CHESHIRE-TRAINED steeplechaser Forest Gunner - who made headlines around the world when partnered by trainer's wife Carrie Ford in the Grand National last spring - is poised to return to action.

The Aintree specialist is on course for the Becher Chase over the Grand National fences on Sunday week.

The lightly raced 11-year-old has tasted defeat only once at Liverpool, and that was his cracking performance when fifth in the Grand National.

Oakmere trainer Richard Ford is on the lookout for a new jockey for his stable star, as regular pilot Peter Buchanan is likely to be required to ride Strong Resolve in the same race.

He's ruled out Carrie continuing in the saddle. He quipped: 'I've given up smoking and I don't want to start again!'

The trainer fears Forest Gunner, who has won first time out in three of the last four seasons, will be difficult to place in races this season as his handicap rating is now much higher than before.

Ginger McCain, whose horses are in splendid form after three winners in the space of three days at the end of last week, will be hoping that his former Grand National winner Amberleigh House will run in the Becher Chase too, a race he won as long ago as 2001.

Meantime, the three 'Champion Jockeys' from 2005 will be hoping for better luck on The Roodee in 2006.

I've reported before that Jamie Spencer is yet to break his duck at Chester Racecourse after 35 losing rides during his career.

A big contrast to Kieren Fallon who has averaged more than five winners a season for the last five years at Chester at a strike rate of one winner in every four rides.

The next fixture at Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse is on Wednesday, December 14 when the first race is currently scheduled for 12.25pm. Admission to the Course Enclosure is £7, while the Paddock Enclosure is £14. Accompanied children under 16 enter free.

More information is available on web site www.bangorondeeraces.co.uk or contact the racecourse on 01978 780323.