(Last month's position in brackets)

1 Clare Balding (8)

I was criticised for having Clare at a lowly eight last month, and like so many before me, I have to admit, I was wrong. The BBC anchor has been peerless following the channel's switch to the winter game with flawless displays at Aintree and Ascot. Bright and informative, a great interviewer and always on the lookout for someone's nose to stick the mic under. The benchmark by which the rest should be measured.

2 Sean Boyce (-)

Not even on the radar last month but a strong week in the wake of Dean McKeown's licence suspension has rattled him up the ratings. While others looked for the safe middle ground, Sean took a view on the Southwell ride, made it clear, and then fought his corner throughout a telephone interview with the jockey. Top stuff.

3 Richard Hoiles (2)

Another top month from Mr Versatile. Remains a pleasure to watch on-screen and a commentator out of the top drawer off it. Got the tone exactly right when discussing the Blockley/McKeown case on The Morning Line, which wasn't easy.

4 Graham Cunningham (1)

Last month's number one drops a few places but mainly due to lack of on-screen exposure. Remains the best pundit out there in terms of entertainment value and not a bad tipster either.

5 Nick Luck (-)

His omission last month drew plenty of feedback. An outstanding front man who flew the British flag on ESPN's Breeders' Cup coverage. A model pro who is capable of challenging for top spot if cutting down on the "in" gags with his co-presenters.

6 Lydia Hislop (3)

I was taken aback by the level of criticism Lydia's inclusion attracted last month. I firmly stand by my view she is one of few broadcasters who takes strong opinions and stands by them. Never one to give an interviewee an easy ride when the situation demands. Outstanding.

7 Mike Cattermole (5)

Remains Mr Dependable on ATR and Channel Four. An anchor man's anchor as someone referred to him last month (hope it wasn't Cockney Rhyming Slang). Unflappable, cool, calm and collected. A very safe pair of hands.

8 Steve Mellish (7)

Spotted six or seven appearances over the last month and on every occasion the top bottom remain unfastened. Steve, those of us with prodigious jowls salute you! Remains a very solid pundit with an in-depth knowledge of the formbook.

9 Gary O'Brien (6)

The face of Irish racing and one of the genuine rising stars of the broadcasting ranks. Come wind, hail, rain or shine he is there with not a hair out of place. Great interviewer, he is going places.

10 Kenny Mayne (-)

A brief appearance from the ESPN man but he offered a tantalising glimpse of what's possible if you don't take yourself too seriously. His efforts on Breeders' Cup night were rays of sunshine and the way he cut down McCririck's rant about the lack of on-course bookmakers in America was rapier like. "We fought a War Of Independence for the right to bet PMU". Kenny I salute you.

The Cold List:

Jim (Not JA McGrath)

I remain a fan but haven't seen much of Channel Four over the last month.

John McCririck

On his annual vacation around the USA and only a brief glimpse of his talents on Breeders' Cup night. Sadly it was the arm-waving, shouting, opinionated McCririck of Wife Swap and Channel Four who turned up. I await his return to ATR.

Alex Steedman

Was I swayed by the athletic knee he had on show during Ayr Gold Cup day? Possibly. I've always been a softie for a well-groomed joint. However there's not been sight nor sound of him on screens since. A shame whether he be fully clothed or not.

Bubbling Under:

Mick Fitzgerald

No doubting his potential and has always looked a natural for TV. Seems certain to break into the top 10 in the near future but understandably he is being eased into his new role with comfortable fixtures on home territory. Let's see him chasing Ryan Moore up the weighing room steps Derek Thompson-style before we pass judgement.

Richard Dunwoody

Added to the BBC team and while it's early days, this is a promising start. Paddock observations have been well received and he seems confident and comfortable in front of the camera.