HABITUAL DANCER (12.50) heads to Ayr today with every chance of bagging the two-mile-five-furlong Beginners' Chase.

Although Jedd O'Keeffe's Middleham-based gelding unseated Brian Harding at Hexham on his recent chasing debut, he'd jumped proficiently prior to that untimely error, which was probably caused by tiredness, rather than an errant technique.

Harding has every right to expect Habitual Dancer to strip fitter for that comeback outing, therefore seeing as the selection was arguably a superior hurdler to his rivals, the combination can be backed with confidence.

Trainer Nicky Richards bids to improve an already tremendous record at the Scottish track with Gunadoir (12.20) in the opening Maiden Hurdle.

Gunadoir made a decent fist of her first try over the sticks when chasing home odds-on favourite and stable-mate, Westgrove Berry, when the pair were perhaps mistakenly allowed to take each other on in a Mares' Only Leicester event.

The fact the Richards' second string started as a 20-1 rag on that occasion tells us she probably wasn't totally tuned up, however that clearly won't be the case now the four-year-old has blown the cobwebs from her lungs.

Nicky holds excellent prospects of notching a double via Joan's Girl (2.25), who showed admirable battling qualities when collecting at Catterick.

Joan's Girl possesses a National Hunt pedigree of some distinction being by Supreme Leader, out of a Buckskin mare. She'll be sought-after when eventually retired to stud, but in the meantime the Hogmanay Handicap Hurdle is an achievable goal.

Coach Lane (1.55), the sole runner at the meeting for in-form handler, Venetia Williams, has the right credentials to make the marathon journey from Herefordshire worthwhile.

The five-year-old , who probably has most to fear from Kelso winner Kilmackilloge in the Novices' Chase, won as he liked when routing the opposition at Lingfield in the style of a progressive individual.

One thing is for sure, the prevailing heavy ground won't be a bother to the mud-loving Coach Lane, a young chaser with a big future judging by the way he pinged the majority of his obstacles at the Surrey venue.

* Classic Fair was a welcome 6-1 winning nap for Janus (Colin Woods) at Taunton yesterday.

* Ferdy Murphy is lining up a strong challenge for Wetherby's two-day meeting which kicks off on Boxing Day.

The Leyburn handler is set to be represented by Leading Man in the skybet.com Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase on the first day, while Show Me The River and Carlys Quest are also set to feature.

A winner over course and distance last year, Leading Man has not troubled the judge since that victory, although he ran with renewed promise when seventh behind Neptune Collonges at Newcastle on his last start.