Sad Mad Bad, who bypassed a Cheltenham engagement earlier in the week, can make his presence felt instead in the big race at Uttoxeter tomorrow.

The £80,000 Marstons Pedigree Midlands Grand National takes pride of place on the BBC1 televised card and Mary Reveley's charge is awarded the nap vote.

Twice a winner this season, Sad Mad Bad might well have completed a hat-trick at Newcastle last month had he not fallen at the fourth-last fence, when travelling well just behind the leaders, in the Eider National.

Valuable compensation awaits the eight-year-old in tomorrow's long-distance event, which has been chosen on his behalf in favour of the Kim Muir Chase at Cheltenham. A bold bid is anticipated.

Tom George enjoyed the thrill of his career when Galileo scored for him at the Festival, and the Gloucestershire trainer can end a joyful week on a high note.

George saddles Suntas in the Tote Credit Club Novices' Handicap Chase and this progressive mare, who failed to stay four miles-plus at Newcastle last time, deserves every attention over this shorter distance.

Mick Fitzgerald failed to ride a Cheltenham winner, but he could enjoy better luck aboard Ifni Du Luc in the Tattersalls (Ireland) Mares' Novices' Chase Final.

Trained by Nicky Henderson, the six-year-old has made a successful transition from hurdles to fences and is chasing her third win of the season after a superb effort to beat Direct Access at Haydock last time.

Channel Four cameras will be at Newcastle where Firetree looks the business in the featured Cantor Sport Handicap Hurdle. Jonjo O'Neill's gelding, formerly based in Ireland, has won two races this season, most recently at Huntingdon. On the upgrade, he can win again.

Sireric has good claims in the Cantor Sport Handicap Chase.

The 12-year-old may be in the twighlight of his career but shows no signs of his veteran status and has finished in the frame on all four of his starts this season. A previous course and distance winner, he should go well.

Stone Cold got off the mark at Doncaster a fortnight ago and Tim Easterby's charge could well oblige again in the Spreadfree Betting With Cantor Sport Handicap Chase.

The five-year-old had been tried over longer distances earlier this season, but two miles seems ideal and he could well be on a roll.

Tomorrow's tips:

Uttoxeter

1-20 Ifni Du Luc; 1-50 Suntas; 2-25 Sad Mad Bad (NAP); 3-00 Trading Trouble; 3-35 Vrin; 4-05 Arctic Fancy; 4-35 Let's Fly.

Newcastle

2-15 Bobayaro; 2-45 Stone Cold; 3-20 Firetree; 3-55 Sireric; 4-25 Lord Sandrovitch; 4-55 Parade Racer; 5-30 The Nomad.

Updated: 13:00 Friday, March 15, 2002