Bank on Committed Schedule in the Keoghans Novices' Handicap Chase at Hexham today. These midweek winter meetings demand stamina and determination from punters, frequently throwing up a combination of short-priced favourites and tricky races for moderate horses. Committed Schedule at least faces some serious opponents and should be offered at a reasonable price despite two wins out of two this season.

Formerly trained by Co Limerick-based Annette McMahon, Committed Schedule was all out to score over course and distance last month, getting up by a neck from Fern Leader in a blanket finish. But he was more authoritative at Catterick last time, where he clouted the last but still had enough in reserve to beat Dorlin Castle two and a half lengths.

That form suggests that Committed Schedule has been given a very fair rating for his handicap debut. With question marks hanging over several of his rivals, he gets the nap to continue his progress.

Those prepared to take a chance should consider Dowshi in the Federation Brewery Special Ale Amateur Riders' Handicap Hurdle. This three mile contest certainly falls into the category of "wide open" but Dowshi may have been let in lightly.

Dowshi showed a modicum of promise last season and shaped encouragingly at Ayr last month. A 100 to 1 outsider, she stayed on from a hopeless position to be 25 lengths fourth to Ardronan.

Jockey Bruce Gibson should be able to ride at 9st 7lb today and Dowshi could surprise off her light weight.