MADE IN JAPAN (3.15) is not a bad place to start in the search for an answer to the 18-runner £100,000 Vodafone Gold Cup.

Trainer Philip Hobbs nabbed the Newbury showpiece 12 months ago with Supreme Prince, but although that horse turns up again he's simply not firing and so stable-mate, Made In Japan, is much preferred.

Believe you me there's no hiding place in this type of championship race since they'll go hell-for-leather from the second the tapes rise, a scenario which brutally exposes any chinks in the jumping department.

Without tempting fate the obstacles should hold no fears for Made In Japan, famously successful in the 2003 Cheltenham Festival Triumph Hurdle, a victory that proves he's capable of holding his own at the highest level.

It's true the gelding has only won once since switching to fences, however the spring-heeled six-year-old is not badly treated at the weights and today's quick ground will also be right up his alley.

There's plenty more fireworks to be had on a tremendous supporting card, none more than the preceding three mile chase in which Presenting Express (2.40) is bound to be a popular choice.

Emma Lavelle's raider keeps making a monkey of the Official Handicapper, winning three off the bounce despite quite a steep hike in the ratings over recent weeks.

Presenting Express possesses the likeable quality of being able to produce an extra gear when asked, a great weapon for rider Marcus Foley to have up his sleeve when shoving on the coal in the closing stages.

Right from the time in the seventies during which Red Rum regularly warmed up for the Grand National at Haydock, Ginger McCain has had a soft spot for the place.

Ginger's love affair with the course continued unabated when Bannister Lane bolted home for the Chodmorley in Chesire handler over track and trip nine days ago.

Bannister Lane (4.10) now bids to follow-up in the Abram Handicap Chase, a contest I would venture to suggest is at his mercy judged by some of his show-stopping leaps when scoring last time out.

It's not difficult to feel sympathy for Vicars Destiny, because hard as she tries the mare just can't seem to get her head back in front.

Vicars Destiny is as honest as the day is long, and if there's any justice in this world the eight-year-old mare will be in front where it counts for the climax of the Atherton Handicap Hurdle.

Lingfield's scheduled jumping was called off in mid-week and thanks to some rare forward planning by the BHB, an all-weather Flat meeting has been hastily convened.

Admittedly it's run-of-the-mill stuff, but anything beats yet another addition to a depressing list of cancellations caused by the current cold snap.

Decent betting opportunities at the Surrey venue are few and between, nevertheless one possible exception is Storm Chase (1.50).

Just for the record, there was a distinct whiff of burnt fingers in the ring after he was unsuccessfully punted from 33's to 16-1 six weeks ago.

In this type of instance it's often worth returning to the well for a second bite of the cherry, especially as Storm Chase's trainer, Alan Jarvis, is starting to rock and roll.

David Nicholls is getting a handful of his team geared up for the turf, a remark which encompasses Onlytime Will Tell, who looks the most likely winner of Wolverhampton's Bet Direct Handicap.

Onlytime Will Tell (3.40) finished a close-up third in an identical event on his most recent outing, plus is absolutely thrown in at the weights compared to his useful form on grass.

Another turf performer trying their luck on the sand is True Magic, an interesting entry from the James Bethell yard for the nightcap at 5.20.

The wheels totally dropped off True Magic at the backend of last season, however the Bethell stable landed a monster gamble (20's to 9-1) with Grafton the other day, conclusive evidence his horses are in the pink.

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