The wintry weather is making life difficult for racing, but tomorrow's all-weather Flat meeting at Southwell is in no danger from frost, which will bring a smile to the face of Stillington trainer David Chapman.
A prolific producer of winners on Britain's three artificial tracks, the astute Chapman can lift the Get Into The Festive Spirit At Southwell Nursery Handicap with Tower Of Song.
Tony Culhan's mount is on something of a retrieving mission having failed to justify favouritism over this course and distance three weeks ago.
Sent off at 7-4 Tower Of Song had to settle for runner-up honours behind Bold Ewar, beaten one and half lengths.
He is well worth another chance tomorrow to recover previous losses and is awarded the Nap.
Polly Mills gets my vote in the Book A Table In The Members Restaurant For December 30th Claiming Stakes.
The three-year-old showed a definite return to form at Wolverhampton on her latest outing when finishing a one and a quarter second to Nineacres over six furlongs.
Tomorrow's shift to the minimum distance should not inconvenience Polly Mills, who is previous course and distance winner here. Neil Callan has the mount.
Vantage Point boasts claims in the December Handicap. Having finished in the money on his last three outings, the three-year-old is overdue a win. Runner-up to Zorro at Lingfield on his latest start, Vantage Point can go one better this time.
Jason Tate again has the mount on Kevin McAuliffe's charge.
The £10,000 Tote Credit Club Showcase Handicap over a mile could provide First Maite with the opportunity to get back on the winning trail.
Trained near the course by Roy Bowing, First Maite, a former useful sprinter on turf, seems to stay better on Fibresand.
He already has a win to his credit over this course and distance and his latest solid effort when fourth to Juwwi from a poor draw over six furlong, suggested that a step back up in trip was required.
Norma Macauley has her horses in fine form and the Melton Mowbray trainer can lift the Happy Christmas From Arena Leisure Handicap with Keen Hands.
Robbie Fitzpatrick's mount was far from disgraced in finishing three lengths second to Cherish Me when dropping back to this distance at Wolverhampton last time.
Keen Hands just lacked the pace to make a serious challenge. This slower course should suit Keen Hands better and I would not be surprised to see him win.
At Folkestone a note should be made of Secret Bay, a recent winner in the Lookout Restaurant Handicap Chase.
Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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