ANY further rain could cause the cancellation of this afternoon's meeting at Newcastle, however if the fixture survives then the soggy underfoot conditions will suit Karminskey Park (3.20) to a tee.

Eleven months ago Tim Etherington's mud-lark won over course and distance when racing off a virtually identical mark, proving his effectiveness at the Tyneside track.

Karminskey Park has also gone well after lengthy absences in the past, so backers need not necessarily worry about the fact the mare has not been seen out since last October.

The booking of Joe Fanning, in the plate when the selection opened her account earlier on her career at Lingfield, represents an added incentive to side with the speedy five-year-old Malton raider for the six furlong Weatherbys Insurance Handicap.

In the closing Saltwell Signs Maiden Stakes, Mark Johnston's Vibe (4.50) gets the chance to atone for a most unfortunate incident at Ripon last week when he jinked leaving the stalls, ignominiously dumping Royston French out of the side door and down on the deck.

Even if his supporters didn't get a run for their money, at least prior paddock inspection revealed just what a handsome and scopey individual he is. Vibe hasn't got a great deal to beat in the one-mile contest, and provided he doesn't repeat those unwanted antics must be considered a leading contender.

Karl Burke has retained the services of Rory Moore aboard Southwell-bound Platinum Pirate (2.00), despite the young rider incurring a five-day ban when scoring on the gelding at Redcar recently.

Moore was found guilty of excessive use of the whip on that occasion - not something we want see on our racecourses. Nonetheless his over-enthusiasm is a sure sign of a keen competitive edge, which is an essential tool in any up-and-coming jockey's armoury.

If Ryan can be persuaded to use his head as well as his stick in the correct manner, then there is no doubt from this quarter that he has a rich future in the saddle.

In the two-mile Harold Lloyd's Birthday Handicap, Little Tobias (4.30) makes plenty of appeal.

Andy Turnell's stayer picked up a brace of events at Catterick and Ayr last term, as well as running well over the sticks this winter. I don't blame Andy for not persevering with a potentially dangerous National Hunt campaign, as for my money there's a few more races to be collected with Little Tobias on the level.

No question about the best bet at Folkestone because the way Maddie's A Jem (3.10) prevailed at the Kent venue last time out was nothing short of electrifying.

The John Jenkins-trained filly has to drop back a furlong this time for the Classified Stakes, but such was her dazzling foot when making a successful comeback, the world is her oyster at present.

Del Mar Sunset (5.10) ended a spell in the wilderness by defying top-weight to win in gritty fashion on the all-weather at Wolverhampton in March.

There's very solid evidence to suggest Del Mar Sunset is an even better horse on turf, a theory coupled with a mouth-wateringly low rating makes him a cracking bet for the Saffie Joseph & Sons Handicap.

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