DAN de MAN, a fast-improving performer trained at Colton near Tadcaster by Lynn Siddall, is napped to underline his burgeoning prowess at Newbury tomorrow.

The seven-year-old, winner of two of his last three races, is strongly fancied to chalk up another victory - provided the rain stays away.

Both of Dan de Man's wins - at Newcastle and Doncaster - have come on good ground, which is forecast for Newbury tomorrow.

But in between he finished unplaced at Wetherby, where his inability to cope with the soft ground that day was blamed for his below-par performance.

On his latest start, at Doncaster a fortnight ago, Dan de Man was always travelling easily. After striking the front at the final flight he sprinted clear on the run-in to beat Pentland Squire by a resounding eight lengths.

Although he has more on his plate tomorrow Dan de Man is considered equal to his task in the hands of Martin Foster.

Sierra Bay, bidding for a hat-trick in the Hampshire Handicap Chase, will be a tough nut to crack.

Oliver Sherwood's progressive gelding has never looked back since running out on his chasing debut at Warwick. Having got off the mark at Folkestone, Sierra Bay followed-up with runaway win from Pegmarine at Huntingdon at the end of last month.

Clearly a horse in form, he can make the most of a lenient weight in this handicap over and extended two miles.

The Stroud Green Juvenile Novices' Hurdle looks best left to Zafarabad, impressive winner of both his races over timer this season.

David Nicholson's charge, successful at Cheltenham and Kempton, is ante-post favourite for the Triumph Hurdle at next month's Cheltenham Festival. He is not expected to tarnish his reputation with a defeat tomorrow.

At Bangor, Mister Blake makes plenty of appeal in the Old Hall Estates Handicap Chase over three miles and six furlongs.Richard Lee's eight-year-old has no stamina doubts, having won by 20 lengths over an extended four miles here in December.

Remarkably a winner over six furlongs on the Flat earlier in his career, Mister Blake can use his proven staying power to good use tomorrow with Norman Williamson in the saddle.

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