Linda Perratt enjoyed her best season on the Flat last year with 16 winners and the Cree Lodge trainer can experience further success with Manful in the opening Preston Tower Maiden Hurdle at Musselburgh today. Manful contributed two wins to Miss Perratt's tally on the level in 1997, and judged on his debut over hurdles, the gelding looks set for a profitable time over timber.
Pitched in at the deep end at Ayr in November, the six-year-old gave a good account of himself to finish third, beaten five lengths and four behind the highly-regarded French Holly and subsequent easy winner Legendry Line.
Fourth that day was last week's impressive Catterick winner Charming Admiral, a length and a half further back, giving another boost to the form. Sure to be backed on the strength of that run, Manful is napped to get punters off to a good start.
Monyman will find conditions ideal at the Scottish track and Micky Hammond's eight-year-old can open his account for the season in the Auld Reekie Handicap Chase.
Successful four times over fences last season, Monyman has acquitted himself well on both starts this term. Following an encouraging reappearance when third to the well-handicapped Suas Leat at Haydock, he made Pennybridge pull out all the stops over two and half miles at Aintree.
Back over two miles today, Monyman can overcome a recent throat infection and 12st to defeat three rivals.
Kim Bailey sends Sprung Rhythm on the long haul from Lambourn to Musselburgh and the hint should be taken. Well fancied at Windsor on New Year's Day - despite more than two years off the track - the eight-year-old made all to come home unchallenged by 23 lengths from Eau de Cologne.
