FOLLOWING David Nicholls' trained runners on the all-weather tracks over the next couple of months is not such a bad idea since he has a proven record on the sand at this time of year.

As an extra precaution against both frost and flooding affecting his own gallops, Nicholls has rented some stables adjacent to Southwell racecourse in order to ensure an uninterrupted preparation for his all-winter team.

The forward thinking policy has already started paying dividends and Golden Dragonfly (1.30) can continue the yard's winning streak in the Littlewoods Apprentice Handicap at Wolverhampton today.

Golden Dragonfly showed precious little form on four turf outings last term, but he demonstrated his first signs of ability when chasing home Dancing Penney in a one-mile seller eight days ago.

That was admittedly a bad contest, but the ever-resourceful Nicholls has unearthed an even worse race this afternoon, presenting Golden Dragonfly with the ideal opportunity to open his account.

The Westminster Claiming should be little more than an exercise canter for China Castle (2.00) according to the official BHB ratings, which put Patrick Haslam's useful middle-distance performer well clear of his five rivals.

The eight-year-old's winning tally is well into double figures and despite not having been out for ten months China Castle would only have to be 85 per cent fit in order to oblige.

Rising star-of-the-saddle Graham Gibbons has been hitting the headlines with a series of well-judged rides, including a sparkling double at Southwell yesterday.

Gibbons first caught my eye when steering Paarl Rock (2.30) to an all-the-way victory over course and distance in mid-December.

He was particularly cool, never once resorting to the whip even when his mount was being hard-pressed to hold on to his advantage coming down the home straight.

Although no spring chicken at six-years of age, Paarl Rock still has more scope for improvement than most of the opposition in the marathon Bet Direct Handicap.

Chepstow's meeting must pass a 7.30am inspection if the card is to go ahead.

Provided the predicted cold snap does not arrive, Reach The Clouds (2.40) is a confident choice for the Showcase Handicap.

John Upson's charge carried the nap vote when fourth to Konker at Wetherby last week. But in hindsight he probably needed the race after returning from an eight week break, an excuse which will not be applicable today after that pleasing sharpener.

Martin Pipe, easily the leading trainer at Chepstow over the past five years, has every chance of maintaining his brilliant strike-rate at the south Wales venue with the fast-improving French import Imperial De Thaix (3.10).