L'ANTARTIQUE (2.35) could be described as swimming in shallow waters at present, but provided he wins at Wetherby today a shot for the big-time beckons.

The Irish import will pick up relative peanuts if as expected he storms to victory in the Rocom Novices' Hurdle, however, according to trainer Ferdy Murphy next stop could be a much more valuable race down south.

"We might go for the Tolworth Hurdle or possibly step him up in trip to 2m4f," revealed Murphy after L'Antartique had won hard on the steel when making a triumphant UK debut at Haydock.

In terms of excitement, the preceding Boxing Day Handicap Chase looks destined to supply a tad more theatre with a choice band of seasoned handicappers facing the starter.

The challenging nature of the fences generally keeps the jockeys on their toes, a remark which applies specifically to Barry Keniry, who may need some glue in his britches aboard the unpredictable Argento (2.00).

Keniry's had a few white-knuckle rides when partnering Argento in the past, primarily on account of the eight-year-old's propensity to take the odd liberty with his obstacles.

For his part Middleham handler, George Moore, has managed to get the gelding to settle better in his races, which helpfully has had the knock-on effect of aiding Argento's suspect jumping.

The December Handicap Chase hands Manbow (3.10) an ideal opportunity to land course success number four of his money-spinning career.

Micky Hammond's track specialist made an eye-catching reappearance when runner-up to Catch The Perk on a visit to Haydock in October. Hammond's horses generally improve fitness-wise for their first spin and given normal progress Manbow is certain to be a leading player for the near three-mile event.

Alcopop, heartbreakingly nailed in the dying strides at Fakenham last week, heads to Chepstow for compensation in the Weatherbys Bank Handicap Chase.

Bounding along at the head of affairs with great verve and gusto, Alcopop (3.20) dashed miles clear of his rivals prior to buckling under top weight and caving in close to home.

With the cobwebs all blown away from the Venetia Williams-trained six-year-old's lungs, everything is now hunky-dory for the spring-heeled gelding to deservedly get back on the score-sheet.

In the earlier Injured Jockeys Fund Selling Hurdle, Urban Dream (1.35) might benefit from Richard Johnson's strong-arm tactics.

Johnson's never-say-die modus operandi means his mounts are always being stoked, tactics which should suit Urban Dream who is by no means a world-beater, but just the type to respond in kind to Richard's busy style.

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