FLAT racing at Wolverhampton offers by far and away the most interesting action today as the National Hunt circuit continues to be thwarted by fast ground at both Folkestone and Leicester.

The scarcity of runners must be gnawing away at even the most die-hard jump fans as the all-weather Midlands venue has attracted maximum fields in all bar one of its eight races.

At the heart of a very busy programme is the £8,000 Showcase Handicap, fancied to fall to Nuit Sombre (2.10), who didn't totally disgrace himself in defeat when napped by this column in the November Handicap at Doncaster nine days ago.

Having snapped up odds of 50-1 about Nuit Sombre on the Town Moor that day, my ticker was going ten to the dozen when he was still in cruise gear with only two furlongs to travel.

Unfortunately that was the end of the excitement as Nuit Sombre hit the dreaded brick wall, his stamina giving out in the closing stages of the mile-and-a-half contest. Thankfully, hope springs eternal in this game and it has always been in the back of my mind that the gelding's style of running was absolutely tailor-made for the sand.

Staying power will not now be an issue as trainer Mark Johnston has opted to switch the selection back to a trip of just over a mile, a factor which combined with Nuit Sombre's natural speed from the gate should allow him to dominate his rivals from the off.

In the Bet Direct-sponsored six-furlong dash, Sir Desmond (2.40) makes plenty of appeal on a course where he has enjoyed success in the past.

Although Rae Guest's Newmarket raider won at Hamilton on turf this season, the dry summer was never really ideal and this return to a much kinder surface should suit him.

Even though only five go to post for the Back And Lay Handicap Chase at Leicester, there is still plenty of intrigue since not one of the quintet can be discounted with confidence.

It could be best to side with Ray Source (2.50), and have a small saver on the likely outsider, Andy's Birthday.

The cleverly-named Ray Source (say it quickly and you'll get the idea), has been the model of consistency over fences throughout the autumn and despite having to concede weight to all four of his rivals just gets the nod.

Don't rule out Andy's Birthday simply on the evidence of being pulled up on his last two outings. A couple of seasons ago he looked to be a useful staying type and could easily bounce back after his long summer break.

In the Racecourse Video Services Handicap Hurdle the resurgent Minster Glory (3.20) is impossible to oppose.

Mick Easterby's 12-year-old is riding on the crest of the wave at present, having rattled off a quick-fire hat-trick. The first two victories came over fences, but he then reverted to hurdles and took advantage of a very lenient mark to score at Carlisle last week.

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