WITH some light rain forecast for this afternoon's meeting at Musselburgh, Clouding Over (2.00) could prove to be a topical tip in the opening Anderson Strathern Novices Handicap Hurdle.

The Keith Reveley-trained filly did well to finish in third spot at Huntingdon last week, when she was unceremoniously barged by another horse on the home turn and crashed into the rails, losing vital momentum.

It was an unfortunate incident, although these things are part-and-parcel of racing, and Keith has responded by sending Clouding Over straight back to the table in the hope she can serve it up to her rivals and land some each-way bets in the £7,000 event.

Howard Johnson's Credit will go to post as market leader for the £20,000 Scottish Triumph Hurdle Trial, but in an effort to unearth a little better value, Always Flying (3.00) gets the nod.

Noel Wilson's juvenile is gradually getting the hang of jumping, nor did he run badly on the flat at Wolverhampton 12 days ago.

It's true he tore off like a scalded cat at the Midlands venue, however similar tactics won't necessarily go amiss today since front-runners have quite a good record at the track.

Alan Swinbank took the precaution of giving Far Pavilions (4.00) a spin on the level at Wolverhampton in January, a clever ploy which could bring reward in by some way the best race on the card, the Scottish County Hurdle Trial.

Petrula, Misty Dancer, and Alrafrid, all the way up from Brighton in Sussex, must enter calculations for the two-mile-and-one-furlong contest, but Far Pavilions is unbeaten on two visits to the course.

Provided he's not too ring-rusty he has the class to waltz away with the money.

Leicester's hurdle track is waterlogged and as a result all six races are scheduled to take place over fences.

The Wren Handicap Chase features an old-timer of significant interest in the guise of Jaffa (2.40), who despite being a 13-year-old, might easily show his much younger rivals a clean pair of heels.

Jill Wormall's veteran goes particularly well after absence, so punters need not be put off by his 325-day break from action.

In addition, it's a matter of fact that in the capable hands of amateur rider, Robert Armson, Jaffa won on his sole sortie to the track last season, which can only be considered as further encouragement to get financially involved.

Nicky Henderson's horses are currently on the crest of a wave, having been laid low for most of the past six weeks with a debilitating virus.

It may well have been the aforementioned bug that fettled Bernini when he was pulled up at Ludlow in early January. Clearly Henderson is happy that his charge is now fully recovered, paving the way for a first success over fences in the Cottesbrooke Maiden Chase.

l Yesterday's gallops whisper, Mr Spliffy, showed the value of our Winner Finder feature by romping home at 14-1.