After showing useful form in bumpers, Red Hot Indian is a confident choice to make a winning debut over timber in the Failford Novices' Hurdle at Ayr today. The six-year-old gave the impression at Haydock when finishing third to Kingfisher Flyer on his latest start that he was ready to graduate to hurdles. He is race fit and looks the type to win more than his share of races His trainer Len Lungo had his smart novice Crazy Horse also entered in this two-mile event, but has decided it is time to unleash Red Hot Indian.

And the Carrutherstown handler should roughly know the strength of the opposition as Red Hot Indian's main rival, Lindajane, was third to Crazy Horse at Kelso.

Lungo can also strike with The Next Waltz by registering his eighth win of the season in the River Ayr Handicap Hurdle. Ultra consistent, the gelding is equally at home over fences and over timber.

Lungo has chosen this race over the smaller obstacles rather than the Eglinton Amateur Riders' Handicap Chase. In his absence, the way is open for Ivy House to end a lean spell going back to December 1996, although he did miss all of last season.

The Jonjo O'Neill-trained 11-year-old showed his turn was near when a close third to Sillars Stalker at Kelso recently.

Lungo's Mike Stan looked a shade unlucky when failing by a nostril to peg back Hurst Flyer when they were the only finishers over this course four weeks ago. Compensation awaits in the Ken Oliver 85th Birthday Novices' Chase - a race that honours the legendary Hawick trainer.

Military Academy looked booked for second place at least until tumbling at the fifth-last fence at Doncaster earlier this month. That was a good run considering it was his first for over a year. He can make amends for trainer Ian Williams in the Plough Novices' Chase at Plumpton.

Zafarelli, winner of his last two races, can complete a hat-trick in the Ladbroke Last Hurdle Qualifier. Despite those victories, the five-year-old is still near the bottom of the handicap and has the beating of top-weight Tickerty's Gift on a line through Millmount.

Miss All Alone can finally land that elusive first win in division two of the Fermanagh Median Auction Median Maiden at Southwell.