Tomorrow's scheduled meeting at Newcastle may have been washed away, but that will not affect nearby trainer Don Eddy, who has set his sights on racing further afield.
Eddy, who is based just a few miles from Gosforth Park, is venturing to the all-weather Flat racing fixture at Lingfield to saddle Kristensen in the featured race, the £20,000 Littlewoods Bet Direct Handicap, one of four races being televised live on Channel 4.
A consistent performer, if not an altogether straightforward ride, Kristensen was a five lengths winner at Wolverhampton two outings ago and was a creditable second to Scent Of Victory on his latest start at the same venue.
The switch from Fibresand to Polytrack tomorrow should not inconvenience him and, with Micky Fenton, who knows him so well, on board, Kristensen is my Nap selection to make his long journey from Tyneside well worthwhile.
Nick Littmoden, a regular scorer on the sand, can hit the target with Joely Green in the Bet All Weather - Bet Direct Amateur Riders' Handicap.
An excellent second to the well-handicapped Cristoforo at Lingfield last week over a distance short of his best, Joely Green should relish this step up to two miles.
Joely Green will be partnered by Emma Littmoden, the trainer's daughter, who won on him at Wolverhampton last month.
Senor Pedro, a recent course winner, is the selection in the Bet Direct On Channel 4 Claiming Stakes.
Zeuss has shown enough in his latest races to suggest opportunity can come the way of Barry Hills' three-year-old in the Bet Direct Maiden Stakes.
Although Newcastle has been lost to the weather, their feature race from tomorrow's card -- the Cantor Index Dipper Novices' Chase -- has been swiftly transferred to form the centrepiece of the Haydock fixture.
A cracking contest is anticipated and nothing makes more appeal than Keen Leader, a top-notch novice hurdler last season, who has already scored over fences at Haydock.
A lover of soft ground, he will be in his element as he bids to add to the memorable campaign being enjoyed by his trainer, Jonjo O'Neill.
Mister McGoldrick will not be short of supporters in the Cantor Sport Handicap Hurdle.
A proven mudlark, Sue Smith's gelding ran out a good winner at Wetherby last time and, like most of his stablemates, is in rude health at present.
Tonoco, also trained by Smith, won on this course last Saturday and has every chance of obliging again in the Cantor Index Handicap Chase over the same distance of three miles.
Saturday's tips:
Haydock
12.20 River City, 12.50 Mister McGoldrick, 1.20 Fireball Macnamara, 1.50 Ask Me What, 2.20 Keen Leader, 2.55 Tonoco, 3.30 Ar Muin Na Muice.
Lingfield
12.05 Joely Green, 12.35 Roman Quintet, 1.05 Zeuss, 1.35 Senor Pedro, 2.05 Telori, 2.40 Kristensen (Nap), 3.15 Analyze, 3.45 Glenviews Polly.
Southwell
12.00 Mallard, 12.30 Speedy Gee, 1.00 Needwood Spirit, 1.30 Herne Bay, 2.00 Escalade, 2.30 Magenta Rising, 3.05 Czar Wars, 3.40 Star Sound.
Updated: 12:58 Friday, January 03, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article