MIRJAN (3.20) makes plenty of appeal as one of the best bets of the day on a cracking afternoon of National Hunt action at Cheltenham.

Despite not getting the run of the race, Len Lungo's gallant nine-year-old still ran a blinder to take seventh spot in the always-competitive Newmarket Cesarewitch ten days ago.

It was an especially good effort since he seemed to be kept too far off the pace, a tactical blunder compounded when Mirjan was badly hampered around the two-furlong pole, the very point in the contest chosen by apprentice Paul Mulrennan to make a forward move.

It was scant consolation for supporters of Mirjan to see him flying inside the final furlong, because the leaders had already scooted clear.

Today's challenge is a totally different kettle of fish. Lungo's Scottish raider is equally effective in the jumps arena and while he appears to be in such good fettle, a small each-way wager shouldn't go amiss in the Thwaites Smooth Beer Handicap Hurdle.

The meeting opens up with the Waterlaw Property Novices Hurdle, an event in which the former high-class Flat stayer, Darasim (2.10), is fully expected to maintain his 100 per cent unbeaten record.

Having won at Group level both here and on the Continent for Mark Johnston, Darasim is now housed at Jackdaws Castle in Gloucestershire, the base of the omnipotent combination comprising Jonjo O'Neill and Tony McCoy.

At first glance Darasim appeared to make hard work of his Carlisle debut success over timber, McCoy apparently having to throw the kitchen sink, plus one or two other utensils, at his partner in order to shrug off the attentions of a 100-1 rag, Hollywood Critic.

But perhaps it wasn't such a bad performance given the evidence of the clock, which confirms that particular war of attrition was run in a pretty quick time.

In addition it's possible to surmise the two-mile-and-one-furlong trip was well short of Darasim's best, a factor corrected by O'Neill's decision to whack his charge up by the best part of a mile.

With the Nigel Twiston-Davies yard unstoppable at present it might be worth taking a chance on likely long shot, Scotch Corner (4.30).

Unlike the road junction of that name, Scotch Corner has not been busy, enjoying the luxury of a 152-day summer break.

This length of absence need not always be a disadvantage, and considering he collected in impressive style first time out during 2004, the omens can be regarded as a positive.

Although the speed ratings suggest Motorway (5.05) might have a bit to find with Desert Quest in the closing Maiden Hurdle, the former could still find the necessary improvement to turn the figures upside down.

Motorway wasn't knocked about on his one and only start so far over hurdles when third on a visit to Perth, a gentle introduction which the Philip Hobbs-trained representative will have appreciated on his initial foray since switching codes from the level.

Get more racing online at www.racing-north.co.uk.