The much-publicised threat of a jockey's boycott at Sandown over the mobile phone dispute, which seems to have spiralled out of all proportion, has resulted in tomorrow's action on the Esher course - the only scheduled Flat meeting of the day - being abandoned.

The dramatic upshot leaves punters with only minor jumps meetings at Hexham and Worcester to get their teeth into, not that backers will be complaining if a winner or two can be found.

Jonjo O'Neill looks a trainer to have on your side at both venues. The Jackdaws Castle handler is fancied to land an across-the-card double with Thyne For Intersky in the bumper at Hexham and Renvyle in the corresponding race at Worcester, just ten minutes later.

Renvyle, the mount of stable jockey Liam Cooper, was a winner last time out at Newton Abbot when he easily justified favouritism. He looks set for a follow-up.

Thyne For Intersky has yet to see a racecourse, but his solid pedigree and the fact that he journeys north from such a powerful yard as O'Neill's sends out all the right signals. And it is hardly a negative sign that Tony Dobbin, the north's top jockey, has been booked for the mount. A winning debut is anticipated.

Dobbin looks likely to enjoy a profitable afternoon in Northumberland. He can also score on Hollows Mill in the Northumbrian Water Property Solutions Novices' Handicap Hurdle.

Barry Murtagh's gelding ran a fair race to finish third at Perth last time and will benefit from tackling handicap company here.

Howaboys Quest looks the one to be on in the Gregg's Pasty Post Handicap Hurdle.

Winner of two of his three starts this term, Ferdy Murphy's charge had two lengths to spare over Mantilla at Market Rasen last time. He still looks to be on the upgrade and is awarded the nap vote.

Murphy can also score with Jimmy Blues in the Duke Of Northumberland Amateur Riders' Handicap Chase.

The eight-year-old is a pretty limited performer, but in this modest affair, he can surely make a bold bid.

The Kerr McGee Novices' Hurdle looks a tight affair and there is likely to be little to choose between Ramblees Holly, The Joker and Nandoo. Slight preference is for Irish challenger The Joker, winner of two of his last three starts.

Back at Worcester, Chocolate Soldier will not easily be denied in the Clayton Moore's Birthday Maiden Hurdle.

Unbeaten in two bumpers since joining Evan Williams, the front-running five-year-old is expected to take plenty of catching.

Tomorrow's tips

Hexham

2-15 Santa Lucia; 2-50 Hollows Mill; 3-25 Howaboys Quest (NAP); 4-00 The Joker;

4-30 Jimmy Blues; 5-05 Thyne For Intersky

Worcester

2-25 Chocolate Soldier; 3-00 Commanche Hero; 3-35 Three Eagles; 4-10 Early Edition; 4-40 Flahive's First; 5-15 Renvyle

Updated: 11:31 Saturday, September 13, 2003