HEXHAM'S predicted heavy ground holds no fears for Sabreflight (1.50), who loves nothing more than slopping through the mud.

Howard Johnson's mare showed she was fully effective under similar conditions when running right away from Charlotte Vale to score in facile fashion at Wetherby last January.

The six-year-old has only been lightly-campaigned since, which means she's basically unexposed and might still have a pound or two in hand should the £20,000 Ramside Catering Handicap Hurdle turn out to be a real head-bobber.

Johnson (12.50) has another ace up his sleeve in the shape of The Reverend (12.50), fancied to justify almost certain favouritism for the Most Scenic Racecourse Novices' Chase.

Like Sabreflight, The Reverend relished a trip to Wetherby, where he jumped the opposition silly with a magnificent exhibition of fencing when thrashing among others, Supreme's Legacy, with embarrassing ease

Laskari's 593-day absence need not necessarily be a worry to backers thinking of investing on the seven-year-old in Leicester's Agetur Handicap Chase.

Injury prevented Paul Webber's gelding from making an appearance last season, but Laskari (2.00) proved in 2005 that he can go well when fresh by slamming some fair sorts to open his chasing account in spectacular style.

Tom Doyle's mount looks to have got in on a fair mark for the three-mile feature, a race in which his principal rivals, Neysautuer and Would You Believe, have both been mercilessly hammered by the handicapper.

Very few three-year-olds even try to beat their elders over hurdles, however Ever Present (2.30) showed his seniors a clean pair of heels when scooting up in a Towcester seller.

Ever Present was purchased for 9,100 guineas out of Patrick Haslam's stable following that convincing success, which won't be his last judged by the way he was always in command during the closing stages.

Admittedly today's Chemipetro Handicap Hurdle is an altogether tougher task, nonetheless a small each-way wager on the bottom-weight might still pay dividends at what promise to be decent odds.

Brett Doyle is trying hard to win the all-weather jockeys' championship, a bold bid set to be boosted by Sarwin's presence in Wolverhampton's finale.

Sarwin (6.20) already has a near mile-and-and-quarter course triumph to his name, but his more recent efforts strongly suggest the step up to twelve furlongs is going to bring about significant improvement in the selection's fortunes.

* Hexham must pass a precautionary 7.30am inspection before racing can take place. The course passed a 4pm inspection yesterday but officials have called a precautionary inspection for this morning.

The Northumberland track has been hit by heavy rain in recent days.