Linden's Lotto, a specialist over all types of obstacles, can win the Sporting Index Cross-Country Chase for the third year in succession at Cheltenham tomorrow.

The gelding, trained in Ireland by the shrewd Tony Martin, excels on this unique course as he proved when winning the corresponding race 12 months ago by a length from Linton Rocks.

Linden's Lotto has had a recent run over hurdles and another on the Flat to prime him for this target. Another bullseye hit looks likely.

Armchair punters can look forward to four races televised on Channel 4 from Cheltenham, including the Mitsubishi Shogun Trophy Chase, in which Jungli will be hard to beat.

Paul Webber's spring-heeled jumper underlined his well-being when making a successful reappearance at Wetherby recently.

Jimmy McCarthy again has the mount tomorrow as Jungli bids to add this £20,000 handicap to his takings. He is awarded the nap vote.

Hopes are high that Newcastle's meeting will go ahead as planned and Mick Easterby will certainly be hoping that it does.

The Sheriff Hutton trainer can land the Newcastle Flooring Handicap Chase with Flat Top, whose two runs this season have resulted in a win at Hexham and a creditable runner-up effort at Southwell.

Easterby can also capture the Christmas Party Venue Handicap Chase with Minster Glory, who finished second on his recent reappearance at Wetherby.

The nine-year-old seems to go well on this course and, like Flat Top, will have the excellent assistance of Tony Dobbin.

Mister McGoldrick (12-55), who showed a liking for testing ground on the Flat, is an interesting recruit to hurdling and looks worthy of attention, while Flighty Leader (3-15) is overdue a winning turn.

Prospects of racing at Wetherby on Sunday are reported to have improved.

But officials at the track will still hold an inspection at 7.30 tomorrow morning to assess the situation.

James Sanderson, general manager, said: "I'd say the course has improved a lot over the last 24 hours. Most of the standing water has gone and the track is stabilising.

"We are more optimistic. However, tomorrow's inspection might not be conclusive."

Top tips: Cheltenham:1.15 Tiraldi; 1.50 Jungli (NAP); 2.25 Green Card; 3.00 Linden's Lotto; 3.35 You're Agoodun; 4.05 Festival Leader.

Newcastle: 12.55 Mister McGoldrick; 1.30 Grey Abbey; 2.05 Joe Di Capo; 2.40 Flat Top; 3.15 Flighty Leader; 3.45 Minster Glory