Ragamuff is at the right end of the handicap and will take a lot of stopping in the Childcraft Chase at Newton Abbot today.

A winner twice last season, Ragamuff underwent treatment on his back before returning to the fray at Chepstow earlier this month.

It certainly seemed to do the trick for the nine-year-old who made every yard of the running to capture a three-mile handicap by 24 lengths from Over Zealous.

That appeared to be an improved effort and although he has been raised 9lb for that run he could well be ahead of the handicapper.

He will relish the heavy ground and, receiving weight from all his five rivals, may land the nap in this Showcase Handicap.

Martin Pipe looks likely to enjoy a successful day on the remainder of the card.

Take Control created a tremendous impression on his chasing debut at Exeter last time and should have little difficulty following up in the novices' chase.

And Fontwell bumper winner Rescator can make a good start over jumps in the novice hurdle.

Robert Winston was yesterday suspended for 28 days, eight of them suspended, following his appearance before the disciplinary committee of the Jockey Club for breaches of the guidelines governing misuse of the whip.

The Dublin-born jockey was referred to Portman Square after being found guilty of a whip offence at Southwell on November 6th because he had already been suspended for 15 days for similar offences within the previous 12 months.

Winston's suspension will run from November 20th to December 16th on days when Flat racing is scheduled to take place - and on a date, yet to be arranged, to receive instruction regarding his use of the whip at the British Racing School.

Winston said afterwards: "I expected a long ban and I have just got to learn from my mistakes and do things right in the future because I have a good job with Mrs Lynda Ramsden next year."