Art in Wetherby frame

Howard Johnson's hurdler won his very first race over timber at the West Yorkshire venue, beating none other than subsequent Champion Hurdle winner Katchit, but things haven't gone to plan since.

An unsuccessful campaign over fences came two seasons ago before he ran just twice in a truncated campaign last term.

The second of those runs was highly encouraging, finishing second at Ayr in April, and with a decent record when fresh, he could be the one to beat.

Johonson will be out to land the feature chase on the card, the Bobby Renton Handicap Chase, with Drever Route, but he may find Kirkhammerton back to his best.

Twice a winner in the summer, he put in a lacklustre display at Worcester two starts ago and looked in trouble with a circuit to run at Huntingdon last time.

However, he picked up well close home to finish second and a similar late charge could see the eight-year-old back in winning form.

The meeting gets under way with the Rachel Wright Memorial Hurdle, and though Bring Sweets and Henry Havelock look the pick of those with experience, the interesting runner in the race could be Manxman.

Bought by Ferdy Murphy for 24,000 guineas after winning one of his five starts for Mark Johnston, he has better Flat form than his half-brother Persian Warrior, who has since gone on to win twice over timber.

Archie's Wish came to grief before the race started in earnest at Hexham last time, but if he can return to the form of his easy Sedgefield success then Micky Hammond's charge can secure victory.

Ed Dunlop is unsure whether Native Khan will run in the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes on Saturday or wait for the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster.

The unbeaten son of Azamour would be one of the favourites for the event at Headquarters in a normal year but is available at double figure prices currently.

"It has been another lovely drying day up here and the ground looks as if it is no longer an issue, but there is no doubt that Native Khan would face very strong opposition, with three potential superstars in Frankel, Dream Ahead and Saamidd standing in our way," said Dunlop.