Aintree yesterday, Cheltenham tomorrow and a two-day Wetherby card this weekend are sure indications that the jumping campaign is now well and truly in the driving seat on the racing stage.

Redcar and Nottingham stage a double-header of Flat action tomorrow, but it is Cheltenham - the home of National Hunt racing - which produces the best sport.

Few trainers in the country can match the strength in depth Nicky Henderson has at his disposal in his Lambourn yard and he can make his presence felt at Prestbury Park.

Sound Fellow is saddled by Henderson in the opening race, the Alchemy Night Club At Chester PTA Maiden Hurdle, and this highly-promising six-year-old has strong claims.

Mick Fitzgerald's mount finished clear of the remainder when beaten only three lengths into second by Miss Cool in a bumper at Chepstow on his debut last month. He is expected to make the grade over hurdles and can start on a winning note right here.

Henderson and Fitzgerald can also clinch the Club 16-24 Novices' Handicap Chase with Montpelier.

The seven-year-old made a triumphant start to his fencing career at Hereford and, although he has more on his plate here, a follow-up looks on the cards.

Mark Pitman, whose stable-star Monsignor, last season's outstanding young hurdler, has suffered a slight setback which will delay his keenly-awaited reappearance, can land the featured cheltnham.co.uk Handicap Hurdle with Run For Paddy.

Timmy Murphy's mount has won his last two races in the style of a progressive performer and had five lengths to spare over Crack Regiment at Fontwell last time.

Tony McCoy, who can do little wrong at present, and who rode a four-timer at Aintree yesterday, can add to his score aboard Deferlant in the Permit Trainers' Association Juvenile Novices' Hurdle.

At Redcar, where quantity outweighs quality on a typical back-end Flat programme, sponsored by the Racing Channel, Kevin Darley can continue his merry dance towards his first championship.

The Sheriff Hutton jockey looks to have bright prospects of adding to his tally of winners aboard the promising How Do I Know (1.55) and Royal Romeo (3.00).

Rymer's Rascal is not the easiest of horses to win with, but Eric Alston's gelding is in rude health at present and deserves support in the Come Home To The Racing Channel Handicap over a mile.

Michael Fenton's mount won over this course and distance two outings ago and has since run a cracking race to finish fourth to I Cried For You over an inadequate seven furlongs at York.

Tricky customer, though he is, Rymer's Rascal is napped to get back on the winning trail here as he steps back up to his best distance.

Top tips: Cheltenham: 2.15 Sound Fellow; 2.50 Montpelier; 3.25 Run For Paddy; 4.00. Deferlant; 4.35 Country Store; 5.10 Brambly Hedge.

Redcar: 1.55 How Do I Know; 2.25 Rock Scene; 3.00 Royal Romeo; 3.35 Rymer's Rascal(Nap); 4.10 Mutarased; 4.45 Angus-G; 5.20.Arona.