Fortunes change rapidly in racing but class is permanent and the past few weeks have seen a remarkable return to form of leading northern jumps trainer Sue Smith, aided as always by husband and assistant Harvey, and ignited by the outstanding drive of top stable jockey Danny Cook.

Back in November, when their Scottish champion hurdle winner Midnight Shadow came down with a narrow lead at the final fence, Sue and Harvey left Carlisle still searching for the win that had eluded them since the previous April.

The eight-month famine finally ended at Uttoxeter in December where Danny Cook guided Informateur and Silver Eclipse to a welcome winning double.

Since that much-needed breakthrough, hardly a Northern meeting has gone by without the Bingley duo gracing the winner’s circle, with five of their last 15 runners coming out winners.

That strike-rate was shared by Cook, the highlight of which has been his brilliant handling of Midnight Shadow at Cheltenham’s New Year fixture and the wide-margin triumph of Vintage Clouds at Haydock last Saturday.

Ironically, there was a sizeable touch of luck about Midnight Shadow’s valuable victory in Cheltenham’s Dipper Chase, as the hot favourite Champ fell two out when holding what appeared at the time a decisive advantage.

Few could deny Cook’s mount his dramatic change of fortune, though. He had been robbed of a deserved win at Carlisle and subsequently been headed in the closing strides at Haydock when looking sure to score over the last.

This time, Cook had him ready to pick up the pieces at the penultimate obstacle and once the chance arrived he made the best of it.

Luck played no part in the Peter Marsh 7/1 victory of Vintage Clouds. One of Trevor Hemmings’ favourite chasers, he has been placed at the Cheltenham Festival and gone close in both the Welsh and Scottish Nationals as well as featuring prominently in previous runnings of the Peter Marsh.

Vintage Clouds had hinted that his winning time was near on his recent run in Haydock’s Tommy Whittle Chase, in which he had stayed on strongly to finish a closing third. Cook settled his mount into the ideal rhythm and with a series of bold leaps was always in the first two.

So well was vintage Clouds travelling down the back straight for the final time, that Cook had the courage to kick for home rounding the home turn and quickly stretch into a clear lead. It proved a match-winning decision as none of his rivals could muster the pace to counter the move and Vintage Clouds went clear.

Not content with the one Saturday success, the Smiths went on to saddle Silver Eclipse to land the final race at Haydock and were back in the winning enclosure on Monday with Kauto d’Amour at Newcastle.

Nicky Richards completed a 30/1 double on testing ground at Ayr last Sunday. Brian Hughes rode both the Greystoke winners and drew level with Richard Johnson in their duel for title honours.

His first win came on Mayo Star in the maiden hurdle. The ex-Ruth Jefferson trained gelding was making his debut for the Richards team after 833 days on the sidelines, but looked fit in the paddock and his display was a credit to all concerned with his rehabilitation.

The ITV cameras take in some fascinating action today from Cheltenham and Doncaster, where the highlight will be the Skybet Chase, formerly known as the Great Yorkshire Chase. Bookmakers have the Nicky Henderson-trained L’Serge vying for favouritism with Dingo Dollar but preference here will be for Mister Whitaker and My Old Gold.

The Mick Channon-trained Mister Whitaker won the Colin Parker Memorial in 2018, since when he has been lightly raced.

He was a fair fifth at Cheltenham last time out but stamina could prove a problem and the sporting choice has to be Richards’ My Old Gold.

The mare is something of a Doncaster specialist. She acts well on the soft and her stamina is her strongest suit.

Phil Kirby is bidding for a major North-South double. His Lady Buttons has to hold a leading chance in the featured mares hurdle at Doncaster while stablemate Top Ville Ben puts his Gold Cup chances to the test in the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham.

The Rowland Meyrick winner takes on the likes of Santini, Bristol De Mai and Delta Work, but his late burst of speed can surprise his more fashionable rivals.