TIMES have been tough for trainer Andy Crook since successfully plundering the 2003 Scottish National with Ryalux.

Despite dwindling numbers in the Middleham handler's stable, it's been impossible to wipe the smile off Crook's face, a grin which could get even broader should Jontys'lass (3.30) grab glory at Newbury.

The target for Jontys'lass is the £50,000 John Smith's EBF Mares Final, a race Crook has had in mind for his five-year-old since landing her qualifier by virtue of a gritty effort at Carlisle in February.

The rain that fell over the track yesterday must have been music to his ears and she'll also relish the wide-open galloping course, well suited to her aggressive front-running style.

Jontys'lass isn't the only North Yorkshire-trained representative in with a shout because Micky Hammond's Manbow and Industrial Star both have a squeak in their respective events.

Manbow (2.25) needs to put behind him a below-par Wetherby run last time out, nevertheless he's got an engine to die for and shouldn't be dismissed lightly in the three-mile £20,000 Stan James Handicap Chase.

Industrial Star (4.40) is equally blessed with a mighty muscular frame, just what the doctor ordered when it comes to surviving the hurly-burly of National Hunt sport.

Whether Industrial Star can up his game from a Catterick success to taking on much bigger fish is yet to be proved, however the fact Hammond heads south suggests he thinks a positive result is attainable.

Collier Hill, trained at Melsonby by Alan Swinbank, is no forlorn hope for this afternoon's Sheema Classic at the Dubai World Cup meeting.

Dean McKeown's mount was a close-up third in the race 12 months ago and has since bagged the Group 1 Irish St Leger.

War Of Attrition will round off a memorable season by competing in the Guinness Gold Cup at the Punchestown Festival.

Mouse Morris' Cheltenham Gold Cup hero will swerve Aintree and instead take his chance in the Grade One contest in Ireland on April 26.

''War Of Attrition came out of Cheltenham in great fettle and we've decided on the Guinness Gold Cup as his final start of the campaign,'' said the Country Tipperary handler.

''The Gold Cup second Hedgehunter is heading for Aintree, while the third, Forget The Past, is reportedly going for the Irish National, so who knows if one or both of them will be taking War Of Attrition on again?"

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