DONALD McCain can strike gold with Cloudy Joker in the Betfred Novices’ Handicap Hurdle Race Final at Sedgefield.

He qualified for this race when finishing second at the track back in October but has since been campaigned over fences, winning three of his fours starts.

He struggled on soft ground when beaten into second on his last run and this better ground combined with a 5lb lower rating over hurdles marks him as one to follow.

Purcell made great strides last term and he can get his 2014 campaign off to a flying start with victory in the Ladbrokes Mobile Handicap at Lingfield.

The four-year-old improved a total of 15lb last term, being placed on numerous occasions, although he only actually got his head in front once.

That win came at Chester last August and two more outings before the end of year yielded more placed joy, with a third at Kempton supplemented by fourth in a competitive event at Ascot in October.

The winner that time, Consign, is reportedly heading for the Lincoln so some reasonable types finished in front and given Purcell bypassed a couple of engagements last year due to soft ground, the Polytrack surface presents no fears.

Palace Moon may be knocking on towards the veteran category but he should still be sharp enough in the Compare Bookmakers At bookmakers.co.uk Handicap The nine-year-old has tumbled down the ratings since his high point of 110 back in 2010 but he is nevertheless more than capable at the right level, as demonstrated by three placed finishes on his last three outings.

There were excuses for his third at Kempton last time as the race really was not run to suit, while he ran right up to form on the other two occasions.

He has paid for his consistency with a 4lb rise since December but given a strong pace, Palace Moon should be in the frame once again for William Knight.

Dangerous Age was saddled with a wide draw when third at Wolverhampton last month but should be able to take up a more suitable position in a smaller field in the Compare Bookmakers At bookmakers.co.uk Handicap back at Dunstall Park.

She finished well in being beaten just a length by Even Stevens and a 1lb rise will probably not be enough to stop her.