Barton, the big chasing hope of Ryedale this season, is the star attraction at Newcastle tomorrow as he bids to open his winning account over fences.

This top-notch hurdler, trained by Tim Easterby, was beaten at odds-on on his debut over the major obstacles at Wetherby a fortnight ago, but is expected to put the record straight this time.

Barton, who was running over an inadequate two miles at Wetherby, found himself outrun in the closing stages by October Mist, a highly-regarded inmate from Mary Reveley's stable.

Tomorrow, Barton steps up two and a half miles in the Newcastle Flooring Novices' Chase and will again have Tony Dobbin in the saddle.

Winner of nine of his 12 starts over hurdles, Barton has the potential to also go to the top of the tree over fences.

He jumped well in the main at Wetherby and, sure to have benefitted from that experience, will go off at skinny odds tomorrow as he bids to elevate himself to his familiar number-one spot.

Easterby looks set to enjoy a profitable afternoon.

The Great Habton handler also has good prospects with Magic Waters, whose two creditable efforts at Wetherby in recent weeks, entitles him to plenty of respect in the In The Know Magazine Juvenile Novices' Hurdle. Russ Garritty, back from a broken collar-bone, has the mount.

Turgeonev can be another winner for Garritty and Easterby in the Children In Need Handicap Chase.

Formerly trained by Micky Hammond, this smart performer finished a good fourth on his debut for Easterby at Wetherby two weeks ago. He should go well here.

The betsmart.co.uk Handicap Chase could be a winning opportunity for Mick Easterby, uncle of Tim.

The Sheriff Hutton trainer saddles Flat Top, a previous course and distance winner, who should be all the better for his recent comeback outing at Aintree.

Tomorrow's televised action comes from Cheltenham, the first of three cracking days' racing from the headquarters of National Hunt racing.

The £30,000 Sporting Index Chase, over a cross-country course, promises to be a fascinating race, as always, and the unique demands are expected to bring out the best in Village King, trained by the in-form Philip Hobbs.

The eight-year-old goes well fresh and is napped to hit the ground running on his first run of the season.

Paddy's Return, from Ferdy Murphy's Middleham yard, has strong claims in the first of the Channel 4 races, the Thomas Pink Amateur Riders' Handicap Chase.

Murphy has another good chance of starring on the silver screen, courtesy of Ichi Beau in the Ernest and Julio Gallo Trophy Chase, while the exciting Midland Flame can make it a hat-trick of wins this season for Henrietta Knight by taking the £25,000 Gerrard Novices' Hurdle.

Newcastle

12.50 .......................Magic Waters

1.20 ......................Barton

1.55 ......................Another Chance

2.30 ......................Flat Top

3.05 ......................Dan De Man

3.40 ......................Turgeonev

Cheltenham

1.10 ......................Paddy's Return

1.45 ......................Ichi Beau

2.20 ......................Midland Flame

2.55 ......................Village King (Nap)

3.30 ......................Southern Star

4.00 ......................Henry Island

Updated: 10:55 Thursday, November 15, 2001