Deano's Beeno can stake a claim for the long-distance hurdlers' crown at Cheltenham next March by beating a strong field for the Smurfit Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot today.

Martin Pipe rates the six-yearold highly and was disappointed when the half-brother to the smart French Holly was forced to miss the Festival through injury.

Training problems have, admittedly, blighted his career up to now. He has not raced for over a year but has the potential to go all the way to the top judged on his three effortless wins in an unbeaten campaign during the first half of last term.

Deano's Beeno's hat-trick was only achieved in handicaps but it was the manner of his victories at Newton Abbot, Haydock and Bangor that suggested he could go much further.

Pipe and jockey Tony McCoy can complete a big-race double with Tamarindo in the Betterware Cup.

The French-bred five-year-old has made a major impact since arriving at Pipe's and has already been earmarked as a future Grand National prospect, despite his tender age.

He emerged as a leading contender for the Coral Welsh National at Chepstow later this month when disposing of a strong field at Cheltenham last week. He came home a length-and-a-quarter ahead of Macgeorge, a ponderous leap at the last preventing the winning margin from being greater.

Not surprisingly, Tamarindo has been raised 8lb for that display and it gives third-placed Unguided Missile - who won this event in 1995 - a chance on the book. But Pipe's charge is so progressive that it is difficult to see his triumphant run ending this time.

Squire Silk, a leading novice chaser two seasons ago, can return to winning ways in the two-mile Frogmore Handicap Chase.

The Paul Nicholls-trained nineyear-old ran well for a long way over this course and distance when fifth to Dontleavethenest. He will strip much fitter this time as he had missed all of last season through injury.

Salamah was such an authoritative winner on his debut over timber at Newbury that it is hard to envisage defeat in the Mitie Group Kennel Gate Novices' Hurdle.

Toto Toscato forced his way into the Champion Hurdle picture after a comprehensive victory at Chepstow and can boost his claims further by winning the Knights Royal Hurdle.

Hoh Express can follow up his recent Hereford success in the Heathyards Engineering Novices' Chase.

The Tote has pulled out of the auction for the Coral bookmaking empire after having its bid of £375 million rejected yesterday.