With decent form on a quicker surface, Bathiva is a banker

The progressive Bathiva can start his new season with victor y in the Thatchers Cider Novices' Handicap Chase at Taunton.

The six-year-old is making his stable debut for Fergal O'brien, having signed off in March with an emphatic course-and-distance success when under the care of David Dennis.

He resumes from a 10 lb higher rating, which appears entirely fair for his nine-length dismissal of subsequent winner Desque De L'isle.

That performance came on soft ground, which is unlikely around Taunton at this time of year despite the recent rain.

But Bath iv a has plenty of decent form on a quicker surface - in both his Irish bumpers and over hurdles for Dennis.

He showed promise on his chase debut at Ludlow, before a late mistake took its toll, and on only his third start over fences he has obvious potential for his new trainer.

Earth Leader is also returning for a new stable, having been expertly campaigned in point-to-points and hunter chases by the late Rose Loxton over the last two years.

He will not want the ground to deteriorate on his first attempt for Harry Fry.

But on the basis of his fine hunter form, from a rating of just 117, Ear th Leader could have plenty in hand of his rivals in the Newton King Estate Agents Handicap Chase.

Earlier on the card, Level Of Intensity is of note in the opening Cornish Rock Gin "Hands And Heels" Handicap Hurdle.

The six-year-old vastly outran his odds with a decent run in second at Exeter last time - and up only 1lb with conditions again likely to suit, he must enter equations.

Half-an-hour later, the fouryear-old Glory And Honour may be able to take advantage of the stone he receives from Celestial Force in the Summer field Developments Novices' Hurdle.

Tom Lacey's recruit was disqualified after a wide-margin point-to-point victory on his de but in February, and is quickly switched to jumping again after failing to justify favouritism when finishing second in an Exeter bumper this month.

Celestial Force' s trainer Paul Nichol ls has fine prospects with Friend Or Foe in the Invest S outhwest Handicap Hurdle.

Back from an 18- month break, and a wind operation, Friend Or Foe ran with credit behind a good yardstick in aC hep st ow handicap this month - and this looks a good opportunity for a third victory in seven career starts.