THE current spell of wet and windy winter weather threatens both of the meetings at Uttoxeter and Haydock, subject to inspections this morning, but hopefully not Lingfield, where the man-made polytrack surface can withstand just about any amount of rain, writes Colin Woods.

David Loder's star-studded Newmarket team have been firing on all cylinders since the turn of the year and his newcomer, Rock Music (12.10), is fully expected to oblige in the opening three-year-old six-furlong Maiden.

Unfortunately the big-hitters in the betting market are likely to get involved and shrink Rock Music's starting price to skinny odds, so in search of better value, Stoic Leader (2.45) is the advice for the top race on the card, £10,000 Littlewoods Bet Direct Handicap.

Ulverston-based raider, Stoic Leader (2.45), who ran so well at the course when fifth on Wednesday, has deliberately stayed put at the track-side stables seeking to pick up the decent purse on offer.

Although Wednesday's contest was over seven-furlongs, a smidgen short for Roger Fischer's representative nowadays, the outing will at least have had the benefit of putting an extra edge on Stoic Leader's fitness.

And leaving the best news till last, the gelding will be far happier over today's longer one-mile trip, so if the gaps do come at the right time, he's definitely got the all-important finishing kick once the runners hit the final bend and make a dash for the winning line.

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