KEEP faith with Fatehalkhair (4.00) in Sedgefield's John Smith's-sponsored Durham National and you shouldn't go far wrong, writes Colin Woods.

Things didn't go to plan when Fatehalkhair was pulled up in the Scottish Grand National a fortnight ago, but I believe that dismal effort at Ayr can be safely ignored since the gallant eleven-year-old has never won away from his beloved Sedgefield.

For the record, Brian Ellison's course specialist has passed the post first 13 times, including in the three-mile-and-half Handicap Chase 12 months ago, when he was tipped up by this column at odds of 15-2.

Fatehalkhair simply adores the place and it is also worth remembering he ran a blinder on his penultimate outing at Aintree, where he finished fourth in an extremely competitive three-mile contest.

Another massive local favourite, Lord Capitaine, represents a huge danger to the selection.

Howard Johnson's raider has won five times in all at the track, two of those victories coming this season. Lord Capitaine will be partnered by the superb Graham Lee, enjoying his best ever season - currently standing on the 66-winner mark.

By way of extra entertainment for race-goers, former Aintree Grand National winners Red Marauder (2001) and Lord Gyllene (1997) will be paraded before the crowds.

"We are thrilled that we have two previous National winners on show, who says Sedgefield does not attract great horses," said course general manager, Jim Allen.

In addition there will be a children's funfair, plus regular updates on the public address system from the match between Newcastle United and Sunderland. Admission is £6 and £12, accompanied children under 16 enter free.

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