KING REVO travels to Uttoxeter today in a bid to join the exclusive club of horses to have won on the Flat, over hurdles, and now fences.

The first two entry qualifications were completed long ago, but passing the final test is often the most difficult and the St Mowden Beginners' Chase is certainly no walk-over.

It took King Revo quite a while to warm up on his initial try over the bigger obstacles at Ayr, but by the end of the contest he was jumping far more slickly and moving with greater purpose.

From a form point of view it's always encouraging to see an individual gaining ground at the climax of their races, therefore Middleham trainer Patrick Haslam must be full of hope that King Revo can claim his place in the record books.

Just over the other side of Wensleydale, Haslam's near neighbour, Ferdy Murphy, also has victory ambitions at the Midlands venue.

Despite a massive 556-day absence, any market plunges for Ferdy's Barton Sun (12.15) deserve the utmost respect, while the admirable Negus de Beaumont (2.25) bids for a fantastic four-timer in the David Fitzgerald Memorial Handicap.

Negus de Beaumont enjoyed a memorable month in November, notching successive wins at Newcastle, Sedgefield, and Ayr, a lucrative hat-trick which has resulted in a 22lb rise in the weights.

Most thoroughbreds would be stopped in their tracks with so much extra to carry, but Murphy's five-year-old is built like a bulldozer and seemingly well capable of giving the handicapper a few more headaches.

Some would say Malton handler John Quinn has lost his marbles by sending the novice Aleron (3.10) down to Ascot in an attempt to beat a bunch of seasoned chasers.

It's more a case of he who dares wins, and Aleron performed well enough on his Wetherby fencing debut to suggest an each-way bet at rewarding odds could be worthwhile.

The nap vote belongs to Kempton raider, Imperium (4.20), who has won two of his last three, including a hard-fought triumph over track and trip.