Kauto Star is the potential star attraction at Aintree tomorrow as he makes his eagerly-awaited reappearance to begin his quest to become this season's top two-mile chaser.

Trainer Paul Nicholls has never disguised his admiration for this lightly-raced gelding, who was confined to only three outings last season.

Unfortunately, Kauto Star, easy winner of the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown last December, hit the deck at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

After being sent off a hot favourite to clinch the Queen Mother Champion Chase, he crashed out at the third fence and was not seen out again.

Reported to be in good order for his reappearance in the Old Roan Handicap Chase tomorrow, Kauto Star will have the assistance of the peerless Ruby Walsh as he returns to action in a not-to-be-missed race.

Nicholls and Walsh can also land the Digital Prints Chase with Turko, who will be bidding to follow in the hoofprints of Star de Mohaison, who won this contest for the same trainer and jockey last season.

A smart juvenile hurdler last term, Turko appeals as the type to make an even bigger impression over fences and it is significant that Nicholls has elected to send him chasing so relatively early in his career. Although Alan King is strongly represented by Il Duce, Turko makes plenty of appeal.

While the number of runners at Aintree is slightly on the disappointing side, there is no lacking in quality throughout the card.

Also worthy of close attention is the opening race, the Bonusprint.com Liverpool Echo Novices' Hurdle, which brings together such promising jumping recruits as Pangbourne, Silverburn and Witchita Lineman.

My preference is for Witchita Lineman, trained by the in-form Jonjo O'Neill, and a horse who showed a high level of form last term.

At Wincanton, the £35,000 Fieldspring Desert Orchid Silver Salver Handicap Chase takes pride of place and the tough McElvey should make a bold bid.

Peter Bowen's smart performer underlined his well-being in the Summer National at Uttoxeter on his latest outing in July.

From a stable whose runners seldom fail through lack of fitness, he should be ready to do himself justice once more after his break and, at the age of seven, may be a horse with further scope to progress.

Pepporoni Pete represents Paul Nicholls in the opening race, the AJC Caterers Novices' Hurdle, and this exciting prospect is strongly fancied to start his season on a winning note on a course where he was successful last term. He is awarded the nap vote.

Also worthy of serious consideration is the consistent Jarro, who can resume winning ways in the Robert Alner Owners & Friends Handicap Chase.

Tomorrow's tips

Aintree 2.15 Witchita Lineman, 2.50 Irish Wolf, 3.20 Turko, 3.50 Kauto Star, 4.25 Launde, 5.00 Go On Line.

Wincanton 1.35 Pepporoni Pete (Nap), 2.05 So Now, 2.35 Irish Raptor, 3.10 Mohawk Star, 3.40 Jarro, 4.15 McElvey, 4.50 Closed Shop.

Tomorrow's other meeting: Towcester.