FARMERS Cross does not make life easy for himself as he is best when ridden off the pace, but still looks a decent prospect at Sedgefield.

The five-year-old likes to be settled at the back but those waiting tactics can see him come unstuck, as they did at Aintree last time when he just had too much to do in the closing stages.

Off the track since that length defeat in May, a 9lb hike in the weights will have done him few favours but he remains a relatively unexposed runner as he makes his first start for Ferdy Murphy in the Weatherbys Bloodstock Insurance Handicap Hurdle.

Trainer Philip Hobbs can score backto- back wins in Exeter’s Deloitte LLP Beginners’ Chase as Copper Bleu makes his fencing bow at the Devon venue.

Hobbs sent out the ultimately disappointing I Hear A Symphony to win this race last year and Copper Bleu looks just the type to give him a repeat.

The seven-year-old ranked among the best novice hurdlers’ last season, finishing fourth in the Supreme at the Cheltenham Festival before just having to give best to Bouggler at Aintree.

Hobbs then sent him across to Punchestown for a decent novice hurdle and there was much to like about the way he dispatched some fair rivals by eight lengths and more.

Copper Bleu set out to make all and although Zaarito was making a real fight of it until crashing out at the last, Hobbs’ charge was giving his all and would not have been easy to topple.

The Pistolet Bleu gelding looked to have plenty of scope about him last season and he can feature among the pick of Hobbs’ novice chase team this term.

The Bathwick Tyres Taunton Novices’ Chase could be a similarly enlightening event with Inchidaly Rock poised for a winning debut.

Paul Nicholls’ runner had a bit of a mixed campaign over hurdles, winning twice in five starts but letting down favourite backers on a couple of other occasions.