Chevalier Errant, thrown-in at the deep end at Ascot last time, should find himself much more at home at Ayr tomorrow.

The 11-year-old, a previous winner at Scotland's premier course, goes for the Arthur Challenge Cup Handicap Chase and is fancied to provide Graham Lee with another winner before his Cheltenham assault next week, when his mounts include the unbeaten Inglis Drever.

Trained in Cumbria by Martin Todhunter, Chevalier Errant finished only fourth at Ascot three weeks ago to Trouble Ahead, but was far from disgraced as it was his first race since he finished third at Kelso on November 1.

With that recent outing under his belt, Chevalier Errant should be spot-on for tomorrow's outing and he is awarded my Nap vote.

Gargoyle Girl has a shorter distance to travel to Ayr than many of her rivals in the James Barclay Memorial Handicap Hurdle.

Trained near Glasgow by Jim Goldie the versatile seven-year-old, a multiple winner under both codes, won on her latest hurdles outing, at Doncaster in January.

She scored handsomely in an 18-runner handicap and should go well again with Richard McGrath back on board tomorrow.

Few jumping meetings at Ayr come and go without Dumfriesshire Len Lungo winning. He has particularly good prospects with Armaguedon in the Mason Evans Partnership Maiden Hurdle.

A high-class 'bumper' horse last season, when his wins included one at Ayr, Armaguedon was a beaten favourite on his hurdles debut three months ago at Catterick.

The fact that he has not run since suggests he may have had a problem after that race, but on the evidence he produced last season he deserves the chance here.

The Ayrshire Agricultural Association Hunters' Chase looks a good opportunity for Blyth Brook to continue his winning ways.

Successful in all his three completed starts this season, the 12-year-old, trained by former northern jockey Tim Reed, gained an emphatic victory over Son Of Anshan on his latest outing at Musselburgh.

At Sandown three of the races, including the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Memorial Hunters' Chase, are for amateur riders.

Tales Of Bounty, who has been in good form in point-to-points, looks the one to be on in the race named in memory of jump-racing's most fervent supporter.

The Alvis Grand Military Gold Cup looks a good opportunity for Satshoon, the mount of James Snowden. In the Barclays Handicap Hurdle for amateurs, Lord Manton renews acquaintance with Silk Trader, the duo having won this two-miler 12 months ago.

Friday's tips:

Ayr

2.10 Armaguedon, 2.40 The Laird's Entry, 3.15 Gargoyle Girl, 3.50 Chevalier Errant (Nap), 4.20 Blyth Brook, 4.55 Powder Creek

Sandown

2.00 Silk Trader, 2.30 Mounsey Castle, 3.05 Satshoon, 3.40 Old Bean, 4.10 Tales Of Bounty, 4.45 Back To Ben Alder.

Tomorrow's other meeting is at Leicester

Updated: 12:21 Thursday, March 11, 2004