HAVING endured a miserable slump during autumn, Ian Williams' stable is now beginning to fire, which can only be good news for supporters of Ludlow-bound Hi Fi (2.40).

The Tanners Wines Handicap Chase is the race that has been targeted by Williams for Hi Fi, who with only 10st 4lbs to carry has the significant advantage of receiving weight from all nine of his rivals.

There was certainly plenty to like about the eight-year-old's most recent course and distance effort when keeping tabs on the eventual winner, Radcliffe, until a bad blunder at the second last fence put paid to his prospects.

Had Hi Fi jumped that obstacle cleanly he might have given Radcliffe more to think about, even so the selection still had enough in the tank to finish fully 25 lengths ahead of the third horse home.

Another yard to have made a welcome return to form over the past few weeks is that of Tom George, a hugely talented trainer represented by Thenameescapesme (2.10) in the preceding Cava Handicap Hurdle.

Tom took the plunge and ran Thenameescapesme in a track and trip claimer last time out, a ploy which is definitely risky since you're always likely to lose the individual concerned.

George's gamble paid off handsomely as not only did his horse win, but in addition no one stepped in to purchase the son of Alderbrook, despite the fact he has a dyed-in-the-wool National Hunt pedigree.

Whether Thenameescapesme can follow up in today's far more competitive event only time will tell, however, with the benefit of what was undoubtedly a confidence-boosting success, a small each-way bet is recommended.

Jockey Jason Maguire might also be on the mark for the stable when partnering Lord Ryeford (1.10) in the two-and-a-half-mile Novices' Handicap Chase.

After leading from the second the tapes went up, habitual pace-setter Lord Ryeford was heartbreakingly caught in the dying strides at Wetherby in November when nailed on the wire by Robert Alner's Liberty Ben.

Ludlow's less testing circuit should suit Lord Ryeford, who without the demands of an uphill final four furlongs could well gallop the opposition senseless as soon as Maguire steps on the gas in the back straight.