WILLIAM BETHELL can complete his Christmas planning today. The Humberside trainer is hoping to celebrate the festive period by lifting the Lincolnshire National on St Stephen's Day at Market Rasen, his nearest jumps track, with Ubu Val.

His 10 year old should show he is well up to the task by landing the Dalston Handicap Chase at Carlisle today. Ubu Val came later to chasing, having spent his earlier days racing with plenty of success in point to points.

But he looked a better prospect than many of his younger rivals in his novice campaign last term, winning twice and showing up well behind Mr Mulligan when tried in good company at Wetherby and Ascot.

He was narrowly beaten by Parsons Boy at Carlisle a fortnight ago under a less enterprising ride than usual, caught on the run in as lack of peak fitness told.

With his mount sure to have come on for the run, jockey Adie Smith will revert to the forcing tactics which make full use of Ubu Val's fine jumping, enabling him to gain lengths at each of the fences. Raised only 2lb since his reappearance, the gelding has a fine chance to earn his Christmas expenses with a win.

Squire Silk is the star turn at Uttoxeter where Andy Turnell gives him his first run over fences in the Wellman PLC Novices Chase. The seven year old is one of the most exciting chasing prospects seen in recent years.

He developed into a high class hurdler last term, winning the Tote Gold Trophy at Newbury before running a fine fifth behind Collier Bay in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Yet he has the physique of one who'll do even better over the larger obstacles and has unlimited potential as a chaser. Squire Silk looks to have been found the ideal opportunity to make a winning start to his new career.