SINCE Graham Wylie moved his horses south and to Ireland following the departure from training of Howard Johnson, another well-known owner from the region is making a big influence in the winter game.

John Wade, who trains his own horses near Sedgefield, might never fill Wylie’s shoes in terms of expensive purchases but has still made a considerable investment in the sport and is beginning to reap the benefits.

He has been one of Johnson’s best customers, buying several horses which became available when Wylie dramatically reduced his string after Johnson had lost his licence.

Even before that, he had purchased a few considered not good enough in the annual clear-out.

Wade has continued to expand his operation and, not surprisingly, his familiar maroon colours with white hoops are making the winner’s enclosure at greater regularity.

Last Saturday, he had a double at Wetherby with former Johnson inmates.

The following day he won the big two chases at Kelso and made it five wins in just three days when Pegasus Prince scored at his local track.

Two of the quintet are trained by Keith Reveley, who welcomed the opportunity of preparing a handful of Wade horses and has done well with them.

The in-form partnership can cap a successful week by taking the honours at Doncaster today, when they are represented in the two principal chases by Kings Grey and Benny Be Good.

Kings Grey kept threatening to win over hurdles last season but had to settle for place money. However, chasing was going to be his forte – and so far so good.

Although a beaten favourite on his debut over fences at Haydock, he was hampered at a crucial stage and made amends 16 days later at Newcastle when accounting for another horse in the same ownership who has since won.

Kings Grey likes decent ground and, despite conditions easing on the Town Moor track, he should cope all right.

Of more concern is the 11lb rise for that win, which looks a bit harsh, but he will have the necessary improvement to defy his new mark in the Hague Printers Handicap Chase.

Benny Be Good is 7lb higher for his Market Rasen win in September, the last time we saw him over fences, and has since run well in defeat over hurdles.

I doubt if this progressive type has reached the limit of his ability as a chaser and is a danger to all under top weight in the Bet Mobile At Victor Chandler Handicap Chase.

Preference, though, is for Tullamore Dew, who won two novice chases last term and ended the campaign with an excellent third to Divers and Quantitativeeasing at the Cheltenham Festival.