Cumbrian Challenge, who produced a shock at Wetherby's Christmas meeting when winning the £30,000 Castleford Chase, is set for a big pay-day at Ascot tomorrow.

Tim Easterby's evergreen gelding lines-up for the Victor Chandler Chase and can lift the lion's share of the £45,000 prize money.Cumbrian Challenge, who started the outsider of five when beating Direct Route in the Castleford Chase, was running for the second time in 48 hours.

On his earlier attempt on the same course he was beaten no fewer than 31 lengths into fourth place by Eirespray over two and half miles.

Significantly, he wore a tongue-strap for the first time in his career on his latest outing and will again be equipped with the breathing aid tomorrow.

Although a Wetherby specialist - nine of his 15 wins have been gained there - Cumbrian Challenge has notched two wins at Ascot over tomorrow's distance of two miles.

With Lorcan Wyer suspended, the ride on Cumbrian Challenge goes to Norman Williamson, who continued his excellent form by riding two winners at Wetherby yesterday.

Williamson can surely look now forward to a good ride on Cumbrian Challenge.

The Victor Chandler For Football Handicap Hurdle offers Tiutchev an excellent opportunity to get back on the winning trail.

David Nicholson's six-year-old fell at Kempton's Christmas meeting but had previously run out a very impressive winner at Cheltenham. He reamins a most progressive performer and certainly one to have on your side.

The feature race at Newcastle is the £20,000 Northern Echo Dipper Novices' Chase in which Master Nova can provide Julie Camacho with her biggest success since taking over from her father Maurice twelve months ago.

Master Nova got off the mark over this course two months ago when lading a very easy success. Although not seen out since, the nine-year-old commands plenty of respect tomorrow and is a tempting alternative to the likely hot favourite No Retreat.

Stamina will be at a premium in the Ramside Event Catering Handicap Chase over three and threequarter miles, which will suit Nap selection Peter, an out-and-out stayer, down to the ground.

Mary Reveley can take the £10,000 Hennessy Cognac Special Series Novices' Hurdle Qualifier with Lord Lamb, unbeaten in three starts this season and a horse with an unmistakable touch of class.

Tomorrow's tips

ASCOT:

1.15 Kingsmark,

1.45 Fourth In Line,

2.20 Cumbrian Challenge,

2.50 Tiutchev,

3.20 Princeful,

3.55 Burundi.

NEWCASTLE:

12.40 Dangerman,

1.10 Peter (Nap),

1.40 Lord Lamb,

2.10 Moss Pageant,

2.50 Birkdale,

3.25 Master Vova,

4.00 Supreme Fortune.

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