Popular teenager General Tufto takes centre stage at beloved Southwell

Southwell specialist General Tufto, a few days short of his 14th birthday, will bid to make what could be his final racecourse appearance a winning one in the second division of the mile handicap (12.50).

The veteran, who has run 125 times at the East Midlands track, has not scored since December 2016 but were he to win again, it would probably be the most celebrated winner of the day in Britain – certainly among the Southwell locals.

In an 11-year career, the gelding, who trainer Charles Smith has described as "a little monkey" in the past, has earned connections over £70,000 in prize-money and has won 17 times with a further 50 placings to his name.

Southwell has fully embraced its local hero and the track's executive director Mark Clayton said: "General Tufto is a bit of a legend here at Southwell, and we've always really enjoyed welcoming him and his connections to the racecourse.

"His win on his 100th start here back in December 2016 was a really memorable day, and we were delighted to present connections with a special memento and photos from a number of his other wins here.

"It will be his 126th appearance at the track, with a current total of 15 wins. Wherever he finishes, he will certainly return to a big cheer from the Southwell faithful, for whom he has become a firm favourite. We would, of course, like to wish the General all the best and a long and happy retirement."

Johnston saddles terrific two in bid for valuable Chelmsford victory

Chelmsford has attracted a good-quality field for its feature £50,000 Weatherbys General Stud Book Handicap (8.00) and with excellent prize-money on offer, Mark Johnston looks set to make the most of such a valuable contest.

The Middleham-based trainer saddles two runners for the Class 2 contest including the hat-trick-seeking Lucky Deal and the lightly raced Victoria Drummond, who didn't make her target at the Tattersalls December Mares Sale.

The race, which has attracted a field of nine, has a competitive look to it with three last-time-out winners entered, including the aforementioned Lucky Deal who heads the weights.

Charlie Johnston, assistant trainer to father Mark, said of the son of Mastercraftsman: "Lucky Deal won an identical race a month ago and races of this value are significant at this time of the year.

"We kept him on the go for this race and, although it's slightly deeper than the one he won last month, he must have a very good chance. Hopefully he can double up."

Victoria Drummond, a two-time winning daughter of Sea The Stars, won or placed on all four starts in the autumn and Johnston remains confident of another bold show from the filly.

"She ran well at Southwell last time before the mares sales. She didn't make what we thought she was worth so she's come back into training," he said.

"She's a strong stayer and lightly raced so it wouldn't surprise me if she gave Lucky Deal something to think about."

Among the opposition is the Ian Williams-trained Swordbill, last seen running in the Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle at Cheltenham last Saturday, and former Ballydoyle inmate Aircraft Carrier, a seven-length winner at Wolverhampton earlier this month.

Disney heads to Hexham

Captain Guy Disney returns to the saddle at Hexham and partners Dan's Wee Man, who will make his first start for trainer Jennifer Mason having spent time in the point-to-point field.

Captain Guy Disney to have his first ride at Hexham under rulesCredit: Edward Whitaker

The nine-year-old, who Disney owns, has not been seen under rules since finishing third in a handicap chase at Taunton in January 2015 but races off an official mark of 96 for the Royal Artillery Gold Cup-winning rider in the 3m handicap chase (2.30).

Peter Mason, assistant trainer, said: "He was pointing last season and we hope he can be consistent at this kind of level back handicapping. He seems well and he should be fit."

Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com