CONDITIONS have finally come right for Mexican (2.20) at Catterick this afternoon.

Micky Hammond's gelding doesn't always find a great deal off the bridle, but when confronted by a sharp, easy track over two miles, plus ground which is neither firm nor soft, then he can be a dangerous customer.

Seeing as the above-mentioned criteria have all been fulfilled, Mexican will have no valid excuses if he doesn't manage to put on a decent show for his supporters in the Club Handicap Chase

Forest Dante (1.50) bids for course success number six of his career in the preceding Yorkshire Racing Season Ticket Handicap.

Fred Kirby's sturdy chaser often belies a somewhat burly appearance by plugging on gamely at the business end of his races, courage which saw him get home against a willing opponent in the guise of Ede'Iff on a recent visit to the track.

Forest Dante has only been upped 4lbs for the half-length victory, which represents an early Christmas gift as far I'm concerned in today's extended three-mile-and-one-furlong test.

Kenny Johnson's mount will likely be galloping relentlessly throughout the final circuit, which, added to the fact that the combination receives weight from all ten rivals, could prove decisive in the latter stages.

There was serious money for Water Taxi (1.20) when he narrowly failed to justify favouritism at Musselburgh in November.

Even in defeat it was still a pretty decent effort to occupy second spot at the Scottish venue, especially as Water Taxi didn't jump fluently, a remark applying specifically to the third last, a hurdle he fluffed big-style.

Ferdy Murphy has opted to shift the four-year-old up in distance by the neck-end of three-quarters of a mile, a bold tactic expected to bring about further improvement from the son of Zafonic.

Patrick Merrigan, seen to good effect when landing a substantial gamble on According To Pete (3.20) at the last meeting, has won many admirers with his cool style of riding.

Patrick held his mount together commendably well on that occasion, only giving According To Pete the office about a furlong from the finish.

Once Merrigan did let out an inch of rein the partnership shot clear to ensure the money was banked, with no hint of a heart-stopping moment.

The progressive four-year-old has incurred a further penalty as a result of that emphatic triumph, however it may not be sufficient to prevent him completing a well-deserved three-timer in the closing National Hunt Flat event.

For all-weather backers there's a straightforward opportunity courtesy of Lucayos (12.30) to strike an early blow against the bookies at Southwell.

Heidi Sweeting's juvenile failed by inches to catch the speedy Stoneacare at the Midlands venue nine days ago. Lucayos, who'd previously flopped on the polytrack, showed a distinct liking for the fibresand and is fancied to go one better in the opening Betdirect Nursery.

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