Batswing, on course for next month's Cheltenham Festival, bids to make it three wins from three runs over fences at Sedgefield tomorrow.
The seven-year-old, trained at Norton by Brian Ellison, goes for the Scotchhils Holsteins Novices' Chase, a race won last year by his stable-mate Latalomne.
Batswing is following an identical route as Latalomne, who preceded his Sedgefield success 12 months ago with a brace of wins at Musselburgh.
Batswing has done exactly the same and Ellison is now aiming to saddle him in the Grand Annual Handicap Chase at the Festival, provided all goes well tomorrow.
A former useful handicap hurdler, Batswing is a smart recruit to the chasing game and looks good for his hat-trick bid. Vinny Keane again has the mount.
The Tote Bookmakers Handicap Hurdle offers nap selection Harry Hooly the chance to chalk-up his third win from four outings.
The seven-year-old, trained under permit by Harriet Graham, gained his latest success over this course and marathon distance when beating Brian James by three-quarters of a length.
He has more on his plate tomorrow, but remains on an attractive handicap mark and is expected to take all the beating.
Edwin Tuer, based near Darlington, likes nothing better than a winner at his local track and Through The Rye could provide the trainer with just that in the Harry Lane Memorial Handicap Hurdle.
The six-year-old bounced back to form when scoring at Musselburgh last week and a 7lb penalty may not be enough to prevent him from obliging again.
Sheriff Hutton trainer Tim Walford can land the Alan Merrigan Memorial Handicap Chase with Donnegale, a previous winner over this course and distance.
Later in the afternoon, Tim's wife, owner-trainer Gill Walford and their amateur-rider son Mark team-up with recent point-to-point winner Clashbridane in the South Durham Novices' Hunters' Chase. A bold bid is expected.
At Folkestone, a note should be made of Follow The Trend in the Levy Board Handicap Chase.
Henry Oliver's mount has been in cracking form lately, winning his last two races, including one over this course and distance. A hat-trick looks on the cards.
Tommorow's tips:
SEDGEFIELD
1-50 Court Of Appeal
2-20 Donnegale
2-50 Through The Rye
3-20 Batswing
3-50 Harry Hooly (NAP)
4-20 Clashbridane
4-50 Mindanao
Folkestone
2-00 Raw Silk
2-30 Follow The Trend
3-00 Nouveau Cheval
3-30 Castle Prince
4-00 Call Me Ash
4-30 Early Morning Call
5-00 Secret Drinker
Updated: 12:29 Monday, February 18, 2002
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