DUE to thoughtless fixture planning by the BHB there's no racing within 200 miles of our region and we must therefore go far afield in search of winners.

Exeter's west country track is the first port of call in the hope Coach Lane (2.30) can oblige in the opening City Council Novices' Handicap Hurdle.

The Venetia Williams-trained gelding came in for considerable support from 16's down to 9-1 on his most recent Chepstow start, a gamble that was only narrowly thwarted since he was beaten less than a length into third spot.

Coach Lane needs to be aggressively ridden, which means jockey Sam Thomas will more than likely set a strong pace from the outset, tactics designed to draw the sting out those rivals possessing a superior finishing kick.

Venetia might also strike in the following Martin Hill Handicap Hurdle with Heron's Ghyll (3.00), who has had to settle for second place on both of his outings so far this term.

Heron's Ghyll was just short of peak fitness when beaten first time up at Sandown, then in all probability failed to stay three-and-a-quarter-miles at Hereford last month.

If the latter theory proves correct, this afternoon's slightly shorter trip should be right up the nine-year-olds' street, even though the ground is a tad softer than ideal.

The £10,000 SIS Handicap Chase features a return to action of the gallant grey 13-year-old, Dealers Choice (3.30).

Dealers Choice has a strong history of going well after long absences, in which case an each-way wager on Noel Fehily's partner makes perfect sense for the near three-mile contest.

Ferdy Murphy takes Shanteen Lass (3.10) and Algarve (4.40) down to Hereford with reasonable prospects of making the marathon journey from Wensleydale pay dividends.

Having lost a decent mid-race pitch, the improving Shanteen Lass belied her outsiders' odds of 40-1 at Ayr by slugging on in dour fashion to claim third place a month ago.

Algarve, who hasn't won for two-and-a-half-years, desperately needs to revive his flagging career having largely disappointed of late.

Despite an overt lack of recent success, the vibes from the stable suggests Algarve retains plenty of ability and is able to play a leading role in the bet365 Handicap Chase

Kempton's Banded meeting has attracted one North Yorkshire raider with a serious chance in the guise of King Zafeen (3.50), hailing from Mick Easterby's Sheriff Hutton stable.

The booking of Jamie Spencer to steer Easterby's four-year-old is a clear indication connections expect a big run from King Zafeen, bidding to go one better having been worn down close home at Southwell last week.

l Godolphin will wait until at least Saturday week until deciding whether to run Discreet Cat in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 6. The son of Forestry took his unbeaten record to three with an impressive victory in the UAE Derby last month.

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