DONCASTER'S £75,000 Sky Bet Chase will likely fall prey to a southern raider and there are few better candidates than An Accordian (3.00), writes COLIN WOODS (JANUS).

David Pipe's huge bay gelding generally towers over his rivals in the parade ring, such is the size and scope of the classy seven-year-old.

An Accordian would probably have won more races had the fences not got in the way, a prime example being at Cheltenham on New Year's Day.

Cruising along and seemingly without a care in the world, the equine giant appeared poised for victory prior to a calamitous mistake at the fourth last obstacle. Most horses would have given up the ghost after coming to a near standstill, but not An Accordian, who regained enough momentum to snatch sixth spot.

If he can put together a footperfect round then the other 21 contestants better watch their girths in the closing stages, Another long-distance raider, Brighton-based Cockatoo (1.20), warrants maximum respect for the Handicap Hurdle.

Trainer Gary Moore has been mopping up a series of small races in his home county, but now is the time for a crack at a more meaty objective.

Cockatoo prevailed despite running over an inadequate two-miles at Plumpton recently, a clever ploy to ensure he wasn't hit too hard by the weights' controllers.

It was a case of a mission accomplished at the Sussex track, setting up the prospect of nabbing an even more substantial prize now that he ventures north.