THE summer jumps programme is now in full swing and, after three meetings in May, Newton Abbot will host three more in June starting with Wednesday's seven-race card that gets underway at 2.30pm, writes David Hucker.

Nine have been declared for the opening Sun Racing Free Tickets With Sun Club Maiden Hurdle over two and three-quarter miles including four-time point-to-point winner Premier Fantasy, trained by Nick Scholfield. His only run under Rules saw him pulled up behind Barton Snow in a Stratford hunter chase a year ago and he may find one or two of these too quick over hurdles.

The experienced Yellow Card stepped up on previous outings to finish second in a small race at Ffos Las last month and could win here for champion jockey Sean Bowen.

Trainer Jenny Candlish entered two in the Edmundson Electrical Torquay Novices' Handicap Chase and has opted to run Dunkerque, who is seeking a four-timer. He looks the one to be on with the veteran Franigane, yet to win in six previous attempts over fences, but now with trainer Paul Nicholls, second best.

It's A Breeze, who quickly faded out of contention before being pulled up at the last meeting, tries again in the Par Inn Novices' Handicap Chase over three and a quarter miles.

He can't be ruled out in a race where there doesn't look to be a stand-out contender, although dual Irish point-to-point winner Kenzo Des Bruyeres should go close with Daring Plan, still to win after 17 races under Rules, running into a place again.

Porter In The Park, trained by Emma Lavelle, can usually be relied on to run a sound race and she tops the weights in the Charles Darrow Mares' Handicap Hurdle. She could meet her match, however, in hat-trick seeking Jena d'Oudaries who has been raised 6lbs for her easy Stratford win.

Feature race of the afternoon is the £15,000 Clearance Handicap Hurdle in which trainer Michael Blake, who looked after the multiple course winner after whom the race is named, has entered Arctic Voyage, himself a winner here in May. Howth has won four of his six races, including two over the course, since joining trainer Tom Lacey and Morning Mayhem, who is dropping back in trip, is looking for a fourth win.

Twelve have been declared for the WestCountry Food Supplies Handicap Hurdle, the biggest field of the afternoon and, in what looks a competitive affair, Westerton, who also had two entries at Warwick in the evening, should take lot of beating. He finished runner-up at Warwick last time, not helped by a mistake at the final flight, and could have Ugo Bingo, still looking for his first win since joining Joe Tizzard's stable, to beat.

As usual, there is not much form to go on in the closing Visit Our Classic Car Show 6th June Open National Hunt Flat Race and newcomer Matty's Mate, owned by Ged Mason and Sir Alex Ferguson, is likely to attract interest.

Pictured- Westerton (left) who made a mistake at the final flight when second at Warwick, seeks to go one better in the West Country Food Supplies Handicap Hurdle. Image courtesy of David Pratt Photography.