Racing preview for New Year’s Day

Modernism contributed to Fahey’s record haul over the last calendar year with victories at Pontefract in May and Lingfield in December, that latter win suggesting he has now rediscovered his better form.

While he endured a winless summer, Modernism dropped through the ratings a little despite his relative consistency, eventually starting off a mark of 82 when lining up in Surrey last time out.

He did just enough to win that day and while a 6lb penalty is clearly not ideal, Fahey’s charge should at least have his confidence suitably restored ahead of a bid for successive wins.

Underdressed has hit the post on her last couple of outings but is worth a shout as she switches from maiden company for the Unibet Offer Daily Jockey/Trainer Specials Handicap.

Top Notch is a fascinating prospect for the staying division and gets the chance to test his credentials in the Dornan Engineering Relkeel Hurdle on a cracking card that welcomes in the New Year at Cheltenham.

Nicky Henderson’s charge was among the best as a juvenile hurdler last season and while he is in that often tricky second term, Top Notch has already shown he still has the required talent.

He chased home Irving at Haydock on his return before pushing Identity Thief all the way when beaten just a neck in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle.

That one has since gone on to run Nichols Canyon close at Leopardstown, giving the form a pleasing appearance and Top Notch is well worth a try over this two-and-a-half-mile trip.

Theatre Guide found only Smad Place too good in the Hennessy and can gain a little compensation by winning the Watch Live Racing On BetBright.com Handicap Chase.

He hardly troubled the winner in finishing a 12-length second, but Theatre Guide kept on all the way to the line, edging out First Lieutenant by a neck.

While Smad Place finished a creditable fourth in the King George, First Lieutenant chased home Don Poli in the Lexus Chase, making Theate Guide’s claims seem all the stronger here.

Seeyouatmidnight can make the long journey south pay dividends in the BetBright #realfansonly Novices’ Chase, better known as the Dipper.

Grade One-placed over hurdles, he fluffed his lines on his chasing bow but righted that defeat by gaining revenge on conqueror Silso at Kelso last time.

He jumped beautifully on that occasion and won as he liked, which points to further progression now he is upped in class.

Firth Of The Clyde can defy his advancing years in the totequadpot Scottish Premier Chase at Musselburgh, while Oscar Sunset can star at Exeter in the Bathwick Tyres Taunton Beginners’ Chase.

Definitly Red turned in an excellent second in a Grade Three hurdle on his most recent run and must make the shortlist as he switches to fences in the Dine And View At Catterick Races Novices’ Chase at Catterick.

Crosspark is the one to be on in the Dave Harrison Memorial Handicap Hurdle at Fakenham.

* Selections:

CATTERICK: 12.30 Blue Rambler, 1.05 Boldbob, 1.40 Definitly Red, 2.15 You Say What, 2.50 Oficial Ben, 3.25 Blake Dean,

CHELETENHAM: 12.10 Baden, 12.45 Theatre Guide, 1.20 Seeyouatmidnight, 1.55 Sametegal, 2.30 So Fine, 3.05 Top Notch, 3.40 Jam Session.

EXETER: 12.35 Double Accord, 1.10 Blu Cavalier, 1.40 Bus Named Desire, 2.20 Vieux Lille, 2.55 Braavos, 3.30 Oscar Sunset, 4.00 Kings Walk.

FAIRYHOUSE: 12.15 Delegate, 12.50 Diary Date, 1.25 Blazing West, 2.00 Oscar Sam, 2.35 Our Vinnie, 3.10 Teelin Star, 3.40 Fire In Soul.

FAKENHAM: 12.40 Cotillion, 1.15 Blue Rambler, 1.50 Slidecheck, 2.25 Crosspark, 3.00 Tanner Hill, 3.35 Very Intense.

MUSSELBURGH: 12.25 Wolfcatcher, 1.00 Kings Folly, 1.35 Firth Of The Clyde, 2.10 Some Plan, 2.45 Lochnell, 3.20 Dan Emmett.

SOUTHWELL: 12.20 Tiger’s Home, 12.55 Frantical, 1.30 Underdressed, 2.05 Keep It Dark, 2.40 Bring On A Spinner, 3.15 Moshe, 3.45 MODERNISM (NAP).

DOUBLE: Modernism and Top Notch.