MARK Johnston has his string in fantastic nick and looks set to add to his tally at Southwell with Comedy Hall.

The juvenile looked in need of the experience on his first racecourse visit at Newmarket, so the fact he still managed to finish fifth is testament to his ability.

That was probably a fair effort given the winner, Mr David, has since gone on to acquit himself well in Group company, while the third home, Marine Spirit, has gone on to subsequent success.

Comedy Hall can only improve from that first outing and it would be surprising if he does not make his presence felt in the southwell-racecourse.co.uk Median Auction Maiden Stakes.

The only other meeting of day takes place over the sticks at Sedgefield, where Donald Mc- Cain’s My Condor can make up for a string of consistent efforts in the Roflow-Ventilation For De Nation Handicap Chase.

The eight-year-old would not be one of the stars of the yard but has dropped down the ratings sufficiently so that he looks attractively treated for this.

Another worth looking at is Malcolm Jefferson’s Kingsben in the opening Boro Taxis 01642 222 222 Novices’ Hurdle.

Jefferson will have been disappointed he was unable to coax a victory out of him last season but the experience he picked up will prove vital this campaign.

He won a bumper a couple of years ago and hopefully he retains some ability.

Back on the all-weather at Southwell and Mingun Bell deserved his recent success at Warwick and looks to have been found the perfect opportunity to follow up.

Henry Cecil’s juvenile was a big eyecatcher when staying on to finish third on his racecourse introduction at Doncaster, but had to go down as a slight disappointment when beaten at oddson at Leicester.

That said, he did run plenty keen enough that day and the more patient tactics applied at Windsor seemed to suit him much better as he ran on to score cosily by half a length.

He still looks far from the finished article, but the Endurance Ride At Southwell 5th September Novice Stakes looks well within his compass.

Ocean Legend hinted his turn was near with a fine effort in defeat at Yarmouth last month and must have every chance of hitting the bullseye in the Southwell Golf Club Lady Members Handicap.

This represents a slight drop in class, and connections will surely be hopeful he can bounce back to winning ways.