RICHARD GUEST has done his sums and found a race at Leicester in which Ghadames (2.50) is strongly favoured by the weights.

Guest's gelding last ran 177 days ago when winning a valuable chase off a mark of 120, but by reverting to the smaller obstacles for the ladbrokes.com Handicap Hurdle Ghadames is able to run off a rating of only 105.

In horse racing currency a 15lbs reduction makes a huge amount of difference and even if the eleven-year-old is not quite 100 per cent ready to roll after his long absence, he might still have enough fuel in the tank to collect.

Continually finishing second or third can't be much fun for owner or trainer, however that's the fate to have befallen Sweet Oona (1.20) during the past 12 months.

The Venetia Williams-trained six-year-old has admittedly faced some tough assignments and perhaps she'll benefit from taking on some lesser types in the George Micallef Mares Only Handicap Hurdle.

Although Sweet Oona was on the wrong end of a ten length drubbing from Jonjo O'Neill's Refinement when runner-up on her Towcester comeback, she had her other nine rivals well cooked and is entitled to come on fitness-wise for that encouraging effort.

Another individual plagued by making the frame without actually winning is Jupon Vert (2.10), who deserves to get his head in front at Folkestone.

Two miles around a sharp right-handed track on decent ground is ideal for Jupin Vert, so conditions could not be better for the selection, sure to get maximum assistance from the excellent Tom Scudamore in the saddle.

Wolverhampton's Flat fixture features Desertina (3.00), one of the most consistent all-weather performers over recent weeks.

Trained at Scarcroft near Leeds, Desertina looked for all the world as if she was going to complete a quick-fire Southwell hat-trick until gunned down near the finish by Doctor Dennis.

The daughter of Spectrum clearly acts well on the fibre-sand therefore the switch to polytrack shouldn't theoretically present any problems, and there's also an outside chance she'll be a tad more effective on today's slightly quicker surface.

Despite being used to partnering high-class inmates at the Aidan O'Brien stable, Kieren Fallon's decision to keep his hand in at a significantly lower level on the sand is an admirable reflection of the Irishman's dedication to the job.

By virtue of his status most of the six-time former champion jockey's rides are going to attract market support, none more so than Fulvio (3.30), a leading contender for the seven-furlong Betdirect.co.uk Banded Stakes.

Apart from being a tactical genius, Fallon's strength-in-the-saddle is awesome, a crucial factor as far as Fulvio is concerned seeing as he was caught in the dying strides when fading close home over track and trip last time out.

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