The Bajan Bandit, who has the Cheltenham Festival at the top of his agenda this season, can remain firmly on track for his March objective by extending his unbeaten sequence at Carlisle tomorrow.

The exciting six-year-old goes for the Viacom Outdoor Novices' Hurdle and, sure to be sent off at cramped odds, is impossible to oppose.

Last season's outstanding bumper horse, The Bajan Bandit made a successful hurdling debut at Ayr 11 days ago when he totally outclassed a modest field.

A horse held in the highest regard by his connections, The Bajan Bandit can continue his successful rise to the top here in the hands of Tony Dobbin.

Half-an-hour later Lungo and Dobbin will again be strongly represented by Direct Access in the Viacom Outdoor Novices' Chase.

Another horse with long-term Cheltenham pretensions, Direct Access, a former smart hurdler, barely put a foot wrong when winning here on his chasing bow earlier this month.

A high-class recruit to the fencing ranks, the six-year-old will be very hard to beat.

Nicky Tinkler will be on tomorrow's Nap selection, Needwood Spirit in the Viacom Outdoor Amateur Riders' Handicap Hurdle.

Malton-based Tinkler, a highly capable rider, can surely look forward to a bold show from Muriel Naughton's proven stayer, who underlined his well-being when bolting home on this course earlier in the month.

That race was over two miles and one furlong and tomorrow's longer trip will suit him even better. He should prove hard to beat.

At Taunton, the Martin Pipe-Tony McCoy partnership can score with Image de Marque ll (1.00), Royal Cayras (1.30) and Jean D'Auteuil (2.00).

Tomorrow's tips

Carlisle

12.50 The Bajan Bandit, 1.20 Direct Access, 1.50 Exstoto, 2.20 Hugo de Grez

2.50 Totally Scottish, 3.20 Needwood Spirit (Nap).

Taunton

1.00 Image de Marque ll, 1.30 Royal Cayras, 2.00 Jean D'Auteuil, 2.30 Swindle, 3.00 Knock Leader, 3.30 Boater.

Uttoxeter

12.40 Perchancer, 1.10 Thrill A Minute, 1.40 Wee Jimmy, 2.10 Colourful Life, 2.40 First Truth, 3.10 Flinders Chase, 3.40 Barbizon.

Updated: 14:04 Wednesday, November 28, 2001