Dixie River can finally find opportunity knocking at Fontwell tomorrow.

Robert Alner's mare, in the frame in all her four starts this season, is strongly fancied to open her winning account in the Racecourse Video Services Novices' Handicap Chase.

The mount of Andrew Thornton, Dixie River has finished runner-up in all but one of her outings and was beaten five lengths by Aonfocaleile at Leicester last time.

There was plenty to like about the level of that performance and, with another two furlongs to travel tomorrow, Dixie River should be even more at home.

In an ordinary-looking race, the seven-year-old is awarded my Nap vote.

Satshoon, a winner on this course a fortnight ago, can follow-up in the Friends of Fontwell Tipster Competition Services Novices' Chase.

The eight-year-old, trained by Paul Nicholls, fufilled the promise of previous efforts when beating Nearly A Score by 14 lengths. Open to further improvement, Satshoon can score again with Joe Tizzard back on board.

Tikram, placed in both his outings over timber since being purchased out of Henry Cecil's yard in the autumn, can make it third-time-lucky in the Anthony Booty 50th Birthday Juvenile Novices' Hurdle.

Now trained by Gary Moore, Tikram is held in high regard and, with Norman Williamson in the saddle, he ought to be able to get his head in front here.

Ibal, a six lengths winner at Leicester last time, has good prospects of supplementing that success in the Hunters Mews Bellway Intermediate Handicap Hurdle.

At Leicester, Dower House can continue Mick Easterby's splendid winter campaign by winning the Croxton Park Novices' Hurdle.

The Sheriff Hutton gelding looked a useful recruit to hurdling when making a triumphant debut at Newcastle last month. The best of him has probably not been seen yet.

Easterby, who has his horses in great heart, can also win with Ridgeway in the Stonesby Novices' Hurdle.

A once high-class Flat horse, Ridgeway has shaped well on his two outings over hurdles so far.

The Leicester Conference Centre Handicap Hurdle looks a good opportunity for Red Imp to continue his winning ways.

Norman Mason's improving gelding has won his last three completed starts and may not have come to the end of his tether yet. The experienced Peter Ryan has the mount.

Frenchman's Creek has had mixed luck over fences so far this season, but the seven-year-old, a last-fence faller at Musselburgh when looking like winning two outings ago, can gain compensation in the Dick Christian Novices' Chase after a solid effort at Uttoxeter last time.

Tomorrow's Tips:

Fontwell

1.50 - Tikram

2.20 - Satshoon

2.50 - Ibal

3.20 - Native Novel

3.50 - Dixie River (Nap)

4.20 - Hussard

Leicester

1.40 - Ridgeway

2.10 - Diamond Beach

2.40 - Bold Action

3-10 - Red Imp

3.40 - Frenchman's Creek

4.10 - Dower House

Updated: 12:39 Monday, January 22, 2001