FORMER Ayr Gold Cup winner Hard To Figure is the form choice under 9st 7lb in the opening British Columbia Claiming Stakes at Lingfield today.

But the 10 year old has not been seen out since he finished sixth under top weight in the Ayr Gold Cup last September.

And trainer Ron Hodges explained "He suffered a nasty cut a really bad gash in a fetlock when a horse fell in front of him that day.

We are hoping for the best butt his type of injury sometimes leaves its mark.

So it may pay to side with Inherent Magic instead. The seven year old is almost as well treated at the weights as Hard To Figure and will be all the better for his recent reappearance third over an inadequate five furlongs.

Local permit holder John Wade should enjoy a profitable day at Sedgefield provided the snow clears sufficiently to allow the course to pass a 7.30 a.m. inspection.

He sponsors the opening selling hurdle but should recoup his expenses with interest by taking the Ramside Handicap Chase with Russian Castle.

The seven year old showed improved form to win a maiden chase over course and distance last month and proved that was no flash in the pan when a good second at Catterick next time.

Explosive Power can continue to make up for lost time by landing the Newfoundland Handicap.

The five year old spent a year on the sidelines after his successful debut for Giles Bravery on this course in December, 1994.

But he returned to show himself at least as good as ever by running second on the same track last month.