HOWARD JOHNSON'S excellent Musselburgh record looks set to be maintained by Estepona (12.40) in the opener at the Scottish track.

Like so many of Johnson's jump recruits Estepona was a fair tool on the Flat, rated 86 at best over middle-distances when in the hands of his former trainer Julie Camacho.

The five-year-old signed off on the level by finishing third in Doncaster's competitive November Handicap, a performance which prompted punters to promote him to 6-4 favourite for his hurdles' debut at Kelso in December.

For one so talented it ultimately proved to be an inglorious introduction to the National Hunt scene for Estepona, who didn't have anything left in the tank after pulling Graham Lee's arms out for the first 12 furlongs.

At this embryonic stage of his career it would be foolish to take that result as a true indication of his ability, in fact it'll be very surprisingly if Estepona doesn't make amends on this afternoon's much quicker ground.

If hard evidence were ever needed that wide-margin winners are in severe danger of upsetting the Official Handicapper, then make what you will of the 15lb hike slapped on Bohemian Spirit for his recent 18-length course and distance victory.

Young rider Rose Davison did rather over egg the pudding on her mount, however, she's a cracking conditional jockey and might still be able to complete a double aboard Bohemian Spirit (3.10), even with his colossal extra burden in their bid to secure the Kilmany Cup.

At Towcester, Never Awol (2.20) tries to make it four wins from eight starts at the Northhamptonshire venue.

Some would say he was robbed last time out since Never Awol appeared to be hacking along as sweet as a nut until hitting the deck following a catastrophic blunder at the mid-way stage.

Clearly the gelding will not be able to afford to make a similar mistake if he's to win the Tony Fanning Handicap Chase, an extended three-miler tailor-made for the selection to improve an already impressive strike-rate at the course.

David Barker returns to Wolverhampton with Prince Tum Tum, a desperately unfortunate loser there when momentarily checked and forced wide just before Christmas.

Prince Tum Tum (2.00) is streets ahead of his 12 rivals on all known speed ratings but one word of caution to potential investors, he's got a really tricky draw in stall 10 for the six furlong dash and is therefore going to need plenty of luck in running.

For the later betdirect.co.uk Conditions Stakes Appalachian Trail (3.30) has much more straightforward task.

The useful five-year-old only faces a total of five opponents, of whom just Richard Hannon's in-form Wiltshire raider, Psychiatrist, appears to be the sole serious danger according to the BHB figures.

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