BELLATOR TO RUN TOMORROW

Venetia Williams looks to have found an ideal opportunity for Bellator to regain the winning thread in the John Bull Chase over two miles and five furlongs at Wincanton tomorrow.

Bellator made a successful start to the current campaign in the Grade Two Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter in October when he comfortably defeated Upgrade by a length and a half.

Miss Williams` eight-year-old has three decent placed efforts to his credit since, including a third to Flagship Uberalles in a Grade One two-mile event at Cheltenham.

On his latest start he filled the same slot behind First Gold and Florida Pearl in the Pertemps King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day when he kept on well from three out without being able to land a blow to the leaders.

The versatile Bellator is effective at any distance between two and three miles and his recent level of form gives him an outstanding chance in tomorrow`s race. He is made the nap.

Popular stayer Young Kenny can continue his winningways in the Rocom Chase at Wetherby.

Following an encouraging third to See More Business on his reappearance, Peter Beaumont`s 10-year-old gamely defied 12st in the Becher Chase over the Grand National fences, holding on by half a length from Ardent Scout after jumping soundly throughout the three miles and three furlongs.

Young Kenny, a late withdrawal from his next intended outing in the Welsh National, drops back two furlongs in distance tomorrow but that should prove no bar to success for this tough chaser in the day`s Showcase handicap. He can defy top weight to beat his five rivals.

Air Mail, beaten half a length by Juwwi at Southwell last time would not have to improve too much to go one better in the Tote Trifecta 1-2-3 Handicap at Wolverhampton.