Kings Castle set to rule

Success is no stranger to Hodge's Cedar Lodge Stables, a little piece of heaven in a section of Somerset where narrow lanes criss-cross.

The yard has had its fair share of equine celebrities and former jump jockey Hodges, now in his sixties, sent out Ashtina to win the Bovis Handicap on the Flat at Ascot and Canio, who lifted the Coral Golden Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Tomorrow's Tote Scoop6 race will not, however, be a pushover with such opponents as hat-trick seeking novice Farmer Jack, lightly-weighted Vrin and Mr Markham in contention.

The last named, who landed an old fashioned gamble when sporting blinkers for the first time at Kempton recently, is also entered for the Aga Hurdle on the same card. Trainer Josh Gifford has stated that he is only likely to switch Mr Markham to the Agfa, which is run over an extended two miles rather the two and threequarters of the handicap event, if the going becomes really testing.

On the same programme, Billingsgate (3.35), is on a handy mark in the Agfa Diamond Handicap Chase. Philip Hobbs has been biding his time with this individual.

Transferred from David Elsworth's establishment after leg trouble, the chestnut won a novice hurdle at Newbury in November and hinted at former ability which included a third, albeit at a distance, to Looks Like Trouble in the Royal & Sun Alliance Chase at Cheltenham.

Winning jockey Tony McCoy quickly dismounted from Billingsgate after passing the post at Newbury, concerned that the horse was a little sore. But clearly, Hobbs feels that his 10-year-old is ready to tackle fences again.

Wonder Weasel, who is also entered in Uttoxeter's National trial, would pose a real problem to the selection if opting for the Sandown race. Kim Bailey's progressive chaser is bidding for a hat-trick following two wins at Haydock and testing conditions will suit this dour stayer.

It is a shame that the Agfa Hurdle has only attracted a small field, but what is left shouts quality rather than quantity, and true class is represented by Landing Light.

Nicky Henderson's gelding loves the track and the trip, having won over it back in April when beating highly regarded stable companion Geos and Valiramix.

Since then, Landing Light has enhanced his reputation by winning Newcastle's Fighting Fifth and claiming Bilboa's scalp in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day. He is one of the leading contenders for March's Champion Hurdle and will do his claims no harm with an impressive victory here.

Truckers Tavern, successful at Towcester yesterday, was my original choice for the Grade I Weatherby's Scilly Isles Novices' Chase but trainer Ferdie Murphy has indicated that his next appearance will be at Leopardstown in 10 day's time.

In his absence I shall rely on Wincanton scorer Juralan.