MAN ON A MISSION should be very hard to beat in the BetUK Over 40,000 Live Streamed Races Handicap at Wolverhampton.

He took advantage after sliding to a lowly mark (49) to record a first win for his current yard at Lingfield late last month and he's held his form with placed efforts at Chelmsford and Southwell since.

The last one came in a 0-68 Class 5 which was a stronger race than this Class 6 (0-55) and a similar level of performance should be enough to see him defy top weight in this largely exposed company.

Harry Fry enjoyed a decent Christmas with Boothill's success the highlight and while LYDFORD LAD may not be in his stablemate's bracket, he does look capable of progressing through the novice chase ranks.

He returned a beaten favourite on his debut at Ffos Las, his first start for the yard, but that was a perfectly respectable start to life in a discipline that he is built for. Lydford Lad has been given time to recover from those exertions which is no bad thing as he lost his way last season after a winning start and his new, in-form trainer looks to have found a good opening for that patience to be rewarded.

Gidwa beat STARSHIBA by a length at the end of November and is 3 lbs better off but the pair were drawn in 3 and 12 that day whereas they break from 4 and 2 this time. Starshiba has won twice since, just doing enough to win over a mile under Jason Watson just before Christmas.

He is more effective over this seven furlong trip than further and there are reasons to believe that he could still be ahead of the handicapper having recaptured his form for David O'Meara as Starshiba was competitive from a 12 lb higher mark for previous connections just last year.

The exciting Hermes Allen leads Paul Nicholls' team at Newbury but he looks to have found a good opportunity for GRIVETANA in the opener.

She hasn't pulled up any trees in two starts this season but finished solid second in the traditionally well contested Gerry Feilden (in which Lucky 15 selection Pikar was well fancied only to be taken out) behind First Street.

That race may not have been as deep as usual but it's doubtful that she'll need to improve to make the most of this easier opportunity back against her own sex from just 1 lb higher.

This race could fall apart with a couple of French imports making their debuts and a couple more returning from long absences. The market may well guide to expectations and that includes REAL STONE who is worth chancing in this company.

A useful novice hurdler, he was entitled to come on for his chase debut in November - a first run for 611 days - for which he has been dropped by the handicapper and dropped in grade.

This strapping individual was always expected to improve once faced with a fence and this looks an eminently suitable opportunity providing the engine remains intact.

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