GRAHAM LEE'S presence aboard Sir Arthur (5.00) could spell trouble for the bookmaking fraternity at Sedgefield today.

No mug when campaigned over middle-distances on the Flat by Mark Johnston, the four-year-old chestnut has recently been sold to Brian Ellison's yard in order to have a crack at the jumps.

Sir Arthur possesses the size and strength for the job which, combined with the booking of Lee, could result in a triumphant National Hunt debut.

Spectators are in for a treat since Lee, successful in the 2004 Grand National on Amberleigh House, is joined by not only champion jockey Tony McCoy, but also Timmy Murphy and Richard Johnson.

Murphy gets the leg up on Red Sun (3.30), who according to the official ratings holds the whip hand for the Gosforth Decorating & Building Selling Hurdle.

If the race were a handicap Red Sun would be conceding a few pounds to the entire field, however due to a clever piece of placing by trainer Richard Guest, the ten-year-old is weighted to win.

Tony McCoy's best hope might be partnering Cape Greko (4.00), who makes the marathon trip to the region from Brendan Powell's Hampshire-base.

Cape Greko has made the frame on both of his starts at Uttoxeter and Bangor, invaluable experience that will stand him in good stead for the two-mile-and-one-furlong test.

Although the Irish raider Chukchi Country (4.30) hasn't an obvious chance judged by his poor form of late, the fact Richard Johnson is doing the steering represents a huge plus.

Arguably the best jump jockey never to be crowned champion, he would have taken the title on more than one occasion were it not for the McCoy's dominance during the past decade.

Malton handler John Wainwright sends Oniz Tiptoes (3.00) back to the scene of his dual course and distance successes achieved a little earlier this year.

John's decision to give Oniz Tiptoes a try on the level resulted in three straight defeats, therefore it's no surprise to see the six-year-old back where he belongs over fences.

The prevailing fast ground, albeit watered, won't inconvenience the selection, who unlike some of his principal rivals loves nothing more than a firm surface on which to operate.

Haydock's evening meeting offers Champain Sands (8.05) the ideal opportunity to follow up last week's Thirsk victory.

Exaggerated waiting tactics are required to get the best out of Champain Sands, something talented apprentice Gary Bartley had little difficulty executing at the North Yorkshire venue.

If Bartley is going to thread his way through the 16-runner pack he's going to need bags of luck, but as long as his nerve holds, I reckon the pair are up to the task.