JULIUS CAESAR (2.50) takes another small step towards chasing stardom on only his second start over fences at Wetherby this afternoon.

Sticking with the Italian theme, they say Rome wasn't built in a day and Howard Johnson isn't rushing his exciting five-year-old by keeping him fairly close to home for the £15,000 One Man Novices' Chase.

Having rounded off last season with a sparkling three-timer over hurdles, Julius Caesar continued on his winning ways by returning from a 36-week absence to score with authority on his chasing debut at Market Rasen.

From a pedigree point of view it's worth lingering for a moment to positively drool over the selection's esteemed background. Bred by Khaled Abdulla's Juddmonte Farms, Julius Caesar is a son of Sadler's Wells out of a Dancing Brave mare - enough said!

Although in residence for a couple of seasons with none other then living Newmarket legend Henry Cecil, Julius Caesar never actually had a run on the level despite no doubt racking up a small fortune in training fees.

Quite why the high-profile Middle-Eastern owners reject failures on the Flat with bloodlines such as Julius Caesar and sell them on so soon is a complete mystery to most people in the sport.

I guess one man's meat is another man's poison and Arab cast-offs represent a huge gain for the world of National Hunt racing, especially new owners Jack Coupe and John Thompson, both of whom have already enjoyed tremendous success with their shrewd purchase.

After missing the whole of last season through injury, Tim Easterby has shown his mastery of the job by nursing Silver Knight (3.25) back to full fitness.

Having won three times at the course a couple of years ago, Silver Knight must have known his way round the track blindfolded. But dreams are so often shattered in this game and connections have had to be very patient while their up-and-coming gelding spent a frustrating spell on the sidelines.

When the seven-year-old did see the light of day he took a couple of runs to warm to his task, however Silver Knight made no mistake on a visit to Carlisle last month, setting up the possibility of a double in the Skybet Handicap Chase.

The reappearance of Lord Transcend (1.55) at Haydock in the Tommy Whittle Chase is of major interest, although a prudent approach might be desirable since the Graham Wylie-owned grey is brittle at the best of times and must concede weight to all of his rivals.

Regular rider Tony Dobbin has been at Howard Johnson's stable to school Lord Transcend this week and reports the inmate "very well in himself".

With a two-from-two record at Haydock, plus ideal soft ground conditions, everything is in place for a big run, though Dobbin is not going to knock the stuffing out of his horse if things go unexpectedly awry.

Should his efforts on Lord Transcend come to nothing, then compensation may be on hand courtesy of Ever Present (2.30).

Legs like glass have restricted the Nicky Richards-trained raider to just a couple of outings during the previous three years, which although not stacking up into the most compulsive case for investing the Christmas cash, it might not be end of story.

Richards has an excellent strike-rate with these types of lightly-raced individuals and it's also worth noting Ever Present has rewarded each-way backers by performing with credit following lengthy absences in the past.

As usual, the last word goes to Wolverhampton, where Desert Leader (8.30) carries plenty of confidence in the Betdirect Freephone Handicap.

Mark Brisbourne's late-maturing son of top stallion Green Desert has been a winner waiting to happen, finally strolling to a ready success over track and trip in October.

Desert Leader looks the type to progress now that he's got his head in front, especially as the majority of this evening's line-up are safely in the handicapper's grip.

Get more racing online at www.racing-north.co.uk.