Ri Na can register a victory at Gosforth

Ri Na Farraige can make it back-to-back bumper victories at Newcastle in the Quinnbet Open National Hunt Flat Race.

When Richard Fahey picked up this son of multiple Group One-winning miler Dawn Approach as a yearling for E30,000, it is fair to say he did not expect him to make his debut in a bumper as a five-year-old.

Given his dam, Shivaree, did most of her racing over sprint trips, Fahey will have been hoping his charge would make up into a useful Flat performer, but he has clearly taken plenty of time.

The Musley Bank handler justifiably had doubts about whether Ri Na Farraige would stay the two-mile distance a fortnight ago, but he did so and won in some style.

Admittedly the pedestrian early gallop was always going to suit a horse with his pedigree, but it was still hard not to be impressed by the way he swept clear with the minimum of fuss.

It is no surprise Fahey has brought him back to the same course and distance - and if he can double his tally, it will be interesting to see where he heads next.

Onward Route is a big player in the Quinncasino Novices' Hurdle.

Having been placed in seven of his first eight starts, the Yeats gelding was sent off favourite to make a successful return from 11 months off the track here two weeks ago.

He looked the most likely winner rounding the home turn, but shaped as though needing the run as he faded in the straight and once again had to make do with minor honours.

That run will have blown away a few cobwebs and with title-chasing Brian Hughes again in the saddle, an improved performance is anticipated.

Half Track looks the answer to the quinnbet.com Novices' Handicap Hurdle.

Placed on his first two starts over obstacles, Nick Alexander's charge made it third time lucky with a narrow verdict at Ayr last month.

That form looks particularly strong for the grade, with runner-up Nells Son since finishing a creditable fourth behind Jonbon at Haydock and the third, Green Vault, subsequently bolting up twice.

Half Track enters the handicap arena on a mark of 115, which looks more than workable.

Pageant Material can follow up her course victory four months ago at Ffos Las for the Dunraven Group Mares' Handicap Hurdle.

The five-year-old got off the mark over jumps at the third attempt with a game effort to see off Nikolayeva

by two and three-quarter lengths. As she was putting in her best work at the end, the step back up to two and a half should not inconvenience her.