Malcolm Jefferson's horses have recently hit form with three winners in the last three racing days and the Malton trainer can strike again with Tullymurry Toff in the Doncaster Exhibition Centre Handicap Chase on the Town Moor today. A smart hurdler, Tullymurry Toff took well to chasing last term, winning both starts over fences in good style giving the impression he was destined to take high rank among the season's novices.
But injury struck - he suffered a hairline fracture of the knee - and he was not seen out after his victory at Cheltenham in November 1997.
On his two starts this season Jefferson's eight-year-old has appeared a little ring-rusty.
He reappeared at Stratford in October and finished a 27-length fourth to Royal Event and next time at Carlisle almost certainly found the going too soft when finishing third, beaten 35 lengths behind the useful Red Marauder, who was in receipt of 4lb.
With good ground expected at Doncaster, Tullymurry Toff will have underfoot conditions to his liking and is napped to get back on the winning track.
However, he will not have matters all his own way with the handily-weighted Maitre de Musique and the in-form Cherokee Chief likely to keep the selection up to his work.
Earlier on the card bottom weight Wynyard Lady is worth an interest in a competitive Distinctive Fine Foods Mail-A-Cake Valentine Handicap Hurdle.
With 19 contenders set to go to post the race has a difficult look to it but Mary Reveley's mare showed enough last time when a four-length second to Dan de Man at Newcastle to suggest her turn is near.
She appeared to come soon enough that day and if held up for a late run today Wynyard Lady can put her finishing speed to good effect.
Top staying hurdler Princeful makes his debut over fences in the Marketing Event Top Regional Venue Novices' Chase over three miles.
On his form over timber Jenny Pitman's tough gelding is far superior to his Doncaster rivals and can a make successful start to his new career with most to fear from the promising Master Nova and Henry Daly's Carry On Brendan.
China Castle can complete a quick-fire three-timer at Southwell in the Ladbroke Stakes, despite a 6lb rise in the ratings following wins at the course last Monday and Friday.
