RED ROMEO (2.30) rates rocksolid value at Southwell, the venue which hosts this afternoon's sole fixture after the abandonment of rain-soaked Leicester and Sedgefield.

It's actually a minor miracle that Southwell race, since they've only recently re-opened after the man-made surface was washed away by unprecedented mid-summer flooding.

At least the course is well within the reach of raiders from our region, the in-form gelding making the trip from Malton 18 days ago to nab a nice prize.

It was second success on the bounce for Red Romeo, who by scoring at Wolverhampton on December 31, ended a depressing drought which stretched back to autumn 2005.

Just like a football striker starved of goals, ultimately it was probably lack of confidence that caused Red Romeo's walletemptying absence from the winners' circle.

Neither does the football analogy end there, because once Red Romeo finally hit the back of net, it wasn't long before he slotted in another over today's track and trip.

Following such animals while on a roll is often a profitable policy, so we can expect a big run from the selection in the £16,250 seven furlong contest.

Two near-misses from Kingsmaite (1.00) during the past few days must have been heartbreaking for the connections of the Roy Bowring-trained sevenyear- old.

On each occasion supporters of Kingsmaite looked as if they would collect, but it was not to be when twice caught by a fast-finishing rival in the dying strides.

It's a situation guaranteed to drive most punters nuts, however hope may be to hand seeing as with the benefit of stall one, compensation beckons.

A pitch hard against the near fence regularly confers a small advantage, a factor which won't be lost on the normally shrewd tactician, Duran Fentiman.

Given Duran can avoid the dreaded kickback by immediately adopting a front-running role, its easy to envisage him giving the opposition the slip in the closing two furlongs.

Any cash for Mick Is Back (2.00) in the betting market may well prove informative to his prospects for the one-mile Handicap.

George Margarson's inmate picked up four races last year, an excellent strike-rate considering how incredibly competitive the Flat has become.

The obvious drawback is a 48- day absence for Mick Is Back, nevertheless if his odds shorten up significantly, it'll be a sure sign the stable fancy their chances.

Using the official ratings as a suitable yardstick, John Gosden's Town And Country will most like go off a hot-favourite for the six-furlong Maiden.

The daughter of Oasis Dream sadly has the losing habit and even though she hails from a powerful yard, Helping Hand (3.30) is the suggestion.

Reg Hollinshead's representative ran well when fifth on his debut, an encouraging effort on which he can only improve granted that was his first taste of racecourse action.