SLICK-JUMPER Interdit (12.35) has the power to run his rivals ragged in the Go Racing In Yorkshire Handicap Chase at Wetherby this afternoon.

The headstrong six-year-old put in some really spectacular leaps when towing along a useful-looking field for the best part of three miles at Kelso last time out. It was a dashing performance that on many an occasion would have brought a deserved victory, however, try hard as he did, Interdit could not repel the late charge of Len Lungo's classy Direct Access.

Interdit, a winner at Ludlow in October over a similar distance when trained by Philip Hobbs, is now in the care of Borders' Permit Holder Mrs Billie Thomson.

Recognised as being something of a shrewdie in the point-to-point sphere, Mrs Thomson appears to have spent her money wisely on Interdit, who looks poised to win for her at only the second time of asking.

There could be a minor upset in the opening Emley Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle if Bengal Boy (12.00) can defy a 172-day absence. Trainer Peter Beaumont is not particularly well-known for getting his horses 100 per cent fit following their summer vacations, but such is the poor quality of the opposition, Bengal Boy might not need to be fully wound up in order to get his own way.

The most valuable contest on the card, the £16,000 Convergent Telecom Chase, has attracted some decent southern raiders, notably Abalvino (2.20) from Paul Webber's stables at Wantage.

Two miles and soft ground suit Abalvino admirably, strengths he rammed home in no uncertain fashion when powering to victory in an equally competitive race at Stratford in December 2001.

For the record, Abalvino goes especially well when fresh - an important factor when assessing the merits of a horse returning from a near eight-month absence. And if any further encouragement is required, there's also the presence of the much-improved Tom Doyle in the saddle.

Mary Reveley runs three - Northern Native (3.30), Royal Meg, and Shaluji, in the closing Doncaster Bloodstock Mares' Only National Hunt Race.

The last-named pair are making their debuts, although unless either attract significant market support better to stick with the far more experienced Northern Native, yet to finish out of the frame in three starts to date.

Mary should also be on the mark with Bhutan (1.20), her long-distance raider at Chepstow.

The somewhat inconsistent Bhutan has been called a few names in the past - not all of them of a complimentary nature.

Nonetheless if the Sunday Market Selling Hurdle were a handicap, he'd be giving away lumps of weight to the majority of the opposition, proving just how "well in" he is according to the official ratings.

Best bet at Lingfield is High Point (3.20), stepping up to the trip of two miles for the first time. Gerry Enright's four-year-old has already proved to be a real money-spinner on the polytrack at slightly shorter distances. High Point's hold-up style has got to be a plus point over the new longer trip, not to mention the fact the selection has attracted the services of the talented apprentice Tony Quinn.

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