FREEZING temperatures threaten today's scheduled fixtures at Sedgefield and Leicester with both courses planning early morning inspections.

Should by chance they get the green light at Sedgefield, Emerging Star (1.00) will surely be a hard horse to beat in the opening two-mile-one-furlong Saltwell Signs Novices' Hurdle.

George Moore's four-year-old has been showing rock-solid form in above-average races, including a week a ago at Doncaster where he did little wrong by finishing third to Mister Felix and Almaydan.

There was a suspicion Emerging Star's stamina didn't quite last out over the near 2-mile trip that day, so the fact that Moore has now opted to drop back a couple furlongs could well seal the fate of his modest rivals in the £5,000 contest.

I got my sums well and truly wrong by tipping the subsequently unplaced Suggest (2.30) at Musselburgh three weeks ago.

In mitigation, Wilf Storey's gelding was bang in contention halfway up the home straight, only for the fuel gauge to suddenly plummet down to zero just as the winning post came into view.

Suggest might well have been undone by the fast ground at the Scottish venue, and given that conditions are bound to be far softer underfoot today, the Tote Betexpress Handicap Hurdle could be his at a rewarding price of 5-1 or more.

A change of scenery has done Newick Park's fortunes no harm at all considering the game grey is unbeaten in two starts for new trainer Robin Dickin.

Newick Park was said to be suffering from muscle problems when disappointingly pulled up on his final two outings for Gardie Grissell last season. Time then for Dickin to apply his magic touch and it has obviously worked the oracle as the nine-year-old has recorded successive victories at Warwick and Newbury.

Although set to carry top-weight in the Manny Bernstein-sponsored Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Chase at Leicester, the selection should not be discounted especially as he is taking on markedly weaker opposition.

With Venetia Williams' team still going great guns it would be churlish not to fancy Old Marsh (3.40) in the Bookmakers Novices Chase.

Old Marsh, thrice successful over hurdles in 2003, made an encouraging bow over fences at Hereford by finishing fourth to Mondial Jack. The horse just ahead of Old Marsh in third spot, Double Honour, has subsequently bolted up, making the form look better than ever.

Hopefully Southwell's all-weather circuit will withstand the predicted cold snap, although don't hold your breath because both severe frost and snow have put paid to meetings at the course in the not too distant past.

As far as the best bet on the card goes, Little Flute (1.20) should not be far away in the five-furlong dash for the Bet Direct Handicap.

Little Flute, who is weighted to reverse an earlier defeat by Smart Starprincess, is due to be partnered by Chris Catlin, one of the very best lightweight jockeys currently riding the sand.

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