GIVING away a few lengths by steering a wide passage is not such a bad idea at Wolverhampton where the sand seems to be a whole lot deeper against the inside rail.

The smart players therefore keep well away from the inner, a ploy I expect to be adopted by Aa-Youknownothing (1.00) in the opening sprint handicap at the course today.

Mark Buckley's speedster has been drawn on the outside of the 13-runner field ensuring he will have the fastest part of the track to race on.

Buckley, who trains just outside of Helmsley on the North Yorkshire Moors, has also taken the precaution of booking the experienced apprentice, Paul Bradley, to take a valuable 5lbs off the gelding's back.

Rookie handler Heather Dalton is gradually making a name for herself although she did suffer an unexpected reverse when In Depth (2.30) failed to justify strong market support at Southwell on December 21st.

The three-year-old filly simply failed to fire that day and ran much better on her debut when chasing home Speed Of Light. Provided there is no reoccurrence of the Southwell woe, it's not hard to envisage In Depth striking at only the third time of asking in the Betdirect Maiden Stakes.

Tony Newcombe's Inver Gold clocked the quickest time of the afternoon when scoring over track and trip earlier in the month.

Inver Gold (3.00) has since flopped at Lingfield where the much slicker polytrack surface apparently didn't suit.

Simon Whitworth's mount is now back on his favoured fibresand and looks sure to go very close in the Bet Direct Tax Free Betting Handicap.

After a torrid first season, former leading jump jockey Jamie Osborne came good in 2001 with a bucket-load of winners.

Neither is Jamie mucking around this winter with 10 success's already on the board. One of stable stalwarts, Nose The Trade (3.30), is particularly well suited by the way the weights are framed for the Littlewoods Conditions Stakes and should make no mistake despite having to shoulder 9st 12lbs.

Hereford-bound Fami (3.40) hasn't always proved the safest conveyance in the world, but with the Venetia Williams stable in excellent fettle he could yet take the Bonusprint Handicap Chase.

In fact his supporters will definitely be looking to get something back since Fami was the subject of a colossal gamble at the course last time out when he could only finish third to Elegant Sprite.

It was a titanic blunder at the 10th fence that really put paid to the gamble - and he'll have to be more careful if he's to repay his followers' faith now.

If Kelso miraculously beats the forecast overnight downpour, a Yankee on the following horses shouldn't be too far off the mark: The Bajan Bandit (1.20), Full Irish (1.50), Man On The Hill (2.20), and Historg (3.20).