COTTSTOWN BOY (5.20) looks the lad to follow in the Ballathle House Handicap Hurdle at Perth this afternoon.

There's no substitute for digging deep into the form book when trying to unearth the best value in such contests and on a point of handicapping, Sue Bradburne's ten-year-old has dropped back to the sort of mark off which he is entitled to make his presence felt.

Last term Cottstown Boy had little difficulty holding his own on a rating of 115, so the fact that he has plummeted to 102 suggests this is the time to "lump on", especially as he ran such an encouraging back-to-form third to The Pickled Duke at Haydock in March.

Mary Reveley's representatives are always to be feared at the Scottish track and Terdad (2.20) has the ability to get backers away to a winning start in the opening two-mile Selling Handicap Hurdle.

The selection has already posted one previous course-and-distance victory and if performing to his very best should be able to provide Peter Niven with his elusive 1,000th winner over jumps.

Tony McCoy doesn't make too many sorties north of the border but when he does it normally pays dividends to side with the reigning champion jockey.

And there's certainly plenty to like about his conveyance, Spring Margot, in the £12,000 Nelson Morrison Future Champions Novices' Hurdle (3.20).

The rapidly-improving five-year-old appears to thrive on the Scottish air.

He made mincemeat of a decent field at Ayr just six days ago and there is no reason why he shouldn't complete a quick-fire double.

The only other action of the day is also a National Hunt fixture, although Fontwell's unique figure of eight configuration could hardly be more different to Perth's ultra-tight right-handed lay-out.

Midnight Emperor (2.00) has decent prospects of justifying favouritism in the first on the card, the Royal Racing Maiden Hurdle.

Timmy Murphy's mount ran a blinder when chasing home Another Raleagh at Wincanton, where he was well clear of the third-home Peerless Mountain, who in turn had a further 15 rivals well beaten.

Blackwater Bay (2.30) is a long shot with a better-than-average chance in the Weddings Handicap Hurdle.

Newcastle regulars will recall Jim Neville's mare obliging under an enterprising ride by Richard Johnson at the Tyneside venue last season. She's not won since, though there were definite signs of a revival behind Mercato at the course just over a month ago.

Provided Montifault (3.00) has recovered from the titanic tussle he had when runner-up to Saturday's winning nap Carbury Cross, the £10,000 I.K. Cup is there for the taking.

The journey from Ayr to Ditcheat, and then over to Fontwell, might also have taken its toll on Montifault, consequently stakes are recommended to be kept to a minimum.

Nevertheless he is the class horse of the race, so could prevail even if he's not quite 100 per cent.

The outcome of the marathon three-mile-and-three-furlong George Gale Handicap Hurdle very much depends on how much of the forecast rain falls in the area.

If conditions stay reasonably fast, Kingsdown Trix gets the nod. But if it gets really soft, The Lady Scores (4.00) will be in her element.

l Janus (Colin Woods) continued to hammer the bookies' yesterday when 11-2 nap selection Roman King obliged with ease at Epsom.