It is a reflection on the growing popularity of all-weather racing that tomorrow's richest race does not take place at either of the two all-weather meetings, but at Southwell's Flat course on the Fibresand.
The £15,000 Littlewoods Bet Direct Handicap over seven furlongs has attracted a competitive field of 16, with dual-entries from both David Nicholls and Karl Burke.
But these two North Yorkshire trainers could be put in their place by Middleton Grey, who is from the Berkshire yard of David Arbuthnot and will be partnered by Simon Whitworth.
Middleton Grey was narrowly beaten on this course last week by Nicholls' Loyal Tycoon, but that race was over six furlongs and the selection will be much more at home over the longer distance of tomorrow's race.
I fancy him to turn the tables on Loyal Tycoon and also have the measure of stablemate Arpeggio, not to mention the Burke pair, Golden Brief and Amaranth.
Percy Douglas will relish the step back to five furlongs in the betdirect.co.uk Handicap.
Ann Stokell's sprinter found the step up to six furlongs beyond him when finishing third on this course recently. All speed, he will be very much more at home over this dash over the minimum distance and is awarded my Nap vote.
Following a horse in form on the sand is often a useful policy for punters. Red Delirium is in that bracket in the second division of the Bet All Weather Apprentice Claiming Stakes. Luke Fletcher's mount has won his last two races and looks poised for hat-trick honours in this modest event.
Crusoe (12.30) and Bhutan (4.00), two horses coming off recent near-misses, are both fancied to go one better in their respective events.
Over the sticks at Ludlow, Royal Beluga makes plenty of appeal in the Moore Scott Handicap Chase.
Tom George's six-year-old has struck form with vengeance recently and has won his last two races, including one over this course and distance.
Clearly in great form, Royal Beluga can complete a hat-trick in this £10,000 event.
Native Approach will not be short of supporters in the Entertain At Ludlow Mares Only Novices' Hurdle.
Nicky Henderson's six-year-old won one of her three starts in 'bumper' races and looks a promising receruit to the hurdling scene.
She is fancied to get back on the winning trail here.
Tomorrow's tips
Southwell
12.30 Crusoe, 1.00 Kumakawa, 1.30 Middleton Grey, 2.00 Percy Douglas (Nap), 2.30 White Plains, 3.00 Red Delirium, 3.30 Mai Tai, 4.00 Bhutan.
Ludlow
12.45 The Lyme Volunteer, 1.20 Sudden Shock, 1.50 Misbehaviour, 2.20 Royal Beluga, 2.50 Agincourt, 3.20 Native Approach, 3.50 Mister Sooty
Tomorrow's other race meeting is at Taunton.
Updated: 16:58 Wednesday, January 15, 2003
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