Racing at Catterick tomorrow hung in the balance this morning as officials prepared to inspect the course at 2-30pm to determine whether the rain-sodden ground was fit for action.

The course has soaked up six inches of rain during the last month and is at saturation point. "It's just not drying out and, with the forecast for more rain on the way, we had no option but to call an inspection," said clerk of the course, John Gundill.

There are no such problems at Southwell's jumping meeting, where Ribble Assembly can complete a quick double in the Shepherds Rest At Lower Bagthorpe Handicap.

The Kevin Ryan-trained gelding scored in gutsy style at Sedgefield last week and could well be capable of defying a 7lb penalty in this two-miles event.

Adie Smith will again take the mount.

Smith, who gained a 20-1 success in the concluding race at Kelso yesterday on Rebel's Gift, can also clinch the Naggs Head At Bobbers Mill Novices' Chase on Dr Monty, a winner last time out.

Champion jockey Tony McCoy is unlikely to leave Southwell empty-handed.

He can lift the Railway Inn At Lowdham Novices' Hurdle (Qualifier) aboard Son Of Light.

The Andy Streeter-trained gelding fulfilled previous promise when justifying favouritism under McCoy at Stratford a month ago.

Son Of Light had only three-quarters of a length to spare that day over Isam Top, but the pair finished 21 lengths clear of the remainder, which gives the form a rather more solid look.

He may be able to follow-up here.

McCoy can also score on Vent d'Aout, trained by his boss Martin Pipe, in the Four Bells At Woodborough Handicap Chase.

Arctic Burner makes plenty of appeal in the Beacon At Loughborough Novices' Handicap Chase.

A comfortable three-and-a-half lengths success at Newton Abbot recently suggested a bright future in store for Arctic Burner, a new recruit to the Paul Nicholls yard.

Considering he was having his first outing over fences - as well as making his debut for Nicholls - at Newton Abbot, there is every reason to believe that further improvement will be forthcoming.

Sam Stronge, a very able 3lb claimer, again has the mount on Arctic Burner and the nap selection is duly awarded.

Tiger Grass, who has racked-up a sequence of placed efforts, may finally find opportunity knocking in the Three Horseshoes At East Leake Handicap Hurdle.

Willie Muir's gelding will lack nothing in assistance from the saddle, with Richard Johnson taking the mount.

If Catterick does receive the go-ahead, trainer David Nicholls and his apprentice-son Adrian can land a family victory with Bodfari Pride (4.30).

Watch out too for the well-related Lochsprite (2-30), from Ian Balding's Berkshire stable, with Kevin Darley on board.

RYEDALE'S two runners on yesterday's Arc card at Longchamps both emerged with credit.

Nigel Tinkler's Sugarfoot finished third behind Frankie Dettori's mount Kabool in the Group 2 Prix du Rond-Point, and Tim Easterby's Pipalong also came in third in the Group 1 Prix de l'Abbaye. Pipalong ran well but had no answer to Ireland's Namid and second placed Superstar Leo.

Ireland's Sinndar, ridden by Johnny Murtagh, powered to victory in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, ahead of Egyptband.

Sinndar became the first horse to complete the treble of the Vodafone Derby, Irish Derby and the Arc