Cionn Mhalanna, who heralded his potential as a three-mile chaser with an easy win at Hexham last month, can confirm that promise at Doncaster tomorrow.

Trained at Brandsby by Peter Beaumont, the six-year-old goes for the 'Jingle Bells' Novices' Chase and will be partnered by Russ Garritty, who steered him to victory at Hexham.

Cionn Mhalanna jumped soundly that day and drew clear of his toiling rivals in the final half-mile to score by 20 lengths from Arctic Lagoon.

The opposition, it should be said, did not amount to much, and the ground was heavy, which might make the value of the form slightly suspect. But there can be little doubt that Cionn Mhalanna is a promising stayer in the making and he gets the chance to prove it on Town Moor.

Tom Scudamore is riding like a man inspired at present and the son of former multiple champion, Peter, teams up with Jupon Vert in the 'Holly' Handicap Chase over two miles.

The Ron Hodges-trained gelding is in cracking form, having won his last two races, his latest victory coming at Warwick 17 days ago when he won by five lengths.

A hat-trick could well be on the cards tomorrow.

Tony Carroll has his horses in excellent heart, and Dark Society can be another winner for the former jockey-turned-trainer in the 'O Come All Ye Faithful' Conditional Jockeys' Novices' Handicap Hurdle.

An absentee, because of injury, all last season, Dark Society has returned to the fray in great style, winning both his races, his latest victory being a four-lengths defeat of Speed Venture at Bangor.

It would be no surprise to see him continue in a similar vein in the hands of Wayne Hutchinson, who has built up a good rapport with him.

The opening day of Cheltenham's weekend fixture sees a first-rate programme, which includes the Sporting Index Handicap Chase, run over the unique cross-country course.

Spot Thedifference, winner of a similar race to this at last month's meeting, is fancied to complete a notable double. The Irish challenger came late on the scene that day to beat Star Performance and Luzcadou and, despite his penalty, he is selected to oblige again tomorrow.

Cornish Rebel promises to be one of the stars of the powerful Paul Nicholls stable, and this exciting seven-year-old is taken to complete a hat-trick of wins in the Ian Williams' Owners Novices' Chase.

While the unbeaten Team Tassel (1-10) and the progressive Goblet Of Fire (2-20) are two others to bear in mind, punters should also make note of North Yorkshire raider You're Special in the Institute Of Directors Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Chase.

Trained at Middleham by Patrick Haslam, the seven-year-old, runner-up in the corresponding race 12 months ago, ran well here on his seasonal reappearance last month.

He will receive every assistance from the accomplished Alan O'Keefe and is awarded the nap vote.

Tomorrow's Tips:

Doncaster

12-25 Dark Society, 1-00 Terre de Java, 1-35 A Bit Of Fun, 2-10 Cionn Mhalanna, 2-45 Jupon Vert, 3-20 Pole Star

Cheltenham

12-00 Chilling Place, 12-35 Cornish Rebel, 1-10 Team Tassel, 1-45 Spot Thedifference, 2-20 Goblet Of Fire, 2-55 Baron Windrush, 3-30 You're Special (NAP)

Tomorrow's other meeting is at Wolverhampton.

Updated: 10:19 Thursday, December 09, 2004