CHARMINSTER is certainly not one of Donald McCain’s stable stars but it is hard not to be impressed by his consistency, which could be enough to seal the deal at Sedgefield.

After finishing second on his British debut in a bumper at Aintree in October he went one better at Haydock a month later, turning around the form with the horse who had beaten him.

Sent off favourite for his hurdling bow at Hereford earlier this month he had to give best to Nicky Henderson’s Whoops A Daisy, but time may prove that mare is a smart performer.

With that experience under his belt, Charminster will be even harder to beat in the John Wade Skip Hire "National Hunt"

Novices’ Hurdle.

By Nick Robson, Press Association Sport James Given’s Army Of Stars remains a force to be reckoned with in his own company and looks set to continue in a rich vein of form at Southwell.

Bought for just £5,000 off Jamie Osborne, while he is obviously no world-beater, he can continue to pay his way in the Membership of Southwell Golf Club Selling Stakes.