than Tim's illustrious father, Peter.

The Great Habton-based four-year-old proved she handled the mud when clocking a fast-time victory at Towcester in the spring, so there will be no fears about the ground which is predicted to be very testing following the dreadfully wet weather this week.

As in many walks of life, nothing is quite as straightforward as it seems and Tim has uncharacteristically queered the punter's pitch by entering stable-mate Kentucky Blue to take on the selection in the two-mile contest.

Kentucky Blue is no mug, but his form has gone downhill since scoring over course and distance in 2003, a point underlined by a lacklustre showing on a trip to Aintree last weekend.

Many National Hunt devotees have been licking their lips in anticipation of Rebel Rhythm's reappearance, a long wait that is now over as Sue Smith's star takes his chance in the Beginners' Chase.

Such is the size and scope of Rebel Rhythm (2.25) he could easily be the hottest ticket in town come next March at the Cheltenham Festival.

Meanwhile he'll have to learn his trade at lesser tracks and Wetherby is an ideal venue to teach novice jumpers the fine art of steeplechasing.

If ever a share in Blame The Ref (4.10) becomes available, maybe the Magpies' manager Graham Souness might be interested as a diversion from the pressure cooker existence of the Premier League.

At first glance Blame The Ref's task of shouldering top-weight in the Novices Handicap Chase looks somewhat daunting.

But he has been dropped a few pounds by the handicapper, and he demonstrated his ability to handle the track when a decent fourth at the course in January.

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