Former history-making jockey Peter Niven, now making a name for himself as a trainer, can make his presence felt at Ayr tomorrow.

Niven, who is based at Barton-Le-Street on the outskirts of Malton, can score with Mister Friday, a winner on the same course two weeks ago.

A progressive performer, the six-year-old bounded home with eight lengths to spare on his third and latest outing, leaving the impression that better things were in store.

Niven, one of only a handful of jump-jockeys to have ridden more than 1,000 winners in Britain, has significantly returned Mister Friday to the same course for the Thistle Novices' Handicap Hurdle.

Padge Whelan again has the mount on the local gelding, who should relish tomorrow's step up to three miles. He is awarded my Nap vote.

Kerry Lads, another recent course winner, is fancied to defy top-weight in the Hamilton Campbell Handicap.

Lucinda Russell's charge is nothing if not consistent and, with Wilson Renwick in the saddle, he should be difficult to beat.

Renwick, on board a winner at Carlisle yesterday, can also lift the Ayrshire Yeomanry Cup Handicap Hurdle on Zamat, yet another recent course winner.

Peter Monteith's seven-year-old battled home threequarters of a length ahead of the in-form Talarive on his latest start. That looks solid form.

At Sandown, the £50,000 Sunerlands Imperial Cup takes pride of place. Martin Pipe has a great record in this event and the Somerset trainer can add to his tally of winners with Korelo.

A good winner at Ascot last month, Korelo looks a horse one step ahead of the handicapper. Success tomorrow could well set him up for a quick reapparance at Cheltenham next week.

Sandown's action can start with a Royal success, courtesy of First Love, carrying the Queen's colours, having previously been owned by the late Queen Mother.

Trained by Nicky Henderson, this talented seven-year-old broke his duck over fences in good style at Folkestone last time. He has more on his plate here, but is expected to prove hard to beat under Mick Fitzgerald.

The European Breeders Fund 'National Hunt' Novices' Handicap Hurdle Final shares top billing on the Esher programme and this £50,000 event looks a good opportunity for the aptly-named Handy Money.

Mick Ryan's charge justified favouritism at Doncaster recently. He has more to do this time, but, off the bottom of the handicap should go well under Robert Thornton.

Tomorrow's tips

AYR

1.50 Fundamental, 2.25 Another General, 2.55 Mister Friday (Nap), 3.30 Kerry Lads, 4.05 Zamat, 4.40 Mumbai, 5.10 Cordilla.

Sandown

1.55 First Love, 2.30 Handy Money, 3.05 Korelo, 3.40 Odagh Odyssey, 4.10 Brooklyn Breeze, 4.45 Skinsey Finnegan, 5.20 Mister Flint.

CHEPSTOW

1.45 Majority Verdict, 2.15 Cobreces, 2.50 Bak To Bill, 3.25 Robyn Alexander, 3.55 Indalo, 4.30 Miniature Rose, 5.05 Over Zealous.

wolverhampton

Televised races: 1.40 Sir Desmond, 2.10 Creskeld.

Tomorrow's other meeting is at Warwick.

Updated: 14:10 Friday, March 07, 2003