GRAHAM LEE'S booking for Samson Des Galas (2.20) represents an open invitation to back the gelding in Hexham's Century FM Selling Handicap Hurdle.

For sure it's real low-rent stuff, but this type of bottom-of-the-barrel contest can often be very punter-friendly and given the recent improvement of Samson Des Galas, plus Lee's strength-in-the-saddle, now could be the time to dip in.

Richard Ford's Cheshire-based raider ran a super race in defeat when third to Ball Games in a similar standard event last month. Even more encouragingly, he was staying on like a steam engine, a strong indication that today's extra three furlongs will help his cause no end.

As usual, Len Lungo's horses have emerged from a summer at grass with all guns blazing.

Len's team often cover themselves with glory at the track, so the bookies could well be running scared if stable insiders send out positive vibes for Corrib Lad (2.50) in the Ron Woodman Novices Chase.

The seven-year-old acquitted himself with honours in the hurdles arena last season, but his long-term future was always set to be over fences and connections have taken the route one option by going straight handicapping.

Both trip and ground are ideal for Corrib Lad, who in typical Lungo fashion isn't being asked a particularly serious question on his chasing debut, a policy which has so often reaped handsome rewards for the shrewd Scottish handler.

According to the official figures Polar Gunner (3.20) is on a winning weight for Malcolm Jefferson in the Mencap Handicap Hurdle.

Polar Gunner ended his 2004/05 campaign off a chasing mark of 114, which makes his hurdles rating, standing at a lowly 86, seem like a divine gift from above.

Such are the anomalies of the system and few would put their hand on their heart and say the selection is equally effective over both obstacles, since he's clearly a better chaser than hurdler.

This type of situation is never an easy call, but the relevant number crunching does amply illustrate that Polar Gunner is undoubtedly favourably treated for the extended two-mile event.

Although Yarmouth's Flat meeting is a run-of-the-mill fixture, don't be deflected from have a pound or two on Glenbuck (2.30).

Alan Bailey's two-year-old responded to the fitting of a visor at Catterick on Tuesday by streaking clear of his rivals. Any juvenile scoring by 13 lengths warrants the utmost respect and a follow-up victory is on the cards for the Crystal Cleaning Nursery.

* Henrietta Knight has been fined £1,000 and Timmy Murphy banned for 14 days over the running and riding of Harringay at Towcester.

The 9-4 chance finished fifth in the two-mile novices hurdle, beaten 13 and a half lengths. The stewards ruled the mare had been ''tenderly ridden.''