N.H. season goes up a gear cross-channel Ruby Walsh's presence at Chepstow to ride for Paul Nicholls will undoubtedly put a smile on the faces of National Hunt enthusiasts as the winter game will soon be in full swing and it could well pay to follow the pair on the seven race programme. Tito Bustillo will represent Manor Farm Stables in the 1.55. This French-import was eventually secured by bloodstock agent Anthony Bromley having been in his sights since last autumn, winning a big handicap at Longchamp in April before leaving Carlos Laffon-Parias. Described by Nicholls as an exciting horse who has schooled well, he is sure to attract plenty of support for the freebets.co.uk Free Bets Novices' Hurdle. Second in a couple of point-to-points when with Liam Burke, The Gossmoor Yank won two under Rules last term. Not surprisingly chasing will be the Shernazar gelding's game, so it is interesting that he is given another opportunity over the minor obstacles, though he'll have to defy top-weight in the freebets.co.uk Corporate Partner Day Handicap Hurdle. Gullible Gordon makes his debut over fences for the Ditcheat team in the 3.00. Herecomesthetruth won this for the same connections last year and Gullible Gordon, also a chestnut, has been described by his owner, Harry Findlay, as quirky. Nicholls describes the son of Anshan as a great jumper that can definitely post wins in this sphere. Walsh has to get down to ten stone three to ride Tot Of The Knar in the 3.35 where her stable-companion, Hoo La Baloo heads the weights. This mare was runner-up to Toby Jug on her debut for Nicholls last time and now with her fourth different trainer, the lightly-weighted seven-year-old is expected to go well if her jumping holds up. The Stewart family's Classic Swain has had the freebets.co.uk Free Bets Hurdle Limited Handicap as an objective now for quite a while. A good-ground lover, a fast run handicap is expected to suit him. Alan King's Balzaccio is expected to be a big threat to all here, as the Barbury Castle Stables operator said of him recently: "he has done particularly well during the summer and remains an interesting prospect." First Trim represents Seamus Fahey in this valuable heat. Nicholls and Walsh are not represented in the 4.45 and they conclude their day with Murrell in the bumper. This Dushyantor gelding has been ready to run for a while now. He is viewed as a chaser of the future. Meanwhile at Hexham, the Wylies, Howard Johnson and Denis O'Regan will be bidding to follow-up their treble at Carlisle yesterday. Knockavilla, who looked very good when winning a point-to-point for the Hydes at Dromoland in 2007, makes his eagerly await chasing bow in the opener where he'll face the exciting fellow fencing debutant, Noble Alan. Wave Power, who won a bumper on St Stephen's Day for John Kiely at Leopardstown, will be bidding to get his career back on track having been a beaten favourite on his two outings for Johnson. Now sent over hurdles, the five-year-old son of Definite Article is going up in trip to two and a half miles which is now thought to be a minimum trip for the chestnut.
