CATTERICK'S North Yorkshire Grand National has attracted a clutch of long-distance raiders, including Gunther McBride (2.30), who travels all the way from Minehead in Somerset to contest the Weatherbys-sponsored marathon.

Leading West Country trainer Philip Hobbs hardly ever ventures this far afield without good reason, but the prevailing fast ground has persuaded him to bring his 11-year-old on the 350-mile trek.

In his heyday Gunther McBride twice won the much sought-after Racing Post Chase, although it's fair to say he's never going to reach those giddy heights again.

But judged by a brace of battling wins in lesser events during 2005, there's still sufficient spring in his legs to nab today's top prize from under the noses of the locals.

Sunday City (3.00) returns to the scene of his latest victory when turning out for the £8,000 Watt Fences Handicap Hurdle, a contest in which he holds every prospect of maintaining his 100 per cent unbeaten record at the course.

Peter Bowen's progressive five-year-old was slammed up 14lb in accordance with the ease with which he scored a fortnight ago. On paper it appears a very harsh rise, but when you study his fantastic USA pedigree, Sunday Silence is actually bred to be something fairly special.

Keith Reveley excels with his string at Huntingdon, boding positively for the prospects of Northern Shadows (4.10) in the closing Novices Handicap Hurdle.

Northern Shadows limbered up for this afternoon's challenge by finishing second to Golden Feather, an excellent effort considering the latter had previously won on the Flat at Newmarket for John Gosden's powerful yard.

Speed figure form students will have taken note of the fast time posted by Dingaan (3.20) when he made all to collect unchallenged over Lingfield's course and distance earlier this month.

Andrew Balding's three-year-old has been allotted top-weight after that fluent success, but even with his welter-burden it'll be surprising if he doesn't manage to record an another all-the-way victory.

With no penalty for last week's facile three-and-a-half length triumph, Prince Charlemagne (2.20) is bang on the money to complete a double in the Freephone Handicap. Despite Nick Littmoden's representative waiting in rear that day, when his apprentice jockey let out an inch of rein, Prince Charlemagne was quickly in command.

Such explosive acceleration is the hallmark of a decent performer, especially on the polytrack where trouble in running is commonplace and a nifty turn of foot is necessary.

* Frost threatens the National Hunt meetings at Catterick and Huntingdon, both of which must pass inspections this morning before racing can proceed.

* Clan Royal, ante-post favourite for the John Smith's Grand National, in which he was runner-up in 2004, will continue his preparation with an outing over hurdles at Huntingdon today.

Jonjo O'Neill sends the 11-year-old out to face 16 rivals in the Cash Convertors Lincoln Handicap Hurdle on what will be his second start of the campaign.

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