THE COCKERTOO, runner-up in both his races since scoring at Southwell in October, is napped to bounce back to winning form at Wincanton tomorrow.

The Robert Alner-trained gelding, a former point-to-pointer, bids for the Sunley Bay Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Chase and will have the invaluable services of the accomplished Joe Tizzard.

An easy winner at Southwell on his reappearance, The Cockertoo went on to finish a good second to Piper's Rock at Plumpton next time when running over an inadequate distance.

Returning to action over this course and distance last month, the seven-year-old failed by only threequarters of a length to get the better of Derrymore Mist in a race that has worked out well. Both the third and fourth that day have since gone on to score.

The Cockertoo figures at the right end of the handicap in tomorrow's race and this consistent performer is confidently selected to get back on the glory trail.

Neat Feat can show his rivals a clean pair of heels in the Manston Handicap Hurdle.

David Elsworth's charge, twice a winner on this course, finished a good second to Real Estate at Ascot on his latest outing. A reproduction of that form tomorrow would make him hard to beat. Paul Holley has the mount.

Elsworth and Holley can also lift the Chard Juvenile Novices' Hurdle with Tales Of Bounty.

This promising performer, who showed definite signs of ability on the Flat, shaped well on his hurdling debut at Ascot 12 days ago to chase home the useful and more experienced pair Miss Orphan and Navarre Samson.

Tales of Bounty has less on his plate tomorrow and is taken to win.

At Leicester, Capenwray can complete a hat-trick of successes by winning the £10,000 49's Mallard Pawnbroker Handicap Chase.

A most progressive chaser, Jeff King's nine-year-old won five times last term as a novice and has won his last two starts, both handicap events at Cheltenham.

He remains on the upgrade and can give Tony Dobbin a ride to savour tomorrow.

Top weight may not stop Nessun Doro in the Waltham Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle.

In the frame in all his three outings this season, Nessun Doro was beaten just over a length into fourth place behind Lord Richfield at Uttoxeter last week and deserves to get his head in front this time.

The Knighton Novices' Hurdle offers Dacha the opportunity to open his winning account over timber.

Brendan Powell's mount, who showed some fair form on the Flat, was beaten only a head by Burundi on his jumping debut over this course and distance a couple of week ago. He can now go one better.

Also worth noting at Leicester is Captain Marmalade, who should be in peak form for the Barkby Selling Handicap Hurdle after an outing on the Flat just under a fortnight ago.

Bigger prize money

THE British Horseracing Board have announced increased minimum values for races in Classes B, C and D on the Flat and over jumps from January 1.

Listed Flat races for three-year-olds and upwards will be worth a minimum of £20,000 (up by £2,000). National Hunt Flat races also receive a boost in recognition of their role in catering for purpose-bred jumpers.

The minimum is unchanged for races in Classes E, F and G, which are generally contested by less talented horses.

Funds for the increases come for a £2 million prize money injection by the Levy Board.

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