SOFT-GROUND seekers have once again come up trumps at Haydock, where the testing conditions are bound to suit the mud-loving three-year-old Celtic Mission (5.00).

The proximity of the course to the nearby Pennines means rainfall is abnormally high in the area, a factor much appreciated by the selection, a game track and trip scorer on his penultimate start.

Since that time Celtic Mission has run a magnificent race in defeat, when chasing home the useful handicapper Captain's Log on an unsuitably-lightning fast surface at Newcastle.

Now back with plenty more sap in the turf, the ultra-consistent chestnut can resume his winning ways in the closing Levy Board Handicap.

Endeavouring to build up something of a decent-sized kitty ready to lump on the nap is not going to be easy because the majority of the preceding contests have a devilishly difficult look about them.

Perhaps the most straightforward opportunity lies with Celtic Mission's stable-mate Lots Of Love (3.30), in with a great chance of following up his gutsy reappearance success over a mile at Lingfield.

Today the lightly-raced son of Woodman steps up to ten furlongs, however the style of his previous victory suggests the extra distance will bring about further improvement, rather than proving a disadvantage.

Brighton seems to have escaped the worst of the weather, significantly boosting the prospects of Chakra (3.50) in the six-furlong sprint.

The chunky grey normally enjoys his visits to the popular seaside resort, especially when he is able to hear his hooves rattle.

Brian Meehan's yard opened up the season in the spring with all guns blazing before enduring a quiet spell throughout late May and June.

The talented Lambourn trainer is not the sort of guy to be held in a straight jacket for too long and he's predictably bounced back with a string of winners over the past couple of weeks.

His two-year-old Great View (2.10) has been in the thick of the action, blowing away the opposition with a thunderous pillar-to-post win at Chepstow a fortnight ago.

The Great Commotion colt looks one to keep on the right side of and is confidently expected to complete a double in the opening St Arvans Nursery at the same venue.

Stuart Williams is another trainer enjoying an excellent run of form at present and the booking of ace light-weight Franny Norton for his raider Blue Street (5.10) is a hint not to be missed in the closing mile-and-a-half event at the Welsh track.