TAKE a chance on Top Javalin to stage a resurgence in the Independent Insurance Handicap Hurdle at Chepstow today.

The nine-year-old hasn't set the world alight in recent seasons but there are reasons for thinking he could spring a big surprise.

He made a close season move to Nigel Hawke, who knows the horse well, having ridden him in his days as a jockey with David Barons.

A course and distance winner, Top Javalin likes a trip on soft ground and has taken a dive in the weights 10lb lower since the start of last season.

He has often gone well fresh in the past, as last season when finishing 15 lengths third of 26 to Buckhouse Boy over an inadequate trip before losing his way.

And Hawke has ensured that Top Javalin will have a feather weight by booking 7lb claimer, Mark Griffiths, recently seen to very good effect on Bob Buckler's Queen's Award.

This race is no classic and if Top Javalin, who likes to race up with the pace, can establish a healthy advantage, his rivals may struggle to claw it back.

Martin Pipe has prospects of a quick-fire double in the first two races with Daraydan and Forofivetwohundred.

Daraydan was deeply impressive on his hurdling debut at Leicester last week when beating Dana Point 16 lengths.

The Galway Novices' Hurdle is a tougher test but he will appreciate the two and a half mile trip and can outstay the opposition.

Forofivetwohundred is quickly dropped into a seller after finishing a well-beaten third to Poppy's Dream in a Ludlow bumper earlier in the month.