Take Moorish to defy the steadier of 12st in the Ladbroke Casinos Hurdle at Cheltenham today.

The Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained gelding will have the very able assistance of amateur Tom Scudamore - son of eight-times champion jump jockey Peter - and the young rider's 7lb claim will prove invaluable up the Cheltenham hill.

Moorish, a nine-year-old, is relatively lightly raced - only three runs last season - and has performed with credit at the highest level from two to three miles.

On his two starts this term Moorish has appeared as good as ever.

First time out he ran really well when going down by half a length to Carlovent at Chepstow, after being clear two out and caught near the finish.

He was not disgraced last time in a Grade Two event at Newbury when fourth, beaten 20 lengths behind easy winner Deano's Beeno, holding every chance until weakening from two out.

Moorish will be more at home in today's lower grade when just three of his eight rivals are in the handicap proper and looks a fair bet to land the afternoon's Showcase race.

Castle Sweep has sound claims in the Ian Williams Owners Novices' Chase.

Alan King inherited some high-class horses when he took over from David Nicholson at Jackdaws Castle last week and Castle Sweep could turn out to be the stable's star novice chaser.

The eight-year-old, a very smart hurdler, has won all three of his starts over fences and was particularly impressive on his reappearance at Cheltenham in October. Jumping well he led on the bridle two out and, quickening in good style, drew clear to win unextended by three and a half lengths from Honey Mount.

Castle Sweep, who remains open to plenty of improvement, is made the nap selection to maintain his winning run.

Nigel's Lad looks the best bet on Doncaster's card in the Racing Channel Supports Millennium Appeal Novices' Chase.

Patrick Haslam's grand servant - successful on the Flat and over hurdles - won his first start over fences at Carlisle on his reappearance when he jumped soundly to beat Kings Measure by three and a half lengths.

He all but fell next time and was subsequently pulled up but a clear round today can see Nigel's Lad regain the winning thread.

At Lingfield, Topton has a great chance to record his fifth win of the season in the Ladbroke All-Weather Trophy Handicap after a good second to Temeraire over the track two weeks ago.