REGULAR followers of Channel 4's Morning Line were treated to a new format for the hour-long racing programme.

The Morning Line has been on our screens for 22 years so it was probably due a revamp.

I thought it went well with just a few minor hiccups. In general, the show seemed more laid back, taking place live from Cheltenham. This was a great help with the inspection happening on air. Thankfully, racing went ahead.

Shoppers on the high street will now be able to earn points in the newly launched rewards4racing scheme.

More than 250 major retailers have joined the cause that allows members to accrue points from everyday purchases. Once enough points have been gained, members are able to redeem points against a selection of items at racecourses, including entry tickets, corporate hospitality packages, racecards and food and drink.

For more information about the scheme go to http://www.Rewards4Racing.com">www.Rewards4Racing.com

This Saturday, there is a valuable meeting at Sandown, while Welsh racecourse Ffos Las stages the Welsh Champion Hurdle.

Donald McCain's Peddler's Cross will go to one of the meetings. If he goes to Sandown it looks like he will have to take on the Champion Hurdle favourite Binocular and what a mouth-watering race that could be.

Nicky Henderson, trainer of Binocular, is going through a purple patch at the moment. In the month of January he has trained more than 30 winners, an impressive feat in itself.

On Saturday, Henderson sends Oscar Whiskey to the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las and I think he's got a big chance. The horse is owned by Dai Walters, the man who built and owns the Ffos Las course.

At Sandown on the same day I like a horse called Alfie Spinner, trained by Nick Williams. He could be a decent price.

It's only six weeks to go until the Cheltenham Festival and I hope to mark your card with some tips in the weeks to come. At this early stage, I think Peddler's Cross is a real threat to Binocular in the Champion Hurdle, and I also like Ghizao, trained by Paul Nicholls, in the Arkle.