With rain falling and plenty more on the way, racing's mudlovers will be in their element over the next few days.

This is good news to supporters of Kingscross, who goes to Brighton tomorrow.

A confirmed lover of soft ground, Michael Blanshard's sprinter will have conditions to his liking in the feature race on the card, the £15,000 Weatherbys Bank Handicap over six furlongs.

A further plus is the fact that Kieren Fallon has been booked to take the mount.

Tough and consistent, Kingscross has filled the frame plenty of times this season, but is overdue a winning turn.

A good fourth to Marshman from an unfavourably high draw at York earlier in the month, he is clearly in good heart.

With conditions likely to be testing by tomorrow, Kingscross should be in his element and is worthy of close attention.

Colin Tinkler may have found a winning opportunity for Grand Welcome in the 32Red.com Nursery Handicap over seven furlongs.

Runner-up on his last two starts, and beaten only a whisker at Newcastle on his latest start, Grand Welcome would not be scoring out of turn. Steve Drowne has the mount.

Maria Bonita makes plenty of appeal in the Viacom Brand Solutions Apprentice Handicap.

The three-year-old looked up against it at Goodwood last time in a warmish claiming race, but was beaten less than two lengths into third place after meeting trouble in running.

A reproduction of that form over this extra furlong should see her home in front and she is awarded my Nap vote.

Newcastle sunk by rain

Today's race meeting at Newcastle was called off this morning.

Parts of the course are waterlogged after heavy rain which has made the ground unsafe for racing.

Clerk of the course James Armstrong said after inspecting the track: "We have had about nine millimetres of rain since last night and added to what we have already had in recent days, parts of the track can't take any more.

"About 85 per cent of the track is raceable but we have had to call it off on the grounds of safety."

Tomorrow's tips:

Brighton

2.20 Improvise, 2.50 Grand Welcome, 3.20 Kerashan, 3.50 Kingscross, 4.20 Mobo-Baco, 4.50 Night Frolic, 5.20 Maria Bonita (Nap).

Tomorrow's other meetings are at: Haydock and Ludlow.

Updated: 10:57 Wednesday, October 20, 2004