by Tom O'Ryan

Trainer Robert Alner and jockey Andrew Thornton, the winning partnership with Cool Dawn in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last week, can continue their splendid run of form tomorrow.

They will be represented by Philatelic in the Bundy (UK) Handicap Chase at Ludlow, and this promising seven-year-old is Napped to return to the winning trail.

Lightly-raced Philatelic has had only four outings this season and has finished in the money on each occasion. On his latest start, at Leicester three weeks ago, he finished a five lengths second to Debt of Honour after looking to have the winner's measure most of the way up the home straight.

Doctoor should have too much fire-power for his rivals in the Seifton Claiming Hurdle. A former high-class handicapper Doctoor is nothing like the force he once was, but Martin Pipe successfully dropped him into claiming company at Doncaster earlier this month and this looks another suitable opportunity for the eight-year-old to shine.

In the Racing Channel Handicap Hurdle, it could be worth giving another chance to Pridewood Picker, a previous scorer over this course and distance.

The 11-year-old started favourite in a selling race at Taunton last time and, after looking all over the winner at the second-last, found nothing under pressure and was beaten two lengths into second by Blade of Fortune. This slightly shorter distance and faster ground may bring the required extra response.

At Towcester, Ramallah will take all the besting in the Farthingstone Handicap Chase.

Twice a winner this season, Mick Fitzgerald's mount came home six lengths clear of Fashion Maker on this course on his latest outing a fortnight ago. Tomorrow's extra three furlongs should not inconvenience Ramallah.

In the Litchborough Handicap Hurdle, Riverbank Rose on her best form, has strong claims in the hands of Glenn Tormey, a former Norton-based rider now attached to Philip Hobbs' Minehead stable.

Riverbank Rose, trained by Bill Clay, has won one of her three starts this season and returns to action here after a six-week break following a below-par effort at Ludlow. An improved display is anticipated.

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