Champion jockey Kieren Fallon returns to action in Britain today. Though only just back from a stint in Hong Kong, the Irishman immediately throws himself into a double shift. He has two rides at Lingfield in the afternoon and three at Wolverhampton's evening fixture, his first mounts in this country since the end of the last turf season.
Fallon renews regular partnerships with trainers Gay Kelleway (who has booked him for Ivor's Deed at Lingfield and Pericles at Wolverhampton) and Eric Alston (Bowcliffe at Wolverhampton).
And he also rides Martyn Meade's Impulsive Decision at Lingfield and Oliver Sherwood's Father Sky - second in a threeand-a-quarter-mile chase at Doncaster last time out - at Wolverhampton.
Nahthen Lad looks to have a renewed enthusiasm for the game and can prove it by landing today's Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock. The 1996/97 was a relatively poor season for Jenny Pitman's charge, who failed to show any of the sparkle of the previous term which ended with success in the Sun Alliance Chase at Cheltenham.
His New Year's Day performance behind Pete The Parson at Cheltenham was full of promise. Over a distance - two miles, five furlongs - well short of that needed to show him at his best, Nahthen Lad proved his well being. He flew at the business end to finish third, just five lengths and one and a half behind the winner and runner-up Unguided Missile.
He will be much better suited by today's three miles and with his trainer passing positive comments on his well being, can oblige at a decent price.
Around this time last year a special race was framed to allow Relkeel and Collier Bay to complete their preparation for the Smurfit Champion Hurdle.
The Towcester event went the way of the latter over his less fit rival who, however, gained revenge when they clashed in the Bula Hurdle at Cheltenham last month. Collier Bay conceded 8lb that day but receives 3lb today.
Be that as it may, expect David Nicholson's charge to continue his superiority in the Haydock Travelling The Turf Champion Hurdle Trial.
Last year's Tote Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle at Kempton was won by Make A Stand on his way to Champion Hurdle glory. There looks to be nothing of that calibre in this year's renewal but an interesting race is in prospect with last week's Ascot winner Nipper Reed making a quick return to action.
He is joined by Ascot fourth New Inn but the pair may have to give best to the hat-trick seeking Serenus. Nicky Henderson's charge followed up a Huntingdon victory by winning over today's course and distance on Boxing Day, beating Tibetan by two and a half lengths.
