Secret Spring looks poised to exploit a favourable mark over hurdles in today's Showcase Handicap, the Tote Exacta Hurdle at Ludlow.

The eight-year-old comes here a fitter animal than some of his rivals, having had a couple of outings on the Flat last month to blow away the cobwebs.

If Secret Spring is ever able to translate his useful form on the level to hurdles, then he will surely win a race for two for his able handler Lydia Richards.

Later on the card, Gaultier Gale can make the 650-mile round trip from Kinross pay off for Lucinda Russell in the Court of Hill Amateur Riders' Handicap Chase.

In a race like this, an experienced rider can mean the difference between success and defeat and Gaultier Gale will enjoy the benefit of having Tom Scudamore, son of former champion Peter, in the saddle.

Skyers A Kite can fly high for Doncaster trainer Ron Thompson in the Don Eddy Equiname Racing Handicap at Newcastle.

Soft ground suits the Ron Thompson-trained mare, who turned a 20-runner claimer at York two weeks ago into a procession.

Tyrone Williams brought Skyers A Kite with a strong run from three furlongs out and his mount wore down her rivals in the final furlong to stride home three lengths clear of Prince Among Men.

Bowlers Boy, out of luck at Pontefract on Monday, can gain compensation in the six-furlong handicap.

John Quinn's sprinter got within a length and a half of James Stark in an 18-runner six-furlong handicap at the West Yorkshire track. He can go one better here.

Mick Channon's grand old campaigner Cauda Equina is honoured by having a race named after him at Bath, where he has won seven times.

And the West Ilsley trainer can capture the Cauda Equina Handicap with Queen Of The May.

She was beaten three and a half lengths by the winner Toldya when fifth of 19 in a six-furlong handicap at Lingfield two weeks ago She can be an appropriate winner here.

Mick Channon's dual-Group One winner Tobougg is to join Godolphin.

The Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum-owned colt won his maiden race at York before landing impressive victories in the Prix de la Salamandre and Darley Dewhurst Stakes from three starts to take high rank among the season's juveniles.

John Egan continued his fine run in Hong Kong yesterday by landing a treble on Seattle Sun, Ever Gain and Century Horse at Happy Valley. The wins enabled Egan, licensed to ride for three months in the Chinese territory, to move onto the eight-winner mark for the season.