Talented, consistent and as tough as they come, Overturn bids to follow last year's victory in the John Smith's Northumberland Plate at Newcastle this afternoon for Grand National-winning trainer Donald McCain.

Since last year's polished display, Overturn has added the Chester Cup to his impressive CV, which includes the Scottish Champion Hurdle and the Galway Hurdle over the sticks.

With regular Flat rider Eddie Ahern forced to miss the engagement due to suspension, McCain has given his star conditional Henry Brooke a chance to mix it with the top jockeys.

Brooke, who hails from West Wittton, has had one second place from just eight rides on the Flat but the 5lb claimer, who rode his first winner only 13 months ago on Farmer Frank at Market Rasen, has made a big impression in a short space of time and the trainer is looking forward to the race.

He said: "Although Henry has very little Flat experience, I've no qualms about putting him up.

"He's a strong lad and he's had rides at the Cheltenham Festival. He's plenty good enough and he will claim 5lb.

"The horse seems in fine form at home and has got a better draw this year, but is slightly higher in the weights."

The seven-race card gets under way at 2pm with the Group 3 totesport.com Chipchase Stakes, and father-and-son combination Dandy and Adrian Nicholls can have a winner with the admirable Regal Parade.

A victor in ten races so far, including at Group 1 level, this race represents a step down in grade and his second at Haydock last time out showed he was about to hit top form.

The biggest danger in the line-up is Waffle, who comes from the in-form yard of David Barron and was a good second last time at Royal Ascot. Waffle, who hasn't had many starts with the Thirsk trainer, is ridden by Philip Makin, who took this race last year on 16-1 shot Barney McGrew.

On one of the busiest days racing in the North-East, Michael Smith, whose base is at Kirkheaton, will have plenty of supporters with Vito Volterra, who runs in the seven-furlong handicap at 3.40pm.

Amazingly, the horse has already run twice this week, finishing second at Carlisle on Wednesday before winning over course and distance on Thursday afternoon.

Top lady rider Hayley Turner has been booked for the ride and they do say things come in threes!